Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can a landlord make me pay for pest control when roaches were already in the apartment before I moved in?
In Utah, the answer usually depends on the lease, the facts, and who is responsible for the infestation. If roaches were already present before you moved in, a landlord generally may have difficulty shifting pest-control...
Can my landlord evict me for smoking outside if the lease only bans smoking indoors?
In Utah, a landlord may sometimes try to enforce a no-smoking rule beyond the exact words of the lease, but the answer usually depends on the lease language, the property rules, and the facts. If the lease only says smok...
Can I Sue My Roommate for Leaving Unpaid Rent?
In general, a roommate dispute over unpaid rent is a contract and shared-housing issue, not a criminal matter. In Massachusetts, whether you may be able to bring a civil claim usually depends on how the housing arrangeme...
What Can I Do If a Repair Technician Damaged My Home?
If a repair technician damaged your home, you may have several general options depending on what happened, what you can prove, and whether the technician was independent, employed by a company, or hired directly by you....
What happens if a gym sends my account to collections after I moved and could not use the location?
If a gym in Georgia sends your account to collections after you moved and could not use the location, the account may still be treated as an unpaid debt unless the contract, cancellation rules, or the facts give you a de...
Is it legal for a tenant to secretly record a private conversation with the property manager?
In California, the legality of a tenant secretly recording a private conversation with a property manager usually depends on whether the conversation was “confidential” under California’s recording laws. California is ge...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge pet rent for an emotional support animal?
In general, a landlord usually may not charge pet rent, a pet deposit, or other pet fees for a properly requested emotional support animal, because an emotional support animal is typically treated differently from an ord...
My Roommate Refuses to Pay Utilities That Are in My Name — Can I Sue?
If your roommate agreed to share utilities and then stopped paying, you may have a possible repayment claim. In Virginia, as in many states, the answer often depends on what agreement existed, what proof you have, and wh...
Do I have to split rental property that I owned before marriage?
In general, rental property that you owned before marriage may start out as separate property in an Oregon divorce. That means the property itself is not always split just because you are getting divorced. But the answer...
Can I withhold rent if my landlord fails to fix a broken heater during winter?
In Maine, a broken heater during winter can be a serious habitability problem, but whether you can withhold rent depends on the facts and the lease terms. In general, tenants are expected to keep paying rent unless the l...
What are my rights if my landlord served an eviction notice after I asked for a reasonable accommodation?
In general, if you live in Maryland and your landlord served an eviction notice after you asked for a reasonable accommodation, that timing may matter. A request for a reasonable accommodation is often protected under fa...
How do I handle divorce if we own property in two different states?
If you and your spouse own property in two different states, the divorce usually becomes a little more complicated, but it is still a common issue. In general, the divorce court in your case may be able to divide marital...
Do I have to include screenshots and call logs when I file an antiharassment petition in Washington?
In Washington, you generally do not have to include every possible piece of evidence when you file an anti-harassment petition, but supporting documents often help explain what happened. Screenshots, call logs, texts, em...
Do I have to pay a cancellation charge when the cleaning company canceled on me twice?
In general, if the cleaning company canceled on you twice, whether you owe a cancellation charge depends on the contract, the company’s cancellation policy, and what actually happened. If the company was the one that fai...
Can I ask for an antiharassment order if a stranger keeps showing up outside my apartment building?
In Washington, a person who keeps appearing outside your apartment building may sometimes be the kind of conduct that supports an anti-harassment order. Whether that is true usually depends on the facts, including what t...