Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
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...
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...
Is it legal for an apartment complex to ban a dog after it bites another tenant?
In Arizona, an apartment complex may be able to restrict or remove a dog after a bite, but it usually depends on the lease, the property’s pet policy, the severity of the incident, and whether the dog is covered by any d...
Do I have to pay rent if my apartment ceiling collapsed and I cannot use the bedroom?
In Alabama, a ceiling collapse that makes a bedroom unusable may affect whether full rent is still owed, but the answer usually depends on the facts, the lease terms, and the landlord’s response. In general, if part of a...
Do I have to let my landlord show my apartment with only two hours of notice?
In Washington, the answer usually depends on the lease, the reason for the showing, and whether the landlord is giving notice that is reasonable under the circumstances. In general, a landlord does not have unlimited acc...
My Landlord Is Showing My Apartment Constantly Before I Move Out — What Are My Rights?
If you are renting in New York and your landlord is showing your apartment frequently before you move out, you generally still have a right to reasonable privacy and quiet use of the unit while your lease is in effect. A...
What happens if a roommate secretly installed a camera in our shared bathroom?
If a roommate secretly installed a camera in a shared bathroom, that can raise serious legal and safety concerns in Texas. In general, a bathroom is one of the most private places in a home, and secretly recording people...
What are my rights if I signed a waiver without reading it carefully?
In general, signing a waiver does not automatically mean you lose every legal right connected to the situation. In Idaho, as in many states, a signed waiver may be treated as evidence that you agreed to its terms, even i...
How do I handle a landlord who says California is a one-party consent state?
In California, a landlord saying the state is a one-party consent state is usually referring to audio recording rules. That phrase may be relevant, but it does not mean a landlord can record any conversation whenever the...
What are my rights if a new owner gives me an eviction notice right after buying the building?
In Illinois, a new owner does not automatically erase a tenant’s rights just because the property was sold. In general, if you already had a lawful right to live in the unit under a lease or other rental agreement, that...
Can my landlord keep my deposit for damage I did not cause?
In general, a landlord may only keep a security deposit for reasons allowed by the lease and by state law. If the claimed damage was not caused by you, your household, or your guests, the landlord may have a weaker basis...
What are my rights if my landlord shows my apartment without notifying me?
In Connecticut, a landlord usually does not have unlimited access to a rental unit. In general, tenants have a right to privacy and the right to use and enjoy the apartment without unnecessary interference. That means a...
What are my rights if my landlord entered my apartment while I was at work and did not leave a note?
In Connecticut, a landlord usually does not have unlimited access to a rental unit just because the tenant is away. In general, tenants have a right to private use and enjoyment of their home, and a landlord’s entry may...
Can my apartment complex fine me because my guest parked in the wrong spot for 20 minutes?
In Texas, an apartment complex may be able to charge a tenant a fee or fine for a guest parking violation if the lease, parking rules, or community policies allow it. The exact answer usually depends on what your lease s...
My Dentist Billed Me for Work I Never Approved — Can I Dispute It?
Yes, in general, you may be able to dispute a dental bill in Pennsylvania if you were charged for treatment you did not approve, did not receive, or did not understand would be performed. Whether a dispute succeeds often...