Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can I file a personal injury claim if I slipped on spilled soda at a grocery store and hurt my wrist?
In California, a grocery store slip-and-fall injury may sometimes lead to a personal injury claim if the store’s negligence played a role in the fall. A spilled soda by itself does not automatically mean the store is leg...
What are my rights if my landlord issued an eviction notice after I called the health department?
In Kansas, a landlord generally cannot use the eviction process as retaliation just because a tenant complained about housing conditions or contacted a housing or health authority. If the notice came soon after you repor...
How do I handle a notice to quit for alleged drug activity by a guest I barely know?
If you receive a notice to quit in Minnesota that says a guest you barely know was involved in drug activity, take it seriously right away. A notice to quit is often the first step in a landlord’s effort to end a tenancy...
Can my landlord require renters insurance halfway through the lease?
In Georgia, a landlord may be able to require renters insurance halfway through a lease, but the answer usually depends on the lease language, any amendments, and whether the landlord has the legal right to change the re...
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...
Do I have to pay for mold removal if it was caused by a leaking pipe in the wall?
In Michigan, who pays for mold removal after a leaking pipe in the wall usually depends on what caused the leak, who controlled the property, what the lease or other agreement says, and whether a landlord, tenant, homeow...
Can I Get My Money Back If a Vacation Rental Was Nothing Like the Listing?
Yes, you may be able to get some or all of your money back if a vacation rental was materially different from the listing, but the answer depends on the facts, the booking terms, and what proof you have. In general, a re...
Is it legal for a landlord to keep renting to someone whose dog already bit a neighbor?
In general, yes, a landlord in Hawaii may be allowed to keep renting to a tenant even if the tenant’s dog has already bitten a neighbor. But the answer can depend on the facts, the lease, any pet rules, the seriousness o...
Is it legal for a car dealer to add a warranty to my loan paperwork without explaining it?
In Texas, a dealer generally should not slip a warranty into your financing paperwork as though it were a routine term if you were not told about it. Whether it is lawful depends on what the paperwork says, what was disc...
Bought a car from a small dealer in Georgia and now the temp tag is expired with no title in sight. What are my options?
If you bought a car from a small dealer in Georgia and the temporary tag has expired while the title still has not arrived, that can be frustrating and stressful. In general, the situation may involve both vehicle title...
Do Property Showings While Selling a House Affect My Lease Rights in Rhode Island?
In general, property showings while a landlord is selling a house do not automatically cancel or reduce a tenant’s lease rights in Rhode Island. If you have a valid lease, the landlord usually still has to honor its term...
What happens if I paid a contractor in cash and they deny receiving it?
If you paid a contractor in cash and they later deny receiving it, the dispute usually turns on proof. In general, the person claiming payment may need some evidence showing that the money was actually handed over, and t...
Can my landlord charge extra for using the parking lot overnight?
In Kansas, the answer usually depends on the lease, any written parking rules, and whether the parking space is included in your rental agreement. In general, a landlord may be able to charge extra for overnight parking...
Can a landlord deny my application because I had an eviction case that was dismissed?
In general, a landlord in North Dakota may be able to deny a rental application because of a dismissed eviction case, but the answer often depends on what the landlord is using as the reason and whether any fair housing...
Landlord says the cracked window is my fault because I “must have slammed it.” How do I fight the charge?
In Ohio, a landlord usually cannot simply assume you caused a cracked window just because the damage was discovered while you were living there. In general, the landlord must have some factual basis for blaming you, and...