Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
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...
How do I deal with a home warranty company that keeps denying valid repair claims?
If a home warranty company keeps denying repair claims that you believe are covered, the first step is usually to gather and organize the policy, your claim records, repair invoices, photos, and all communications with t...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to repair a leaking roof for over a month?
In Connecticut, a landlord’s failure to repair a leaking roof can raise serious habitability and repair-and-deduct issues, depending on the facts. In general, tenants are entitled to a rental unit that is maintained in a...
Is it legal for a landlord to refuse to renew my lease without explanation?
In Wisconsin, a landlord can often choose not to renew a lease when the lease term ends, and the landlord usually does not have to give a reason. In general, a fixed-term lease ends on its own if it is not renewed, so th...
Is it legal for my landlord to shut off utilities to force me to leave?
In Alabama, a landlord generally should not shut off utilities as a way to pressure a tenant to move out. In many situations, turning off electricity, water, heat, or other essential services to force a tenant to leave m...
Can I be evicted for keeping an emotional support animal after giving my landlord a doctor’s letter?
In Ohio, a landlord generally cannot evict you simply for having an emotional support animal if the animal is a legally recognized reasonable accommodation for a disability and you gave the landlord proper notice or docu...
What happens if the landlord’s eviction notice asks for more rent than I actually owe?
In Louisiana, if an eviction notice or other demand to pay rent says you owe more than you actually owe, that may matter a lot. In general, a landlord must give a tenant notice that is accurate enough to support the evic...
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...
What happens if I was hurt in an Airbnb because the deck railing broke?
If you were hurt in an Airbnb in Colorado because a deck railing broke, the situation may involve several possible legal claims, including premises liability, negligence, or insurance claims. In general, the key question...
What are my rights if a contractor damages my property and refuses to fix it?
If a contractor damages your property and then refuses to correct the damage, you may have several possible rights under Alabama law, depending on the contract, the facts, and the type of damage involved. In general, a c...
What are my rights if my renters insurance denies a claim after my laptop was stolen from my car?
If your renters insurance denies a claim after your laptop was stolen from your car, you usually still have the right to ask for the reason in writing, review the policy language, and challenge the denial if it appears u...
Our upstairs neighbor’s bathtub leaked into our closet and ruined clothes. Do we deal with them or the landlord?
In Illinois, the answer is usually that you may need to deal with both, but for different reasons. If the leak came from an upstairs neighbor’s bathtub, that neighbor may be the person connected to the source of the wate...
Is it legal for my landlord to lock me out after giving an eviction notice?
In general, no. In Nevada, a landlord usually cannot simply change the locks, shut off utilities, remove your belongings, or otherwise force you out just because an eviction notice was given. An eviction notice is usuall...
What happens if my landlord enters my apartment while I’m at work without giving me notice?
In Wisconsin, a landlord generally does not have unlimited access to a rented apartment just because the tenant is away. Even if you are at work, your apartment is still your home for legal purposes, and a landlord usual...
Is it legal for a mechanic to begin crash repairs before I approve the final estimate?
In general, a mechanic or auto body shop should not begin significant crash repairs without some form of customer authorization, but the exact rule can depend on the paperwork you signed, the shop’s policies, the insurer...