Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a key replacement fee of $200?
In South Dakota, a landlord may sometimes charge a tenant for replacing a lost or unreturned key, but whether a $200 fee is legal usually depends on the lease, the actual cost of replacement, and whether the charge is tr...
What happens if a dog bit me at a dog park where signs say dogs are off leash?
If a dog bites you at a dog park where dogs are allowed off leash, the fact that the park is off leash does not automatically mean there is no legal responsibility. In general, dog bite liability depends on the facts, in...
Can a landlord refuse to fix a dishwasher because they say it is a convenience appliance?
In Kansas, the answer often depends on the lease and on whether the dishwasher was part of the rental agreement when you moved in. In general, a landlord usually has to maintain the basic habitability of a rental unit, b...
Can a Landlord Deduct for Nail Holes and Touch-Up Paint?
In Arizona, a landlord may sometimes deduct from a security deposit for damage beyond normal wear and tear, but the details matter. Small nail holes, picture hanger marks, and ordinary scuffs are often treated differentl...
Can my landlord give me a 3-day eviction notice for being $450 behind on rent?
In California, a landlord can often give a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit if rent is unpaid, even if the amount owed is $450. The key issue is usually not the size of the balance by itself, but whether the notice is le...
Can my landlord charge me for parking when it was previously free under my lease?
In Alaska, the answer often depends on what your lease says, whether parking was part of the rented premises, and whether the landlord is trying to change the terms in the middle of a lease term or at renewal. If your wr...
What happens if I recorded a roommate admitting they stole money but did not ask for consent first?
In California, recording a conversation without asking for consent first can raise serious legal issues, even if the other person appears to confess to theft. California is generally a two-party consent state for confide...
What happens if my spouse bought a motorcycle during marriage but titled it in a friend’s name?
In Louisiana, a motorcycle bought during marriage may still be treated as a marital asset even if the title is in a friend’s name. Title is important evidence, but it is not always the only thing a court may look at when...
Do I have to accept arbitration when a home warranty company refuses to cover my broken air conditioner?
In South Carolina, you usually have to start with the terms of the home warranty contract. Many home warranty agreements include an arbitration clause, which may require disputes to go through arbitration instead of cour...
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...
What are my rights if a security guard used too much force and injured my shoulder?
If a security guard used force that was more than reasonably necessary and you injured your shoulder, you may have a civil claim under general Kansas law, depending on the facts. In broad terms, a security guard is not a...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a $300 cleaning fee when the lease says cleaning is included in the deposit?
In Minnesota, the answer usually depends on the exact lease language, the condition of the rental unit at move-out, and how the landlord is using the deposit and any additional fees. If the lease says cleaning is include...
What are my rights if my landlord is charging $250 for cleaning even though I left the apartment spotless?
If you are in Idaho and your landlord is charging a $250 cleaning fee after move-out, your rights usually depend on your lease, the condition of the apartment, and whether the landlord is taking the charge from a securit...
Can my landlord increase my security deposit after I already moved in?
In Oregon, a landlord may be able to increase a security deposit after a tenant has moved in, but the answer usually depends on the lease, the type of tenancy, and any written notice requirements. In general, a landlord...
Do I have to leave after a notice to quit if the landlord has not scheduled a court hearing?
In Alabama, a notice to quit usually does not, by itself, mean you are already evicted. In general, a notice to quit is a landlord’s written demand that you leave the rental unit or fix a lease problem within a stated ti...