Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
How do I handle a contractor who didn’t finish my roof before a storm caused damage?
In Kentucky, an unfinished roof job followed by storm damage can create more than one problem at the same time. You may be dealing with a contractor dispute, a property damage insurance claim, and possibly a question abo...
Is it legal for a mechanic to keep my car because I disputed the repair charges?
In Indiana, a mechanic may sometimes be able to keep a vehicle if the shop claims it has a legal right to hold the car for unpaid repair charges. That right is often discussed as a mechanic’s lien or possessory lien, but...
How do I prove a hidden camera captured private footage of me?
In North Carolina, proving that a hidden camera captured private footage of you usually depends on the available evidence, the location of the camera, and what the recording actually shows. In general, people often try t...
Do I have to pay for a broken appliance if it stopped working due to age?
In general, whether you have to pay for a broken appliance that stopped working due to age depends on what the appliance was, who owned it, and what agreement controlled the situation. In Indiana, as in many states, the...
Can a Neighbor Legally Trim Branches From My Tree?
In Massachusetts, a neighbor may usually trim branches or roots that cross onto their property, but only up to the property line and generally at their own expense. In other words, a neighbor typically does not have the...
Can My Landlord Require Professional Cleaning Even If the Lease Doesn’t Say So?
In general, a landlord may expect a rental unit to be returned in a reasonably clean condition, but that does not always mean the landlord can require professional cleaning if the lease does not say so. In Minnesota, the...
My Roommate’s Cat Ruined My Mattress — Can I Make Them Pay for a Replacement?
In Texas, a roommate may sometimes be responsible if their pet damaged your mattress, but the answer usually depends on the facts. The key questions are who owned the mattress, who caused the damage, whether the roommate...
How do I handle an Alabama eviction notice if I already paid the rent with a money order?
If you already paid the rent with a money order and still received an eviction notice in Alabama, the first step is usually to stay calm and gather proof of payment. A money order can be useful evidence, but the key issu...
What are my rights if my mechanic overcharged me by $800?
If a mechanic overcharged you by $800, you may have several general options depending on what happened, what was agreed to, and what proof you have. In Nebraska, as in other states, the first question is often whether th...
What are my rights if my landlord retaliates after I filed a complaint with the housing authority?
In Pennsylvania, tenants generally have some protection against landlord retaliation after reporting housing conditions to a housing authority or another government agency. If a landlord takes negative action because you...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to fix a refrigerator and my groceries spoiled twice?
If you rent in South Dakota and your landlord refuses to fix a refrigerator, you may have tenant rights under the lease and under general housing law principles, but the exact options depend on the facts. In many rental...
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...
What Type of Attorney Handles Defamation Threats Over Social Media Posts?
In general, a defamation issue involving social media posts may be handled by an attorney who practices defamation law, media law, First Amendment-related litigation, or civil litigation. In Kansas, the right type of law...
Can my landlord charge me for repainting the unit after normal wear and tear?
In general, a landlord in Wisconsin may not charge a tenant for repainting just because the paint is old, faded, or worn from ordinary living. Normal wear and tear is usually treated differently from damage, and repainti...
What are my rights if a used car dealer sold me a truck with undisclosed flood damage?
If you bought a used truck in Alabama and later learned it had flood damage that was not disclosed, you may have several possible legal and practical options depending on the facts. In general, buyers may have claims if...