Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can I Throw Away My Father’s Property After He Left It at My House?
In general, you should be careful before throwing away property that belongs to your father, even if he left it at your house. Simply leaving belongings behind does not always mean the owner has given up all rights to th...
Can my landlord evict me for paying rent two days late once after three years in the apartment?
In New Jersey, a landlord may not automatically be able to evict a tenant just because rent was paid two days late one time after years of paying on time. In general, eviction depends on the lease, the reason for the lat...
Is it legal for someone to threaten to damage my car if I keep parking near their house?
In general, a person in Washington is not automatically allowed to threaten to damage your car just because they do not like where you park. A threat to damage property may be unlawful depending on what was said, how it...
Can I be evicted for letting my sister stay with me for three weeks?
In Maine, whether a landlord can evict you for letting your sister stay for three weeks usually depends on your lease, house rules, and the facts of the situation. A short visit by a family member is often treated differ...
Can I file an antiharassment protection order in Washington if my neighbor keeps yelling threats at me from the driveway?
In Washington, a person may be able to ask for an antiharassment protection order if another person engages in a course of conduct that seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses them and that conduct serves no legitimate or...
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 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 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 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...
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 spouse refuses to refinance the house after divorce?
In Washington, what happens if a spouse refuses to refinance the house after divorce usually depends on the divorce decree, settlement agreement, and how the home was awarded. In general, a divorce judgment can require o...
Can I withhold rent if my landlord refuses to fix a broken stove for weeks?
In Illinois, the answer is often not a simple yes or no. A broken stove can be an important habitability issue, but whether you may withhold rent depends on the lease, the seriousness of the problem, whether the landlord...
Can I bring a claim if I tripped on a broken sidewalk outside a store and needed stitches?
In Virginia, a broken-sidewalk trip-and-fall may sometimes lead to a claim, but the legal analysis usually depends on who owned, controlled, or was responsible for maintaining the sidewalk and whether that person or busi...