Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Is it legal for a landlord to threaten eviction by email without giving a formal notice?
In general, a landlord may be able to communicate by email, including saying that eviction is possible if a lease problem is not corrected. But a threat to evict is not always the same thing as a lawful eviction notice....
How do I handle an eviction notice when my roommate is the one who violated the lease?
If you live in North Carolina and your roommate violated the lease, an eviction notice can still affect you even if you did not cause the problem. In general, what happens next depends on the lease terms, who signed the...
Can I record audio on my home security cameras if contractors are working inside my house?
In Massachusetts, recording audio on a home security camera may raise legal issues because audio recording can be treated differently from video recording. In general, people are often more comfortable that video of acti...
Can my landlord charge me for replacing blinds that broke due to normal wear and tear?
In general, a landlord in Missouri may be able to charge a tenant for damage that goes beyond ordinary use, but not for normal wear and tear. Whether broken blinds count as wear and tear or tenant-caused damage usually d...
Can I file for harassment if the person only threatened me once but the threat was serious?
In Washington, a single serious threat may sometimes be enough to support a harassment filing, depending on the exact words used, the surrounding facts, and whether the threat would reasonably make a person fearful for s...
Can I be evicted for running a small online business from my apartment?
In Missouri, the answer is often: it depends on your lease, your landlord’s rules, and what your business actually involves. Many tenants run low-impact online businesses from home without causing problems, but a landlor...
Can a Landlord Make Me Pay for Pest Control if Roaches Were There Before I Moved In?
In Louisiana, a landlord usually cannot simply shift pest-control costs to a tenant without looking at the lease, the condition of the unit, and who is responsible for the infestation. If roaches were already present bef...
How do I handle a landlord who is charging me for water bills from before I moved in?
If a landlord is trying to make you pay water bills from before you moved in, the first question is whether your lease clearly says you are responsible for those charges. In general, a landlord usually cannot shift earli...
Can I Transfer a Vehicle Into My Name Only Without Refinancing?
In California, it may be possible to put a vehicle title in your name only without refinancing, but it depends on whether there is an existing loan, who is listed on the title, and what the lender allows. Title transfer...
I paid a plumber upfront and he ghosted after opening the wall. What’s the best next step?
If you paid a plumber upfront in Pennsylvania and the plumber stopped responding after opening the wall, the best next step is usually to document everything, try to preserve your evidence, and send a clear written deman...
What are my rights if I got an eviction notice after joining a tenant union?
If you received an eviction notice after joining a tenant union, that timing may raise a concern about retaliation. In general, landlords are not supposed to punish tenants for engaging in protected activity, and joining...
What are my rights if a car wash damaged my side mirror and the sign says they are not responsible?
If a car wash damaged your side mirror in Montana, a sign saying the business is “not responsible” does not always end the issue. In general, a business cannot always avoid responsibility just by posting a notice, especi...
How do I handle a home warranty company that keeps sending contractors but never fixes my AC?
If a home warranty company keeps sending contractors but your air conditioner still is not fixed, the first step is usually to document everything carefully. Keep copies of your warranty contract, repair requests, contra...
Can a Landlord Charge Me for Cleaning When I Left the Place Spotless?
In Texas, a landlord may sometimes charge for cleaning after you move out, but that usually depends on the lease, the condition of the unit, and how the landlord characterizes the charge. If you left the place truly clea...
What happens if my parked car was hit in my apartment lot and the complex has camera footage?
If your parked car was hit in an apartment lot in New Hampshire and the complex has camera footage, that footage may help show what happened, who was involved, and whether the other driver can be identified. In general,...