Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
How do I respond if my landlord gives me a notice for unauthorized occupants but it is just my babysitter?
If you are in Vermont and your landlord says your babysitter is an “unauthorized occupant,” the first step is usually to read the notice carefully and compare it to your lease. In general, landlords often use terms like...
How do I deal with an eviction notice after my landlord refused to renew because of my service animal?
If you are in Iowa and your landlord refused to renew your lease because of your service animal, an eviction notice can feel urgent and confusing. In general, a landlord does not usually need to renew a lease at the end...
Is it legal for a landlord to keep both a cleaning fee and a security deposit for the same issue?
In general, a landlord may not be able to charge two separate amounts for the exact same damage, cleaning, or lease violation if that would amount to a double recovery. But whether a landlord can keep both a cleaning fee...
Is it legal for a landlord to ignore complaints about a tenant’s aggressive dog?
In Florida, a landlord may not always be legally required to act immediately on complaints about a tenant’s aggressive dog, but ignoring repeated or serious complaints can sometimes create legal risk depending on the fac...
Can I sue a contractor for unfinished kitchen work if we only had text messages and payment receipts?
In general, yes, a contractor dispute can sometimes be pursued even if the agreement was mostly handled by text messages and payment receipts. In Montana, as in many states, the lack of a formal written contract does not...
Can I make a claim if a hit-and-run driver damaged my car in a grocery store parking lot?
If a hit-and-run driver damaged your car in a grocery store parking lot in Virginia, you may be able to make a claim, but the available options usually depend on what evidence exists and what insurance coverage you have....
My roommate’s boyfriend basically lives here now and won’t chip in for utilities. Can I do anything?
In Colorado, your options usually depend on the lease, any roommate agreement, and who is legally responsible for the utilities. If the boyfriend is not on the lease and not on the utility accounts, he may still be allow...
Do I have to pay filing fees for a harassment protection order in Washington?
In Washington, the filing fee question for a harassment protection order often depends on the type of order, the court handling the request, and the facts of the situation. In general, people looking for a harassment pro...
What are my rights if the harassment started after a small claims dispute with a contractor?
If harassment started after a small claims dispute with a contractor in Washington, you may have several legal protections depending on what the other person is doing and how serious the conduct is. In general, people ha...
What happens if a repair shop charges storage fees without notifying me?
In Massachusetts, a repair shop that charges storage fees without telling you first may face a dispute over whether those charges are valid or collectible. In general, a business that keeps your vehicle or other property...
What are my rights if my landlord locks me out without a court order?
In Rhode Island, a landlord generally may not take back possession of a rental unit by changing the locks, removing your belongings, or otherwise forcing you out without following the legal eviction process. A lockout wi...
How do I file a small claims case in Alabama over a contractor who took my $2,500 deposit?
In Alabama, a small claims case may be one way to ask a court to decide a dispute over a contractor deposit, including a claim involving $2,500. In general, small claims courts are designed for lower-dollar disputes and...
My Dentist Billed Me for Work I Never Approved — Can I Dispute It?
Yes, in general, you may be able to dispute a dental bill in Pennsylvania if you were charged for treatment you did not approve, did not receive, or did not understand would be performed. Whether a dispute succeeds often...
How do I deal with a rental car company charging me for fuel when I returned it full?
If a rental car company charged you for fuel after you believe you returned the car full, the first step is usually to gather proof. That may include the rental agreement, the return receipt, photos or video of the fuel...
Is it legal for a neighbor to point security cameras directly into my backyard in Alabama?
In Alabama, a neighbor may often use security cameras on their own property, but that does not always mean they can point them wherever they want. Whether a camera aimed at your backyard is lawful usually depends on the...