Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can my landlord charge me a $500 repainting fee when I only lived there for eight months and didn’t damage the walls?
In California, a landlord usually cannot charge a tenant for ordinary wear and tear, but a repainting charge may be allowed if the landlord can show the paint damage went beyond normal use. The fact that you lived there...
What happens if I was hurt in an Airbnb because the deck railing broke?
If you were hurt in an Airbnb in Colorado because a deck railing broke, the situation may involve several possible legal claims, including premises liability, negligence, or insurance claims. In general, the key question...
Can a landlord charge me for pest treatment when the whole building has mice?
In Illinois, a landlord may not always be able to charge a tenant for pest treatment just because mice are present in the building. In general, the answer depends on the lease, the source of the infestation, and whether...
My landlord is making repairs only during my night-shift sleeping hours. Can I limit access times?
In Washington, a tenant may often ask a landlord to schedule repairs at more reasonable times, especially if the repairs are disrupting sleep or interfering with the tenant’s use of the rental unit. In general, landlords...
Do I have to pay for a locksmith if the apartment key broke off in an old lock?
In Indiana, the answer usually depends on what caused the problem, who was responsible for the lock’s condition, and what your lease says. If the key broke because the lock was old, worn, or hard to use, the landlord may...
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...
Can my landlord force me to sign a new lease with higher rent before my current lease ends?
In general, a landlord cannot simply change the rent in the middle of a fixed-term lease just by asking you to sign a new lease. If you already have a current lease for a set term, that lease usually controls until it en...
Can I sue a business if I found a hidden camera in a restroom stall?
If you found a hidden camera in a restroom stall, there may be civil legal claims against the business, the person who installed the camera, or both, depending on the facts. In Virginia, as in many states, a restroom is...
What are my rights if a contractor leaves hazardous materials on my property?
If a contractor leaves hazardous materials on your property, you may have several possible rights under Alabama law and general contract, property, and tort principles. In general, you may be able to demand that the cont...
Is it legal for my landlord to serve an eviction notice after accepting rent for the month?
In Arizona, the answer often depends on what kind of rent was accepted, what the landlord knew at the time, and why the eviction notice was served. In general, a landlord’s acceptance of rent for a period can sometimes a...
Can I keep the house if the mortgage is only in my spouse’s name?
In Missouri, the answer depends on more than whose name is on the mortgage. A mortgage is a loan and lien on the property, while ownership is usually determined by the deed and by how the home was treated during the marr...
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 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 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...