Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Can a Landlord Charge Pet Rent for an Emotional Support Animal?
In California, a landlord generally may not treat an emotional support animal as a pet just because the animal lives with a tenant. An emotional support animal, sometimes called an ESA, is usually considered a housing ac...
Can a Landlord Refuse to Fix a Broken Refrigerator?
In general, a landlord may not be able to ignore a broken refrigerator if the appliance is part of the rental agreement or was provided with the unit, especially if the issue affects habitability or the tenant’s use of t...
What Happens If a Company Refuses to Honor a Written Price Quote?
In general, if a company gives you a written price quote and later refuses to honor it, the situation may turn on what the quote said, whether it was meant to be binding, and what other communications or documents were e...
How do I protect rental property income in a prenuptial agreement?
In general, a prenuptial agreement can be one way to define how rental property and rental income will be treated during a marriage. For example, the agreement may state that a particular building remains separate proper...
What are my rights if a neighbor keeps recording my children in the yard and yelling insults?
In Washington, you may have several possible legal concerns if a neighbor repeatedly records your children in your yard and yells insults at you or them. In general, this kind of conduct can raise issues involving harass...
Can my landlord make me pay for professional carpet cleaning if the lease only says “clean”?
In Minnesota, the answer usually depends on the exact lease language, the condition of the carpet when you move out, and any other written move-out rules or addenda that are part of the lease. If the lease only says you...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
Do I have to pay a cleaning fee if I left my rental unit spotless with photos as proof?
In Michigan, the answer usually depends on your lease, the condition of the unit, and whether the landlord is trying to charge for normal cleaning, actual damage, or unpaid rent. If you left the rental unit clean and hav...
Can I return a car if I discover undisclosed frame damage?
If you discover undisclosed frame damage after buying a car in Colorado, you may have legal options, but there is not a simple automatic right to return the vehicle in every situation. What matters usually depends on the...
How do I get my deposit back from a landlord who claims excessive cleaning costs?
If a landlord in Indiana says they kept part or all of your deposit for excessive cleaning, the first step is usually to ask for a clear, written explanation of the charges and any supporting documentation. In general, y...
My roommate changed the WiFi password even though I pay half. Is that a legal issue?
In general, a roommate changing the WiFi password can be more of a housing or relationship dispute than a clear legal problem, but it may become a legal issue depending on how the internet service is set up, who is the a...