Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
What happens if my renters insurance says my stolen laptop is not covered because my roommate left the door unlocked?
In Georgia, a renters insurance company may deny or limit a theft claim if it believes the loss falls within a policy exclusion or if the facts do not meet the policy’s coverage terms. If the insurer says your stolen lap...
My storage unit had water damage and they say insurance was “required” but never explained. Who is responsible?
In Texas, responsibility for water damage in a storage unit usually depends on several things at once: the rental agreement, any insurance requirement in the contract, what caused the water damage, and whether the facili...
Do I have to hire a lawyer for an RCW harassment protection order hearing in Washington?
In Washington, you usually do not have to hire a lawyer for an RCW harassment protection order hearing. These hearings are often handled in civil court, and many people represent themselves. That said, having a lawyer ca...
Can I break my lease if my landlord has not fixed mold in the bathroom for two months?
In Maryland, a landlord’s failure to fix mold in a bathroom for two months may be legally important, but it does not automatically mean you can break your lease without risk. In general, the answer depends on how serious...
How do I handle a cleaning service that broke my TV and says its workers are independent contractors?
If a cleaning service broke your TV, the first question is usually who may be legally responsible for the loss. In general, the answer depends on who hired the worker, how the job was set up, what the contract says, and...
What happens if the person harassing me says their messages are just free speech?
In general, saying “it’s free speech” does not automatically make harassment lawful. Under U.S. law, people have strong speech protections, but those protections are not unlimited. Communications that cross into threats,...
Is It Legal for a Company to Auto-Renew My Contract Without Clear Notice?
In general, whether a company can auto-renew your contract without clear notice depends on the contract terms, the type of agreement, and applicable Wyoming law. Many businesses include automatic renewal language in serv...
Can a Mechanic Keep My Car Until I Pay a Bill I Never Approved?
In Florida, a mechanic or repair shop may sometimes refuse to release a vehicle until a claimed repair bill is paid, but that does not automatically mean every charge is valid or that every hold is lawful. Whether the sh...
How do I handle a notice to quit for alleged drug activity by a guest I barely know?
If you receive a notice to quit in Minnesota that says a guest you barely know was involved in drug activity, take it seriously right away. A notice to quit is often the first step in a landlord’s effort to end a tenancy...
What happens if I bought a used car and discovered it had flood damage not disclosed?
If you bought a used car in Iowa and later discovered flood damage that was not disclosed, the main issue is usually whether the seller or dealer failed to tell you something they had a legal duty to disclose. In general...
Can my landlord charge a fee for paying rent online through their required portal?
In general, a landlord in Kansas may try to charge a fee for online rent payment if the fee is allowed by the lease or other rental agreement and if the charge is otherwise lawful. If the portal is required, the fee issu...
Can a Contractor Put a Lien on My House Over a Disputed Invoice?
In Michigan, a contractor may be able to place a lien on a house if the contractor claims unpaid money for labor, materials, or improvements to the property. A disputed invoice does not automatically prevent a lien. In g...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to fix a broken air conditioner during a heatwave?
In New York, a tenant’s rights if a landlord refuses to fix a broken air conditioner during a heatwave usually depend on the lease, the building conditions, and whether the apartment is otherwise livable. In general, New...
How do I report a hidden camera found in a tanning salon room?
If you find what appears to be a hidden camera in a tanning salon room, the safest general approach is to treat it as a possible privacy and criminal issue and report it promptly. In Minnesota, as in many states, the exa...
Can a landlord deny me housing because of my credit score alone?
In general, a landlord may consider your credit score when screening rental applicants, but the answer depends on the facts and on whether any fair housing or consumer credit rules apply. A credit score by itself is not...