Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
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...
A repair shop wiped my laptop during a battery replacement. Can I claim lost files?
If a repair shop wiped your laptop during a battery replacement, you may have a possible claim for the lost files and any related losses, but the outcome usually depends on the facts. In Washington, the most important is...
Is it legal for a rental car company to charge hidden fees after return?
In general, a rental car company may charge fees after you return the vehicle if the charges were disclosed in the rental agreement, pricing terms, or other contract documents you accepted. The key issue is usually not w...
Do I have to split rental property purchased before marriage but paid from joint funds?
In Rhode Island, the answer is often: maybe, but not automatically. Property bought before marriage is commonly viewed differently from property acquired during marriage, but the way the property was paid for, maintained...
How do I get my $1,200 deposit back from a contractor who never started the job?
If a contractor took a $1,200 deposit and never started the job, you may be able to ask for the money back through a demand letter, direct negotiation, a payment dispute, or a small-claims type court process, depending o...
Can my landlord charge me for repainting after normal wear and tear?
In Wisconsin, a landlord generally cannot charge a tenant for ordinary wear and tear that happens from normal living. Repainting that is needed only because the walls have aged, faded, or show minor scuffs from regular u...
What happens if my security camera captures audio of guests talking in my living room?
In California, the fact that a security camera captures audio in a living room can raise privacy and consent issues, especially if guests did not know they were being recorded. In general, California is known for strict...
Can my landlord raise my rent by $400 with only 15 days of notice?
In Oregon, a rent increase with only 15 days’ notice may be lawful in some very limited situations, but it often depends on the type of tenancy, the lease terms, and whether any local rent-control or notice rules apply....
Can I file a personal injury claim if I fell at a mall during heavy rain near the entrance?
Yes, in some situations you may be able to file a personal injury claim after a fall at a mall during heavy rain near the entrance, including in Utah. Whether a claim is available usually depends on the specific facts, s...
What happens if the notice says nonpayment but I have a rent abatement agreement?
In Connecticut, a notice that says “nonpayment” does not automatically end the inquiry if you also have a rent abatement agreement. In general, the landlord’s ability to claim rent is owed may depend on what the abatemen...
Do I have to pay rent if my apartment has a severe bed bug infestation that management hasn’t treated?
In Oregon, the answer often depends on the facts, the lease, the seriousness of the infestation, and what the landlord has done to address it. In general, tenants usually still owe rent unless a recognized legal remedy a...
What are my rights if I was injured by a falling ceiling tile in my rental apartment?
If you were injured by a falling ceiling tile in an Illinois rental apartment, you may have legal rights under several different areas of law, depending on what caused the tile to fall and who was responsible for the con...
Can I Stop Paying Rent If Mold Is Making Me Sick?
In Pennsylvania, mold problems can be serious, especially if they may be affecting your health. But in general, a tenant should not assume that mold automatically allows them to stop paying rent. Rent withholding can cre...
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...
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...