Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
What Are My Rights If a Pawn Shop Lost My Item?
If a pawn shop lost your item in Nebraska, you may have rights based on your pawn contract, store policies, and general state consumer or property law principles. In many situations, the central issue is whether the pawn...
Can my landlord charge me for repainting the unit after normal wear and tear?
In general, a landlord in Wisconsin may not charge a tenant for repainting just because the paint is old, faded, or worn from ordinary living. Normal wear and tear is usually treated differently from damage, and repainti...
I Bought a Used Car “As Is” and the Transmission Failed the Next Day — Any Recourse?
In Michigan, an “as is” used-car sale usually means the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition and the seller is generally not promising that the car is mechanically sound. So if the transmission failed the n...
My Roommate’s Cat Ruined My Mattress — Can I Make Them Pay for a Replacement?
In Texas, a roommate may sometimes be responsible if their pet damaged your mattress, but the answer usually depends on the facts. The key questions are who owned the mattress, who caused the damage, whether the roommate...
Is it legal for a mechanic to keep my car because I disputed the repair charges?
In Indiana, a mechanic may sometimes be able to keep a vehicle if the shop claims it has a legal right to hold the car for unpaid repair charges. That right is often discussed as a mechanic’s lien or possessory lien, but...
Can My Landlord Require Professional Cleaning Even If the Lease Doesn’t Say So?
In general, a landlord may expect a rental unit to be returned in a reasonably clean condition, but that does not always mean the landlord can require professional cleaning if the lease does not say so. In Minnesota, the...
Can a Neighbor Legally Trim Branches From My Tree?
In Massachusetts, a neighbor may usually trim branches or roots that cross onto their property, but only up to the property line and generally at their own expense. In other words, a neighbor typically does not have the...
What happens if my spouse dies before the divorce is finalized in Alaska?
If a spouse dies before a divorce is finalized in Alaska, the divorce case usually ends because there is no longer a marriage to dissolve. In many situations, the surviving spouse may still have legal rights that come fr...
Landlord says the cracked window is my fault because I “must have slammed it.” How do I fight the charge?
In Ohio, a landlord usually cannot simply assume you caused a cracked window just because the damage was discovered while you were living there. In general, the landlord must have some factual basis for blaming you, and...
Is it legal for a lender to charge late fees while my deferment request is pending?
In general, the answer depends on the loan documents, the lender’s policies, and whether the lender has formally approved the deferment. A pending deferment request does not always stop late fees by itself. In many situa...
How do I take a pet sitter to small claims court for negligence?
If a pet sitter’s carelessness caused harm to your pet, property, or related expenses, a small claims case in Wyoming may be one possible way to try to recover money damages. In general, small claims court is designed fo...
How do I handle an Alabama eviction notice if I already paid the rent with a money order?
If you already paid the rent with a money order and still received an eviction notice in Alabama, the first step is usually to stay calm and gather proof of payment. A money order can be useful evidence, but the key issu...
What are my rights if my mechanic overcharged me by $800?
If a mechanic overcharged you by $800, you may have several general options depending on what happened, what was agreed to, and what proof you have. In Nebraska, as in other states, the first question is often whether th...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to fix a refrigerator and my groceries spoiled twice?
If you rent in South Dakota and your landlord refuses to fix a refrigerator, you may have tenant rights under the lease and under general housing law principles, but the exact options depend on the facts. In many rental...
Do I Owe Rent If My Apartment Had No Heat for Two Weeks?
In Michigan, a two-week loss of heat can be a serious habitability problem, but it does not automatically mean you can stop paying rent without risk. In general, tenants still owe rent unless a legal remedy applies, and...