Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
Do I Have to Pay HOA Fines If I Never Got the Violation Notice?
In general, whether you have to pay an HOA fine after not receiving the violation notice depends on the HOA’s governing documents, how notice was supposed to be delivered, and whether the association can show it followed...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge a move-out inspection fee not listed in the lease?
In Arkansas, the answer usually depends on what the lease says, whether the fee was clearly disclosed, and whether state law treats the charge as a permitted rent-related cost or an improper extra fee. In general, a land...
What happens if my landlord enters my apartment while I’m at work without giving me notice?
In Wisconsin, a landlord generally does not have unlimited access to a rented apartment just because the tenant is away. Even if you are at work, your apartment is still your home for legal purposes, and a landlord usual...
Is it legal for a landlord to charge separate fees for amenities that were included in the lease?
In Minnesota, the answer usually depends on the lease language and the surrounding facts. If an amenity was truly included in the lease as part of the agreed rent or as a promised service, a landlord may not be able to s...
Does Living With Cats Mean I Accepted Responsibility for Pet Damage?
In general, simply living with cats does not automatically mean you accepted legal responsibility for any pet damage. In New Jersey, as in many places, responsibility usually depends on facts such as who owned the cat, w...
Is it legal for an apartment lease to say the landlord is not responsible for any repairs?
In Ohio, a lease may try to shift repair responsibility to the tenant, but a clause that says the landlord is not responsible for any repairs is not necessarily the end of the story. In general, lease language has to be...
Can I sue a contractor without a written contract?
In general, yes, it may be possible to bring a claim against a contractor even if there is no written contract. In Montana, as in many states, some agreements can be formed orally or by conduct, depending on the facts. A...
Do I have to show physical injury to get protection under RCW harassment laws?
In general, no. Under Washington harassment laws, physical injury is often not the key issue. What usually matters is whether the conduct meets the legal definition of harassment and whether the facts show a real basis f...
How do I handle finding a camera disguised as a phone charger in a vacation rental?
Finding a camera disguised as a phone charger in a vacation rental can be alarming, and in Georgia it may raise both privacy and criminal-law concerns depending on the facts. In general, the safest first steps are to avo...
Can my apartment complex charge me $150 because my trash bag was found outside the dumpster?
In Alaska, an apartment complex may be able to charge a fee if your lease or written rental agreement allows a trash-related charge, a house rule, or a separate fine for improper disposal. Whether a $150 charge is allowe...
How do I handle a landlord charging me for utilities I never agreed to?
In North Carolina, the first question is usually whether your lease or another signed agreement actually says you are responsible for those utilities. If the written lease is silent, unclear, or says something different...
Apartment management lost my rent money order and says I’m late. How do I prove I paid?
If apartment management says your rent is late because it lost your money order, the key issue is usually proof. In general, a tenant may need to show that the rent was actually delivered or cashed, or at least that paym...
Can my landlord charge late fees that were never written in the lease?
In general, a landlord may have a harder time charging a late fee if the lease does not say a late fee exists, does not explain how it is calculated, or does not clearly allow the landlord to add it later. In Alabama, as...
Bought a car from a small dealer in Georgia and now the temp tag is expired with no title in sight. What are my options?
If you bought a car from a small dealer in Georgia and the temporary tag has expired while the title still has not arrived, that can be frustrating and stressful. In general, the situation may involve both vehicle title...
Can I break my lease if there has been mold in the bedroom for three months and my child keeps getting sick?
In New Jersey, mold problems may sometimes support a tenant’s right to end a lease, but it depends on the facts. A lease is not usually broken just because mold exists. The key question is whether the mold and any relate...