Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
How do I handle an eviction notice when the landlord never gave me a written lease?
In Nebraska, not having a written lease does not necessarily mean a landlord cannot try to evict you. In general, a rental agreement can sometimes be oral or implied from the way you and the landlord have been acting, su...
What are my rights if my renters insurance claim is denied for water damage from a burst pipe?
If your renters insurance claim is denied for water damage from a burst pipe, you usually have the right to ask the insurer for a clear explanation of the denial and a copy of the policy language it relied on. In general...
What Can I Do If a Delivery Company Damaged My Property?
If a delivery company damaged your property, you may have options to ask for repair or replacement costs, submit a claim, or seek other remedies depending on the facts. In general, the most important first step is to doc...
Do I have to pay for a broken appliance if it stopped working due to age?
In general, whether you have to pay for a broken appliance that stopped working due to age depends on what the appliance was, who owned it, and what agreement controlled the situation. In Indiana, as in many states, the...
Can my landlord charge me $500 for repainting after I lived there two years and only had minor scuffs?
In Texas, a landlord may sometimes try to charge a tenant for repainting after move-out, but that does not automatically mean the full amount is proper. In general, a landlord can seek payment for damage beyond ordinary...
How do I handle a solar panel company that promised savings but my electric bill went up?
If a solar company promised that your electric bill would go down but it went up instead, the first step is usually to review exactly what was said, what was written, and how the system is performing. In general, a highe...
Do I have to respond in writing to an eviction notice before the landlord files in court?
In Mississippi, you may not always have to send a written response to an eviction notice before the landlord files in court. In general, many eviction notices are simply a landlord’s way of starting the process, and the...
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 I break my lease if my apartment has repeated flooding every time it rains?
In Maryland, repeated flooding in an apartment may sometimes give a tenant a basis to end a lease, but it depends heavily on the facts. The key question is usually whether the flooding is serious enough to make the home...
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 landlord refuses to give me a copy of my signed lease?
If your landlord refuses to give you a copy of your signed lease, that can be frustrating and may make it harder to confirm the exact rental terms. In general, a lease is still a contract even if one party is holding the...
Can I get reimbursed if my apartment management ignored a broken window and my heating bill doubled?
In general, maybe — but it depends on the lease, the facts, and Idaho landlord-tenant rules. If a landlord or apartment manager knew about a broken window and did not repair it within a reasonable time, a tenant may some...
A delivery driver hit my mailbox and the company won’t respond. What’s my next move?
If a delivery driver damaged your mailbox in Tennessee and the company is not responding, the situation usually starts as a property-damage claim. In general, the key issue is whether you can show who caused the damage,...
What are my rights if my landlord gave me a 7-day notice for damage I did not cause?
If you are in Kansas and your landlord gives you a 7-day notice demanding payment or saying you are responsible for damage you did not cause, the most important point is that a notice is not the same thing as proof. In g...
Can a contractor put a lien on my house if I already paid the general contractor in full?
In general, yes, a contractor or subcontractor may still try to file a lien against a homeowner’s property even if the homeowner already paid the general contractor in full. The key issue is often not just whether you pa...