Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
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...
What happens if the eviction notice says I violated the lease but does not say what I did?
If an eviction notice says you violated the lease but does not explain what conduct is being alleged, that may create a problem for the landlord’s notice, but the effect depends on the facts and Michigan law. In general,...
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...
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...
Can my landlord evict me for smoking outside if the lease only bans smoking indoors?
In Utah, a landlord may sometimes try to enforce a no-smoking rule beyond the exact words of the lease, but the answer usually depends on the lease language, the property rules, and the facts. If the lease only says smok...
How do I handle equitable distribution when we own property in two states?
When spouses own property in two states, equitable distribution can become more complicated because the divorce court may need to identify, value, and divide assets that are located outside Vermont as well as assets loca...
Can I sue my landlord if I found a hidden camera inside my bedroom smoke detector?
If you found a hidden camera inside a smoke detector in your bedroom, that can raise very serious privacy and safety concerns. In California, a landlord generally is not allowed to secretly record a tenant in a private a...
What happens if I paid a contractor in cash and they deny receiving it?
If you paid a contractor in cash and they later deny receiving it, the dispute usually turns on proof. In general, the person claiming payment may need some evidence showing that the money was actually handed over, and t...
Can I withhold rent if my heat has not worked for three weeks in January in Illinois?
In Illinois, a long heating outage in January can be a serious habitability problem, but whether you can withhold rent depends on the facts and on how you respond. In general, tenants are expected to notify the landlord...
Is it legal for a used car dealer to sell me a car with a bad transmission and say it was sold as-is?
In New York, a used car dealer may often sell a vehicle “as-is,” but that label does not automatically excuse every problem with the car. In general, an as-is sale means the dealer is trying to limit warranty obligations...
Is it legal for a landlord to increase rent without giving 30 days’ notice?
In Michigan, whether a landlord can increase rent without giving 30 days’ notice usually depends on the type of rental agreement and the facts of the tenancy. In general, a landlord may be able to raise rent when a lease...
Can a Landlord Keep My Security Deposit for Normal Wear and Tear?
In Texas, a landlord generally cannot keep a tenant’s security deposit just to pay for normal wear and tear. Security deposits are usually meant to cover unpaid rent, damages beyond ordinary use, or other amounts the lea...
A contractor used my driveway to access another job and cracked it. Who pays?
In California, the contractor who caused the damage may be responsible for repairing or paying for the damage, depending on the facts. If the driveway was cracked because the contractor or the contractor’s equipment used...
What are my rights if I signed a waiver without reading it carefully?
In general, signing a waiver does not automatically mean you lose every legal right connected to the situation. In Idaho, as in many states, a signed waiver may be treated as evidence that you agreed to its terms, even i...
How do I file a claim if I was bitten by a dog at an Airbnb?
If you were bitten by a dog at an Airbnb in Iowa, the claim process usually starts with reporting the injury, getting medical care, and identifying who may be responsible. In many situations, a claim may involve more tha...