Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
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...
How do I update a prenuptial agreement after we buy a house together?
In North Carolina, couples often update a prenuptial agreement after buying a house together by signing a written amendment or a new agreement that clearly addresses the home and any related debts, payments, and ownershi...
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...
Can I Sue a Neighbor Whose Tree Fell on My Fence?
In Oklahoma, you may sometimes be able to seek payment from a neighbor if their tree fell on your fence, but the answer usually depends on why the tree fell and whether the neighbor was negligent. If a healthy tree fell...
Is it legal for a dog owner to refuse to give proof of rabies vaccination?
In Nevada, the answer may depend on who is asking, why they are asking, and whether a local animal control or health rule applies. In general, a dog owner may not have to hand over vaccination records to every private pe...
How do I deal with a home warranty company that keeps denying valid repair claims?
If a home warranty company keeps denying repair claims that you believe are covered, the first step is usually to gather and organize the policy, your claim records, repair invoices, photos, and all communications with t...
Can a Landlord Refuse to Fix a Broken Refrigerator?
In general, a landlord may not be able to ignore a broken refrigerator if the appliance is part of the rental agreement or was provided with the unit, especially if the issue affects habitability or the tenant’s use of t...
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...
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...
What happens if my landlord shuts off my electricity because I complained about repairs?
If a landlord shuts off your electricity because you complained about repairs, that may be considered a serious housing rights issue in New Mexico. In general, a landlord is not supposed to use utility shutoffs as a way...
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...
Can a landlord charge me for changing locks because I lost one key but returned the others?
In Ohio, a landlord may be able to charge for lock changes or key replacement if the lease says tenants must return all keys, if the missing key creates a security concern, or if the lease makes the tenant responsible fo...
Can a Landlord Charge Me Late Fees When the Rent Portal Was Down?
In general, a landlord may be able to charge late fees if rent is not paid on time, but the answer can depend on the lease, the payment methods the landlord made available, and the reason the portal was unavailable. In O...
Can my landlord keep my deposit because I didn’t give notice if the lease already ended?
In Virginia, the answer often depends on what the lease says, whether the tenancy truly ended, and whether the landlord can point to a lawful reason to keep some or all of the deposit. If the lease ended and you simply m...