Real Estate, Housing & Construction
Browse published legal information questions related to Real Estate, Housing & Construction.
What are my rights if my landlord claims damages that exceed my security deposit without proof?
In Florida, a landlord generally cannot just keep a security deposit or demand more money for damages without some factual basis. If a landlord claims that damages exceed the deposit, the landlord usually needs to be abl...
Do I have to hire a lawyer for an RCW harassment protection order hearing in Washington?
In Washington, you usually do not have to hire a lawyer for an RCW harassment protection order hearing. These hearings are often handled in civil court, and many people represent themselves. That said, having a lawyer ca...
What happens if the eviction notice was addressed to my ex who moved out last year?
If an eviction notice in Delaware was addressed to an ex who moved out last year, that may matter a lot—but it does not automatically end the eviction case. In general, eviction notices must identify the correct tenant o...
Can my landlord evict me after one late rent payment if I have lived here for four years?
In Ohio, a landlord may be able to start an eviction process after a late rent payment, but that does not always mean eviction will happen right away or that one late payment automatically ends your tenancy. The answer u...
What are my rights if I got a notice to vacate after domestic violence incidents involving my ex?
If you are in Washington and you received a notice to vacate after domestic violence incidents involving your ex, your rights may depend on several things, including who is on the lease, who lives in the home, whether th...
Can I keep the house in an equitable distribution divorce if the mortgage is only in my spouse’s name?
In California, the fact that the mortgage is only in your spouse’s name does not by itself decide who gets the house in a divorce. California is a community property state, so the court usually looks at when the home was...
Husband Owns the Car and Controls Finances—What Rights Do I Have During Separation?
In Oregon, your rights during a separation usually depend on the overall financial picture, not just whose name is on the car title or who manages the bank accounts. If you are married and living separately, the law gene...
What happens if my spouse bought a car during the marriage but titled it only in their name?
In Louisiana, a car bought during a marriage may still be treated as part of the marital property picture even if the title lists only one spouse’s name. Title alone does not always control ownership questions, especiall...
Can a landlord deny me housing because of my credit score alone?
In general, a landlord may consider your credit score when screening rental applicants, but the answer depends on the facts and on whether any fair housing or consumer credit rules apply. A credit score by itself is not...
How do I fight an eviction notice based on unpaid rent that was covered by rental assistance?
In New Mexico, a tenant who receives an eviction notice for unpaid rent may be able to challenge the eviction if the rent was actually covered by rental assistance. In general, the key issue is whether the landlord has p...
Can an HOA tow my car from my driveway because the registration sticker is expired?
In Florida, an HOA may sometimes be able to have a car towed from a driveway if the vehicle is violating the community’s recorded rules, parking restrictions, or property-use requirements. An expired registration sticker...
How do I take a landscaper to small claims court for charging $900 and leaving my yard unfinished?
In Iowa, a dispute like this is often handled as a small claims or other civil money dispute if the amount involved is within the court’s limits and the facts support a claim for unpaid, overpaid, or refunded work. In ge...
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 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 Hotel Charge a Smoking Fee If I Never Smoked?
In general, a hotel may charge a smoking fee if it believes a room, balcony, or other hotel area was smoked in or smelled like smoke, even if the guest says they never smoked. The key issue is usually not only whether th...