Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Questions Answered by Michael Joseph Larranaga
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Must a landlord provide a tenant with a receipt when the tenant pays rent in Colorado?
Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 28, 2023

Colorado did recently pass a law regarding a landlord's responsibility to provide a tenant with a receipt for cash payments. There are exceptions, but it is generally good practice to give your tenant a receipt. That being said, the damages resulting from such a failure would be difficult to prove.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Colorado on
Q: I purchased a home in march 2023. There are so many problems with it. Cracked and crumbling foundation, plumbing and

Electrical issues just to begin with. Seller did not disclose any of this to us. Inspection was done but inspector did not bring this to our attention. What kind of lawyer am I looking for, for this type of matter and would i use the same lawyer against both the seller and inspector?

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 28, 2023

I agree that you need a real estate attorney familiar with litigation work. In short, you have a potential breach of contract, fraud, and failure to disclose type issue. As to the prior homeowner, knowledge is normally key to those issues. IE, did they know? The home inspector’s lapse is a more... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Trying to find an explanation as to how tenancy is changed from yearly to month to month while not moving in and out?

Logic would dictate that the longer you've occupied the same space the longer you'd need to move.

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2023

The type of tenancy you have is often governed by your lease/ contract. In many contracts, there is a provision in the terms section that will change a fixed year to a month-to-month or other. It all depends on the wording. Further, a month-to-month can be established for hold-over tenants in... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Colorado on
Q: Seller will only sell us the house if we also buy the furniture for $35000 in a separate transaction twice the value of

Furniture might be worth 10,000 max but seller wants 35000 in separate transactions from house perchase of 600000 we really want the house so we are forced into this furniture deal . Do we just go along with it and over pay for the furniture and keep the sellers happy it’s like they are hiding... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2023

Sorry, it is the seller's responsibility to deal with their taxes. It only becomes a problem for you when you both start colluding not to pay taxes.

The seller has the right to sell his property for as much as they want. We live in a free market so if a buyer will pay it then why not?...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: How to transfer property ownership with only existing mortgage value and no capital gains?

My mother's name is on the title and mortgage for the condo I am living in while I pay all the fees. I am set up as a renter with no profits. I am now in a position to take ownership of the property and remaining mortgage. Adding my name to the existing mortgage is not an option. She... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 15, 2023

Unfortunately, this is not an easy situation. If you want to avoid fees, you should probably talk to a tax attorney. I do not think you can avoid all taxes. You may be able to defer taxes or maybe defer then fall into an exception, but Uncle Sam always gets his cut in the end. Your mother could... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Colorado on
Q: prepaid dance lessons for my daughter. She has decided not to use this studio. The dance studio is refusing refund.

Studio is stating that prepaid money cannot be refunded only applied to lessons. Is there legal standing to demand a refund?

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 15, 2023

I agree that it all depends on the contract. In addition, it depends on how those funds are classified which again will be affected by the contract. Did you buy vouchers, is it a prepayment for services, or other?

Depending on the school, you may also consider talking to the other parents...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Education Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I sue my sons school for negligence if he was assaulted at school by another student

Law enforcement nor myself was contacted

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 15, 2023

There is not enough info here to know anything. How was the school involved, was a teacher involved, did this occur on campus, was it a fight or just a battery, and so on? Liability depends on the underlying facts.

If your kid was seriously injured, you need to talk to an attorney that can...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: If a portion of my security deposit is retained for carpet cleaning, is my landlord required to provide me a receipt?

The person I rent from has a history of retaining a cleaning fee from renters, in particular for "professional carpet cleaning", however it has been observed that the carpets were not actually cleaned after that tenant moved out, and the next tenant moved in. For other others who have... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 11, 2023

Not necessarily. In most circumstances, a detailed statement explaining why your deposit was withheld would suffice. If you choose to sue, then the receipt would most likely be discoverable. But, it all depends on were you are in the process and the initial contract. That being said, their have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Colorado on
Q: Promissory Note Amendments w/out signatures valid?

PN due date expired and then the 2 parties had an email exchange agreeing to new terms. Is the email valid as an amendment to the PN without signatures of the 2 parties?

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 11, 2023

It depends. The statute of frauds may come into play but generally, a contract can be amended by mutual agreement. To have a mutual agreement you have to meet requirements of a contract but this can often be done in a email.

The statue of frauds requires signatures in certain situations...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: What is the penalty for not having a separate trust account for a rental deposit?
Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 11, 2023

While I am not aware of any penalties, there are benefits to keeping a separate bank account for security deposits. For one, if you are sued, bank records are open to discovery. As such, if you put the deposit in a separate account then you do not necessarily need to divulge your personal records... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Is there a proper way to inform landlord that I receive government assistance? (In Colorado)
Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2023

If you are receiving the assistance and you do not have a contractual requirement to inform your landlord, then you may not need to inform them. It all depends on your specific situation. Many assistance programs pay the landlord directly while some may help to supplement your income.

If...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Colorado on
Q: If I paid a contractor a deposit for a kitchen remodel and he used my deposit to fund other projects do I have recourse?

It has come to light that over a month after the deposit was paid, the contractor has dispersed none of the funds provided to him by us toward our project. No work has been done and no materials acquired. The contract was signed July 16th of 2023 and contract stated work would be completed by... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 30, 2023

You do need to contact an attorney. Depending on the circumstances, in many circumstances, the initial deposit needs to be held in a trust account and failure to properly account for the deposit can be theft. Further, it could also be a fraud and/or breach of contract issue. Regardless, you should... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: What is the statue of limitations in Colorado to file a lawsuit against a landlord for failure to return the deposit?

I did send a 7day demand letter prior to 1 year of the date I moved out, however a death in my family kept me from filing the lawsuit immediately after the 7 days was up and now its been exactly a year since I moved out. Can I still file a law suit to return treble damage deposit?

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 30, 2023

The statute of limitations is very tricky. You should contact an attorney.

For security deposit cases, I typically see a 1-year and 3-year statute at play. The 1-year is for punitive damages and the 3-year is for breach of contract. But the facts are extremely important. They determine...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: How do I divorce a Mexican citizen. We were married in Colorado. I don’t know where he lives now
Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 1, 2023

You should contact an attorney.

In a normal litigation scenario which includes divorce, you would file a complaint with the court and personally serve that complaint and a summons on the Defendant. Rule 4 of CRPC talks about personal service. You do not necessarily need to serve the...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Personal Injury for Colorado on
Q: Can I file suit against a restaurant for a supervisor assaulting my son while at work?

My son was just about to finish his shift and told his supervisor he was about to leave for the day. The supervisor wanted him to stay, and when my son declined, the supervisor slapped him in the face (in front of another supervisor)—neither reported the incident. When he came home, I called the... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 16, 2023

1st of all you should get an attorney.

2nd, if this was during work hours by a supervisor acting in his supervisory capacity, it would be almost negligent not to look into the employer's liability. They may not be liable but there is a good chance they may be to an extent. You can...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: If I pay all back rent, current rent, and fees before my scheduled court date is the case still active?

I was working with a rental assistance agency in July to get help with July’s rent. I finally got approved, but in that time my property management company sent the case to court. I filed my answer 8/7 and paid my current months rent, my back rent, and all legal fees outlined in the notice on... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 14, 2023

Unfortunately, it is impossible to know without knowing the basis of the eviction and the specific facts. If you are being evicted for breaking the law, paying back rent may not be the ticket. It all depends on the reasons.

I would look into Colorado Revised Statutes for forcible detainer...
View More

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Does a law firm have to disclose if an "attorney" is not licensed in the state in which they practice law?

I noticed a small "pending practice" in her email sig. She has not shown up to a hearing 2x which led me to question why. I had some stand in attorney and she did not know my case ( divorce) so i essentially had zero representation.

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 2, 2023

In most cases here in the state of Colorado, you need a license to practice law. There are multiple exceptions to the rule but you should check into it. This is particularly important for domestic cases since you would normally be in front of a judge. I would find it odd if they did not have some... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: My brother and I co-owned a townhouse in Colorado which we used for rental property. My brother signed the leases.

I want to sell the property because I am 8 hours away. Is the lease still valid? Do I have any way out?

* My brother recently passed away.

Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 1, 2023

That is a very complicated legal topic. You should contact an attorney.

1st they need to determine who owns the house. Then you need to look at not only the validity of the lease but if you accepted any payments. Next, it depends. But in short, it may not be wise to kick out a potential...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: who has say over property deeds after owner passes away
Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 21, 2023

It really depends. If the property is owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship, ownership can pass by operation of law without any court involvement. In other instances, probate may be required. Regardless, property ownership is riddled with legal complexities. If you do not know the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: I have a rental property with an existing mortgage in Colorado. Can I add my son as a joint tenant on the deed ?
Michael Joseph Larranaga
Michael Joseph Larranaga pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 10, 2023

It depends. I know everyone hates that answer.

In general, if you own a piece of real property, you can add another person as a Joint Tenant. But depending on state law, if the mortgage is a deed of trust or other, the terms of the contract and so on, changing ownership can be an issue....
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.