Get free answers to your Landlord - Tenant legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am facing eviction under a land contract for a property I have lived in for over 15 years. The contract was sold without my knowledge. I received unnotarized documents earlier and was recently tagged by the sheriff with incomplete paperwork. I have evidence, including a bribe attempt via text... View More 
I left some clothes at someone's house in Macomb County, Michigan, and now they are avoiding giving them back to me. They initially said I could live there, but it turns out they lied. I stayed there for a few days, but now they won't let me retrieve my belongings. I've asked them to... View More
I broke a year-long lease in Michigan after six months and agreed with the landlord’s representatives in writing to make monthly payments. Despite this, I later received a demand to pay the remaining balance in full. The unit has been posted online, but I have no information on viewings or... View More
answered on Mar 13, 2025
Yes, if the landlord sues, you can challenge the landlord’s fulfillment of his duty to mitigate his losses. Another issue is whether there is an acceleration clause or a liquidated damages provision in the lease. You may wish to consult an attorney.
I have been living in my mother's house for 27 years, during which time I have paid for everything, made repairs and upgrades, and helped as her caretaker due to her health issues. She has recently given me a 90-day notice to move out, stating no specific reason other than being retaliatory,... View More
I have been renting a property for four years and have never encountered issues with communication or documentation. However, my landlord has not responded to my requests for a ledger via phone call and text message. I have no late fees or amounts owed. Is my landlord obligated to provide me with a... View More
I had a former tenant who did not have a written lease agreement. They vacated my house 3 months ago, but their belongings are still there. I’ve tried to contact them, and they mentioned they were unable to retrieve their items at that time. How long am I required to wait before I can remove... View More
I signed a year-long lease on January 1, 2025, with a monthly rent of $1,750 plus utilities. My lease does not specify any fees for rent payment methods, aside from late fees. On March 1, 2025, the management company notified me via email that starting in April, there will be fees for paying rent... View More
answered on Mar 4, 2025
If it's not stated in the lease it doesn't seem legal to charge this fee. However, this is not a definitive answer. I recommend you contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), and file a complaint.
I am being extorted by my landlord who is taking over 50% of my Social Security benefits for rent without any formal agreement or justification. I have not received any legal advice yet. What legal steps can I take to address this situation and potentially sue for the excessive deductions?
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answered on Feb 27, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action if your landlord is taking 50% of your Social Security without a formal rental agreement. Many states have laws protecting tenants from excessive rent increases and unfair practices, and Social Security recipients often have additional protections. Without a... View More
My roommate, who is also a renter, recently placed a camera disguised as a pen in my bedroom without my consent. I discovered it after noticing misplaced items, and upon finding it, I reported the incident to the police. The detective mentioned that my roommate might be allowed to put cameras in... View More
In Michigan, Oct 31,2019, I received a small claims court monetary judgement against the defendant. The defendant filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptry court Eastern District of Michigan in Jan 2020, I was unaware of this. The bankruptcy estate was fully administrated and... View More
How should the tenant proceed due to being exposed to mold and does any failure to properly remediate the mold and it's root causes, violate the Fair Housing Act?
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answered on Oct 28, 2024
In public housing, the responsibility to remedy mold typically falls on the housing authority or landlord. They are obligated to maintain a safe and healthy living environment, which includes addressing mold issues promptly. It's important to notify your landlord or property manager in writing... View More
They conduct what they call “safety inspections” EVERY month. And HUD does a annual inspection EVERY year. My argument is we are paying close to $1,000 a month, and people have the right to pursuit of happiness and tenants have right not to be harassed. It is also effecting my mental health... View More
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answered on Oct 25, 2024
Frequent government housing inspections might raise concerns regarding the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. While safety inspections are important for ensuring living conditions meet certain standards, conducting them every month could be seen as... View More
Landlord told the court I owed him rent but I didn’t owe anything
answered on Sep 20, 2024
A wrongful eviction would be done either constructively or through "self-help", and usually done outside the judicial process. If there was a court hearing where your landlord asserted you owed rent, and either you didn't say otherwise or the judge didn't believe you - or you... View More
The property is in Georgia and I reside in Michigan.
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answered on Sep 14, 2024
You do not need to start a business to collect rent on a residential property you own. As an individual, you can rent out your property and report the rental income on your personal tax return. However, there are some benefits to forming a business entity, like an LLC, for rental properties, such... View More
answered on Sep 12, 2024
A promissory note is a promise to pay a specific amount of money in a given time usually with interest rate and payment schedule spelled out. It is usually secured by a mortgage or similar ‘security agreement’.
This has nothing to do with life leases which is a way to transfer a... View More
What would be their rights if they’ve been notified for many months? Their portion of the lease has been expired for 2 months now. They do not live in the home & the lease is only in my name. They are threatening to come get only the expensive items and not everything, since they still do not... View More
answered on Sep 3, 2024
What does your written agreement with your roommate say? Do you have ANYthing in writing?
Put it in writing or there is no way to answer this. I’d suggest even now you should — in writing — offer a specific time and place for them to pick up their things. If they are not removed... View More
I was evicted from my home for nonpayment of rent. I filed an appeal. The 30th circuit court took six months to rule on my appeal. They agreed to uphold the eviction. Can I quash the eviction under the 56 day rule? I have paid all of my rent into escrow. I have a remaining balance of $1805.72 can... View More
answered on Aug 15, 2024
Unlikely. While I like where you're going with your logic, unfortunately the law doesn't work that way.
Procedurally, there was an order for eviction that you appealed. When you appeal, things are sort of put on hold during the pendency of the appeal. Then, the decision is made... View More
In my complex, we have exclusive resident parties organized by the housing agency. I've consistently filled out forms stating my children and I should not be photographed or publicly identified. Unfortunately, This is the second instance where my whereabouts were revealed. The first time, my... View More
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answered on Jul 28, 2024
You have the right to pursue legal action against the housing agency for posting photos without your consent and for disclosing your location, especially given your history as a domestic violence victim. This repeated failure to protect your privacy and safety can be grounds for a lawsuit. You... View More
answered on Jul 2, 2024
Yes. When it comes to real property, you're either an owner, tenant, or occupant. When you are not the owner, you can be evicted.
An unreliable tenant may be getting evicted in my unit. If they used a guarantor to secure housing, will the guarantor be at risk financially if there are any legal issues?
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