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0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Breaking lease in WA due to maintenance issues; are cleaning charges valid without wear?

I am breaking my lease in Kent, Washington, due to unresolved maintenance issues over the past seven months. The lease's move-out instructions state the carpets and blinds will be professionally cleaned, deducting these costs from my security deposit. Despite documenting the carpets'... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Construction Law and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: Compliance of wooden steps/ramp for church exit in LA?

In New Orleans, Louisiana, I am planning a new project involving the construction of wooden steps and a wooden ramp with handrails 32 inches high for an emergency exit or back door exit at a church assembly commercial building. My main concern is ensuring compliance with safety or building codes.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: How can I repossess a vehicle in Georgia as the primary owner?

I am the primary owner of a vehicle that I do not have in my possession. The co-signer has possession of the vehicle, is not paying on the loan, and has repeatedly promised to refinance the loan to remove my name, which has not happened. Since September 2024, I have tried to contact the co-signer... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for New Jersey on
Q: Does an ambulance have the right to block access in a private roadway for non-emergency transport?

I am having an issue with an ambulance company that frequently blocks the roadway in my apartment complex. I live in an apartment with a private roadway that allows only one traffic lane in one direction, with parked cars, including mine, along the roadway. I park in a handicapped space assigned to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can an organization evict residents without notice after changing housing program terms?

I am an elderly disabled person living in a transitional house. The organization that initially offered transitional housing sold or transferred their program to a new organization, which changed the program to a recovery house. None of the current residents needed or wanted to participate in a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 24, 2025

Under California law, the only lawful way to evict a tenant is to file a case in court. As a tenant, you have the right to remain in your home until a court orders you to move out. The organization cannot simply force you to leave without proper legal procedure, regardless of the program change.... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Foreclosure, Probate and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Options when living in a deceased parent's house facing foreclosure and sibling sale issues

I have lived with my Dad since 2011, and he passed away in 2014. I have been making mortgage payments since 2017 until November 2024, when my sister put the house up for sale. She is on the deed with my dad since 2010, but there is no written will. Now, the house is in default with several letters... View More

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Apr 24, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the situation. Has a Petition for Probate been filed? If not, the property most likely cannot be sold since a representative of your father's estate must be appointed to sign transfer documents to the new owner. In addition, as a beneficiary, you must be given... View More

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0 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Oregon on
Q: Mortgage lender broke promise, condo auctioned, legal options?

I had a recorded phone call with my mortgage lender where they promised that if I filled out an application for financial aid, my condo would be taken off the auction list. I filled out the application during that call, and the agent opened the case and filed the application. However, a day before... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Collections, Landlord - Tenant, Military Law and Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I seek legal advice for unoccupied apartment leases in collections?

I am filing for bankruptcy due to two apartment leases I never used, now in collections, one in Colorado and another in Texas. I've paid all deposits and fees, and the collections amount to about $12,000 each. There were contact attempts with the properties about my change of plans due to... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 24, 2025

If you file chapter 7 bankruptcy, both debts will likely be discharged.

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0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Nevada on
Q: Can SW Gas legally enter my private backyard without permission to disconnect service, and what can I do about it?

I was away in Texas for my daughter's wedding and didn't receive notices from SW Gas regarding their need for access to the meter. While I was away, SW Gas personnel entered my gated backyard in Las Vegas without my knowledge to disconnect the service. They moved my dogs to the front yard... View More

Q: Easement dispute and countersuit with overdue discovery responses; concerns about lawyer's approach and bias.

I am involved in a legal dispute regarding an easement issue and a countersuit with allegations made against me that I believe to be untrue. Admissions were due mid-February after an initial extension, but responses have not been provided. My lawyer has indicated that due to a delay in the court... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Texas on
Q: Help recoup withheld royalties and resolve tax deduction issues with lender and oil company.

In 2022, I secured a mortgage loan with a lender using a special warranty deed and relied on oil and gas royalty payments to cover my loan payments. That year, the oil and gas company stopped my royalty payments, claiming a presumed overpayment from a previous company. This overpayment issue was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Apartment uninhabitable after fire; charged rent despite not accessing unit. Legal steps to address this?

I signed a lease for an apartment on April 1, 2025, and moved some possessions in on April 5th. That evening, a fire rendered the apartment uninhabitable, which the leasing office acknowledged. I was offered to terminate the lease or wait for repairs. When I opted to wait, I was later told I needed... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Apr 23, 2025

Sounds like you owe the rent April 1 - April 5, at a minimum. If you elected to wait, your lease remained in effect. Apparently upon closer inspection, it was determined that you could not wait - the damage was too severe, and the lease terminated then. Perhaps that's 2 weeks between April 5... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for Tennessee on
Q: Do I have to pay half the mortgage as a co-signer after separating from the co-borrower in TN?

I co-signed a mortgage loan, but I no longer live with the other borrower in the property tied to this mortgage. There are no issues with payments, and we haven't made any verbal or written agreements about handling the mortgage now that we've separated. I don't believe there is any... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 24, 2025

If you signed the note then you are jointly and severally liable for the whole debt. Only if the note is paid off, refinanced or discharged in BR are you out of the note obligation.

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Mississippi on
Q: In the state of Mississippi in lease agreement when it’s not clearly stated what is “improper”parking is this legal?

My daughter’s car was towed at college apt complex in middle of night. The lease does not explicitly state what constitutes improper parking .My daughter’s car was towed in middle of night for being over the painted line.

0 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for South Carolina on
Q: Dispute over real estate commission based on agency type in SC.

I signed a real estate sales contract in South Carolina, agreeing to a 5% commission for a dual agency transaction and a 6% commission otherwise. The agency, Keller Williams, claims that a designated agency sale occurred and is requesting a 6% commission. However, nothing in the contract explicitly... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Dispute contractor charge for unexpected extra work in water damage mitigation without authorization.

I hired a contractor for emergency water damage mitigation in my basement. Initially quoted at $5,000, the final invoice is $60,000 due to 'unforeseen conditions,' such as an extra floor. The signed contract only mentions 'Emergency Services to Mitigate Damage' and states... View More

J. Nathan Cole
J. Nathan Cole
answered on Apr 24, 2025

This really depends on your specific state. In Massachusetts, for example, we have a statute that covers most residential construction projects involving a homeowner's primary residence, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 142A. That statute requires change order to be in writing and agreed to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate, Real Estate Law and Public Benefits for Texas on
Q: What recourse do I have as a common-law spouse to a deceased partner without a will in Texas?

I am a common-law spouse in Texas, and my partner passed away without a will. I chose not to probate due to the small balance in his bank account. His children took possession of his truck, car, and motorcycle, which I agreed to at the time. We lived in a house I purchased in 1996, and I had... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Constitutional Law and Real Estate Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I record audio in my Wisconsin home without roommate's knowledge?

I have a roommate in my private home that I own in Wisconsin. I suspect that my roommate is plotting against me to have me removed from my home, as there have been many behaviors indicating this, and others have told me about her plan. I am considering recording audio in common areas like the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How does selling a house in a trust change anything?

I am the sole living trustee and the trust spells out that as such I can exercise all powers without the approval or supervision of any court, the grantor, or any beneficiary. These powers include being able to sell, trade, deal, blah blah the trust property which explicitly lists the real estate.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it legal for a landlord in Ohio to ask a tenant to pay $3000 for future tenant's renovations?

My friend's mom has been renting a place in Ohio for over 10 years. The landlord wants to raise the rent, which is understandable, but they are also asking her to pay $3000 for renovations and new appliances intended for future tenants. Is it legal for them to demand such a payment from her,... View More

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