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Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What are my legal rights if the owner sells the property while I'm living there under a verbal rent-for-work agreement?

I have been converting a house into three apartments under a verbal agreement for about a year. My rent was paid through the work I was doing on the property. The owner suddenly informed me that they sold the property and I need to leave, but I have received no formal notice. What are my legal... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 21, 2025

You would be considered a month to month tenant and subject to eviction if you do not leave once you are given proper notice. While an eviction might take a few weeks, you could be considered a holdover tenant and subjected to double rent. The judge would impose market value rent.

Q: Can sister force grandfather to leave mom's residence in probate issue?

My mother, who was buying the home, recently passed away. My sister, the executor of my mother's estate, is telling my grandfather that he must leave the residence immediately, cannot take or come back to feed one of his dogs, and cannot take anything with him until the will is read. We are... View More

Edward Gudeman
Edward Gudeman
answered on Apr 18, 2025

First of all, your sister has no authority to control any property until a will is probated or an intestate (no will) proceeding is initiated and she is appointed as the Personal Representative. If you cannot find a will, then it may be a good idea for you to initiate such a proceeding and ask that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How can I dispute my apartment's charge for damage caused by improper installations?

I reported an issue with my washer and dryer unit being improperly installed behind a glass mirror closet in my apartment over a year ago. Initially, the apartment complex acknowledged the washer's placement caused damage but assured us we would not be charged. Despite emails that go... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 16, 2025

You should send written notification to the landlord or the landlord's representative with copies of the photos and videos. Check your lease to determine if it contains a provision specifying where and how written notice is to be sent. If your lease does not contain such a provision, send... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can I claim a property verbally promised by my landlord after his death?

I have been living in a property for 17 years, and my landlord promised me verbally that I would inherit it after his death. He has since passed away, and the property is now in probate without any written document. I have a witness to his promise, have not paid rent for the past month, and was... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Apr 15, 2025

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you probably do not have a leg to stand on. Oral wills pertaining to real estate are not enforceable. And if he had no will at all, then the heirs are nearest blood relatives, not tenants. Sorry. You also probably cannot make a claim due to adverse... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Timeline for NY security deposit return after move-out?

I moved out of my rental property in New York State on January 31, 2025. My landlord has informed me that I will not be receiving my security deposit back, claiming that the unit wasn't left in the same condition as when I first rented it. They provided a written explanation and itemized list... View More

Roland Godfrey Ottley
Roland Godfrey Ottley
answered on Apr 14, 2025

Under New York General Obligations Law § 7-108, a landlord must return the tenant's security deposit, less any lawful deductions, within 14 days after the tenant has vacated the premises (moved out).

Itemized Statement: If the landlord deducts any amount from the security deposit,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Facing eviction threats and inadequate maintenance from landlady in Texas.

I am currently facing eviction threats from my elderly landlady, who has attempted to evict me three times over the phone. Additionally, her son came to the house indicating that they found someone else to buy the property due to irregular rent payments, despite having been here for four years. The... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 14, 2025

It appears you have a verbal month-to-month lease for an indefinite term. If that is true, then your landlady is required to give you 30-days advance WRITTEN notice to end the lease. She is not required to notify you of her intent or efforts to sell the house. Absent an agreement to the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: What type of lawyer for elevator incident personal injury claim in Texas?

I need legal assistance regarding a personal injury and emotional distress claim against my apartment complex. My son and I were stuck in the apartment elevator for over an hour after a sudden power outage caused it to drop suddenly. I've attempted to make an incident report with the apartment... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Apr 13, 2025

You will need a personal injury attorney with an emphasis on premises liability at apartment complexes. Regarding your injuries, you likely have a claim for negligence due to the sudden drop of the elevator. The drop could be due to skipped maintenance or lack of emergency systems, causing your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Nebraska on
Q: Roommate demands more money than agreed after move-out?

I'm dealing with a roommate situation where I wasn't listed on the lease. I lived in the house from late January to April 2025 but left physically on March 18. Although I provided a 60-day notice of departure, my roommates are now demanding more money than initially agreed. We agreed on... View More

Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler
answered on Apr 12, 2025

I don't know enough about the specifics of your situation to give you specific advise. However, in general, when you agree that you owe the other party due to an agreement, it often makes sense to pay the amount that you agree that you owe. Then it is up to the other party to see if they... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Small Claims and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How to respond to unlawful detainer in FL without prior notice?

In Florida, I've been served an unlawful detainer without receiving prior notice. My landlord removed my belongings, locked them up, and the deputy sheriff intervened, stating eviction would need a proper process. I’ve documented rent payments and have evidence of belongings’ damage. I’m... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Apr 11, 2025

Unlawful detainer and eviction are 2 similar but completely different causes of action. In an eviction, you are required to be given notice. There is no notice in an unlawful eviction action. A small claims action on your part is absolutely incorrect. I urge you to seek an attorney's help... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Insurance Defense for Ohio on
Q: Liability for neighbor's tree falling on rental property in Ohio?

I own a rental property and there is a neighbor's tree that is hanging over my property. I've sent a letter to the neighbor about the situation but have not received a response. In the past, a small branch fell, and despite being informed, no action was taken by the neighbor. I have... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Apr 10, 2025

If a tree (or limb) from a neighboring property falls and causes damage—whether to the structure, yard, or a tenant's personal property, liability usually depends on whether the neighbor was negligent. That means if the tree was healthy and fell due to a storm or "Act of God" (high... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation, Business Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Seeking legal guidance on property management negligence causing $20,000 loss.

I own a rental property in Texas, and my property management company was negligent in screening tenants and maintaining the property. The tenant who signed the lease allowed multiple families to live in the house. Despite repeated complaints and monthly HOA violations, the management company failed... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 9, 2025

The success of your case will turn heavily on the language of your agreement with your property management company and the particular facts and circumstances of your case. You will need to prove how the management company knew or should have know that the tenant who signed the lease was likely to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Consumer Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Seeking attorney for breach of lease and deceptive trade in TX

I'm looking to find an attorney who works on a contingency basis to help with a breach of contract and deceptive trade practices case concerning a leased premises. For about a year, I've been living with mold and bad water. Despite my written complaints over the past 11 months, the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 9, 2025

In the absence of significant damages, it will likely not be possible for you to locate an attorney willing to work on such a case on a contingency fee basis. You would need to show some sort of "value" to the leased premises. If it is a commercial property in a prime location with a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Collections and Real Estate Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Am I responsible for entire judgment if co-tenant is missing?

I rented a house in Pittsburgh, PA, with a friend and we were both taken to court by our landlord, who won a judgment for $5,600 against us for damages. Although we are both named on the court papers, the landlord's lawyer claims I am responsible for the entire amount, possibly because my... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Apr 9, 2025

You and your co-judgment debtor are each responsible for 100% of the judgment amount. if the other guy can't be found, refuses to pay, etc., its all on you. Landlord's attorney is 100% correct.

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Legal actions for issues with lease and alleged late rent payments after moving out.

I moved in with my mother and her husband about 3-4 years ago and had a verbal agreement to pay $200 rent directly to them. After some changes, I was told to pay the landlord directly, but there seemed to be confusion about the payment plan and outstanding balances. I eventually moved out, but my... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 8, 2025

If I understand correctly, you verbally 'sublet' part of your mother's rental for $200 a month, but somehow your name is on the lease? How did that work exactly? What does the WRITTEN lease say about your obligations?

Without seeing that document I can't even hazard a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal for TX landlords to make tenants responsible for "normal wear and tear" repairs?

I'm getting ready to move out and have concerns about certain provisions in my lease. My landlord added a clause stating that tenants are responsible for repainting and refilling nail holes, which I understand to fall under "normal wear and tear." Is this legal in Texas? They also... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 7, 2025

I think you are correct that the lease by agreement between the parties has shifted what would normally be the landlord's responsibility for cleaning and "normal wear and tear" to you as the tenant.

There is no legal prohibition on the parties agreeing to do this.

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Being sued for not paying rent after unauthorized access and damage to my room.

I lived in a property for six months under a one-year lease agreement. After I requested to be removed from the lease agreement, the property management refused, stating it was a court matter outside their jurisdiction. In the meantime, I discovered that both tenants took over my room without my... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 7, 2025

The answer to your question depends on whether the "two tenants" are people you were sharing the premises with you under the lease (cotenants) or new people who rented the premises after you stopped living there.

When you sign a lease for one year, you commit yourself to paying...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Domestic Violence and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Rights regarding rental house and responding to DV restraining order.

I rented a house with the mother of my daughter, with her signing the lease first and me second. At that time, I was the sole breadwinner, covering most of the deposit and bills, while even having to get early paychecks to secure the house. Now, she has a restraining order against me, alleging... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 7, 2025

Regarding your rights to the rental house, California law under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act allows courts to issue orders that may temporarily exclude one party from a shared residence, even if both parties are on the lease or have made financial contributions. In Nicole G. v. Braithwaite... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: What can I do to protect my rights and stay on my husband's grandmother's property?

My husband and I have been married for four years and live in a camper on his grandmother's property. The grandmother has agreed that I can stay here. My husband is having an affair with a friend of mine and has moved out to live with her. He has returned briefly but then continued with the... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Apr 16, 2025

One spouse cannot have another spouse removed from what has been the marital property. Your husband cannot make you leave, even if it's his grandmothers property. She can go through the proper process of evicting you.

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Gov & Administrative Law and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Is a rent increase from $520 to $690 at my MHP excessive?

I have been living in a mobile home park for 6 years, and my rent was last increased 12 months ago. Recently, my rent was raised from $520 to $690 without any specific reason provided by management. Other residents have received the same increase. I'm not aware of any local rent control laws.... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 5, 2025

Absent rent control or some other local codes, private landlords can choose to charge whatever the market will bear for rent.

This is the disadvantage of renting.

You can also choose to move somewhere else with little to no notice.

This is the advantage of renting....
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Can I stay in the house if my husband moved out and can he turn off utilities before divorce in Texas?

I've been married for 16 years, and my husband moved out of our Texas home to a motel, leaving me and our dog. The mortgage and utilities are in his name only. I haven't been able to contact him, and I believe he might have a girlfriend. We haven't filed for divorce yet. Am I allowed... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 4, 2025

Yes, you can stay in your marital residence even though he has moved out.

Yes, he can legally turn of utilities that are in his name before a divorce is filed.

Because you are also an owner of the home, you can turn the utilities back on in your name.

If you file for...
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