Housing, Landlord, Tenant, Real Estate Lawsuits

Hamilton, ON: With the current softness of the real estate housing market, real estate closings are down while foreclosures continue to rise. However, for those lucky enough to remain in their homes or in a position to buy real estate (for fire sale prices in some cases), it's buyer beware—especially if the home was built during the real estate boom years. [ Read More ]

Irvine, CA: Attorney Sean Rutledge from the United Law Group in Irvine, California spends more hours than you can imagine mowing through mounds of paper, writing letter after letter to banks trying to arrange loan modifications for clients teetering on the brink of foreclosure. “Unfortunately,” says Rutledge, “the banks continue to phone and harass homeowners and use every possible excuse to delay a final decision on loan modifications.” Judging from what Rutledge and his firm have experienced the last few months, the situation for homeowners is appalling. [ Read More ]

Los Angeles, CA: The ongoing credit crisis and the mortgage meltdown have affected real estate housing in ways not seen for decades. However, beyond the general economic contraction, and the impacts specific to the real estate industry, are various illegal and morally reprehensible practices, which for some affect everything from real estate closing fees to the acquisition of real estate in general. [ Read More ]

A landlord cannot discriminate against you if you have a seeing eye dog, even in a "no pets" building.

The premises you rent must be "habitable". This means the apartment or house you are renting is fit to be lived in. There must not be any unsafe conditions, such as holes in the floor, plaster coming down from the ceiling, bad wiring, etc., and there must be no infestation of vermin such as cockroaches or mice. It is the landlord's responsibility to make sure the property he is renting is in livable condition.

It is especially important that your rental unit be free of lead based paint which is toxic when eaten or inhaled by small children and pets, causing low IQ, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), mental retardation, and brain damage.

You would be wise to photograph or video the condition of your premises before you move in - and have dated receipts or time stamped photos or video in case of any disputes when you vacate the premises.

Unless there is an emergency situation, you have a right to privacy. Your landlord may not enter your premises with out advance notification.

Other rights such as how much deposit you are required to put down, whether you get interest on your deposit, are different from state to state, and you should find out what regulations apply in your area.

If you are late in paying your rent, or your landlord is taking action against you, you should be aware of your rights to have proper notice of the action against you, a chance to make up your rent payments, and rights to appeal.

If you are worried that you may be evicted, you should contact a lawyer or a local tenants' association.