Residential Real Estate
Whether you are renting a place to live or own your own home, there are laws that protect your rights and laws that create responsibilities that you must uphold. The articles that lawyers have contributed to this section examine the various legal and contractual factors that affect residential arrangements, from landlord-tenant law to homeowners associations.
FindLaw Residential Real Estate Articles
- Florida hurricane season: Good time to review your insurance coverage
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
According to a recent report, the 2013 hurricane season may not bode well for Floridians. And if tragedy does strike in Florida, hurrican insurance claims are likely to drastically increase. Read More » - Converting co-ops into condominiums
Provided by: Avallone Law Associates
With the ever-changing real estate market, owners are deciding not to sell their properties, but rather to go through the process of converting their co-op into a condominium. Read More » - California real estate disputes: Partition in kind vs. partition by sale
Provided by: Law Offices of H. Michael Soroy
When co-owners of real estate disagree about how to use and maintain their shared property, it sometimes becomes necessary to settle the dispute by requesting that the court sever the co-ownership in a process known as partition. In California, a co-owner of property typically may initiate a partition action at any time. Read More » - Drafting leases for New York City apartment rentals
Provided by: Pearlman, Apat, Futterman, Sirotkin & Seinfeld, LLP
New York City has a number of strict laws that govern rental housing, and a successful career as a landlord depends on careful compliance with those regulations. Read More » - Are neutral evaluators in Florida sinkhole disputes really “neutral?”
Provided by: Corless Barfield Trial Group
A few years ago, a change was made to Florida law that was originally touted as a fair and evenhanded way to help homeowners and insurance providers settle sinkhole damage disputes, otherwise known as the “Neutral Evaluation Process.” Read More » - New York mortgage foreclosures: Are we out of the woods yet?
Provided by: The Law Offices of Allison B. Crain & Associates
Federal settlements with mortgage lenders have not dispensed with our nation's foreclosure crisis. Many New Yorkers are still underwater and are not obtaining the debt relief to which they are entitled. Read More » - What’s the most damaging weather in Texas? The answer may surprise you
Provided by: Pennebaker Law Firm A Professional Corporation
Texans may be surprised to discover what type of weather causes the most damage in the state. Read More » - Federal regulators tap banks to review own foreclosures for misconduct
Provided by: Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C.
Federal regulators have tasked banks with analyzing wrongful foreclosure practices. Read More » - Who is liable for faulty Florida construction, insurer or contractor?
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
When construction defects occur, Florida homeowners generally have to determine what remedial option is most appropriate: submit an insurance claim or file suit against the builder. Read More » - Title insurance is an important investment
Provided by: Lonergan Law Firm, PLLC
Many property owners have questions about what exactly “title” is or why title insurance is necessary. Read More » - Citizens’ hurricane insurance premiums increase; so does executive pay
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
While that the hurricane insurance premium increases by Citizens were already tough to stomach for many Florida homeowners, a recent report indicating the use of company funds for extravagant purchases by company officials has added insult to injury. Read More » - After foreclosure, “zombie titles” may haunt homeowners for years
Provided by: Caldwell & Kearns, P.C.
When banks fail to follow through after announcing foreclosure, homeowners can be left on the hook for years to come. Read More » - Hurricane insurance coverage for Florida condo owners
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
When it comes to covering hurricane damage to Florida condominiums, insurance claims can get quite complicated due to the unique ownership characteristics of condos. Read More » - Tampa sinkhole causes water scare at local university
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
A recent sinkhole scare at a local Tampa university demonstrated yet another potential hazard that may be linked to Florida sinkholes; namely, possible water contamination. Read More » - Cancelled contracts for home purchases on the rise
Provided by: Shapiro Gettinger & Waldinger, LLP
For a variety of possible reasons, many home sale contracts are being cancelled. Read More » - Common landlord tenant disputes and how they can be resolved
Provided by: Shapiro Gettinger & Waldinger, LLP
A clear understanding of how common arguments arise can help both parties avoid unnecessary disputes. Read More » - Living large for free: Squatter claims right to empty Boca Raton mansion
Provided by: Law Offices of Larry E. Bray, P.A.
The prevalence of foreclosures in South Florida and problems with documentation once again made national news with reports of a squatter who filed a clain for legal possession of a bank-owned home. Read More » - Scientists develop a new way to detect mold in homes
Provided by: Triangle Law Group
Mold contamination in a home can cause serious health issues for the whole family. Read More » - Cooperative lawsuit illustrates risks of ‘unintentional’ discrimination
Provided by: Pentiuk, Couvreur & Kobiljak, P.C.
A recent cooperative housing lawsut illustrates the importance of applying rules for prospective residents consistently. Read More » - Foreclosure prevention in Pennsylvania
Provided by: Weisberg Law, P.C.
One way to pause or possibly prevent foreclosure is filing for bankruptcy. Read More » - New Ordinance Requirements Proposed in Williamsport
Provided by: Caldwell & Kearns, P.C.
A new ordinance proposed in Williamsport, Pennsylvania may require landlords and tenants to register with the city. Read More » - Florida homeowners need to be aware of sinkhole dangers
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
Florida’s geological landscape makes to presence of sinkholes more common than most homeowners would like. Sinkholes are not only dangerous but can cause devastating property and home damage ― making Florida sinkhole coverage a must-have for many Florida homeowners. Read More » - Sinkhole opens up in Florida front yard
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
A recent sinkhole catastrophe illustrates the importance of obtaining sinkhole insurance coverage in Florida where sinkholes can be quite common. Read More » - Dealing With the Aftermath of a Natural Disaster in Texas
Provided by: Pennebaker Law Firm
Moving on with life after a natural disaster involves a lot of hard work. One difficulty, of course, is dealing with insurance companies. Read More » - Buying a home in New York City: co-op or condo?
Provided by: Pearlman, Apat, Futterman, Sirotkin & Seinfeld, LLP
This article discusses tips on making the choice between a co-op and a condo in New York City. Read More » - Retaining wall in Texas collapses, diminishes home values
Provided by: Law Offices of Robert N. Grisham, II
Faulty construction practices and homeowner insurance claim disputes can cause headaches for homeowners. Read More » - Reverse mortgages bring risks and benefits for New York seniors
Provided by: Pearlman, Apat, Futterman, Sirotkin & Seinfeld, LLP
Reverse mortgages can be great sources of income for senior citizens in New York. However, reverse mortgages can also have significant down sides. Here are some tips for people considering a reverse mortgage. Read More » - Florida Sinkhole Insurance Rates are Rising
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
As conditions are ripe for sinkhole formation, rates for sinkhole insurance have risen. Read More » - In Connecticut, as Elsewhere, Foreclosures Rebound in 2012
Provided by: Yorio Law Group, P.C.
In Connecticut and across the country, foreclosures are on the rise as mortgage lenders struggle to work through a backlog created during the 2011 robo-signing scandal. Read More » - Federal Government to Sell Foreclosed Homes as Rental Properties
Provided by: Lonergan Law Firm, PLLC
The federal government plans to sell foreclosed homes to investors, who will profit from rental income. Read More » - New Legislation on Sinkholes Could Hurt Property Owners in Florida
Provided by: Corless Associates
Recent changes to the Florida sinkhole law make it harder to file an insurance claim. Read More » - Wrongful Foreclosure in Minnesota: Is Compensation Available?
Provided by: Patrick Burns & Associates
Compensation may be available for wrongful foreclosure in Minnesota. Read More » - Pennsylvania Court Rules Sheriff’s Sale Must Stand Despite Later Offer
Provided by: Avallone Law Associates
The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled recently that a sheriff’s sale of real estate could not be set aside after the fact when a latecomer offered more than double the purchase price. Read More » - Will New Federal Guidelines Decrease the Wait Time for Short Sales?
Provided by: Thomsen Nybeck, P.A.
As most owners of real estate know, a short sale occurs when a homeowner attempts to sell for less than is owed on the home loan. Read More » - Differences Between Short Sales and Foreclosures
Provided by: Yorio Law Group, P.C.
An overview of the differences between short sales and foreclosures and how an attorney can assist homeowners in each process. Read More » - Think You Are Safe From Foreclosure? Don’t Be So Sure
Provided by: The Law Offices of Allison B. Crain & Associates
A national survey found that thousands of homeowners in 45 states were improperly foreclosed upon in the past year. Homeowners are increasingly fighting back and some are winning. Read More » - CPIC to Depopulate List of Insured Families
Provided by: Corless Associates
CPIC will allow private insurance companies to assume the policies of its customers. Read More » - Proposed Legislation Would Leave FL Homeowners High and Dry
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
Proposed bill leaves Florida's homeowners at risk. Read More » - Understanding and Pursuing Your Rights Under Your Homeowners Policy
Provided by: Thomsen Nybeck
Is someone 100 percent certain their fence is completely on their own property? Really? Are you sure? To avoid a boundary dispute you should know the exact location of property lines. Read More » - USAA Continues to Deny Florida Sinkhole Claims
Provided by: Corless Associates
As sinkhole damage continues to plague Florida homeowners, those with homeowner's insurance through USAA are finding it harder and harder to collect on their valid sinkhole property damage claims due to USAA's narrow, and non-consumer-friendly, reading of it's own policies. Read More » - Understanding and Pursuing Your Rights Under Your Homeowners Policy
Provided by: Thomsen Nybeck
One of the most important purchases after closing on a home is a homeowners’ insurance (HOI) policy. These policies are designed to protect a person or family’s financial stability should something happen to their home. Read More » - Partition Actions In Philadelphia: Sorting Out the Options
Provided by: Avallone Law Associates
Sometimes parties simply cannot agree on how to use or whether to sell property. For those instances, Pennsylvania has laws governing dissolution of property through partition actions. Read More » - Home Sales Down in North Texas for First Quarter
Provided by: Lonergan Law Firm PLLC
The first quarter of 2011 delivered some bad news for the residential real estate market. Read More » - Stay or Walk Away?
Provided by: The Law Offices of Allison B. Crain & Associates
There are several factors you should consider before making the decision between seeking a loan modification or walking away and letting your home fall into foreclosure. Read More » - Lawsuits Expose Holes in the Legality of Home-Foreclosure Proceedings
Provided by: Patrick Burns & Associates
Homeowners facing foreclosure should know that several lawsuits have been filed challenging the legality of the foreclosure system. Read More » - New Law Offers Relief to Struggling Utah Homeowners
Provided by: Wasatch Advocates Trial Attorneys
A new law provides a remedy for victims of illegal foreclosure in Utah. But is it enough? Find out more about Utah’s foreclosure problem and the legislature’s remedial efforts. Read More » - A Guide to Arizona Short Sale Purchases
Provided by: Platt & Westby, P.C.
Buying a short sale can be lucrative, but the process is complicated and needs the guidance of a skilled real estate attorney. Read More » - Rent Regulation Bill Advances Through New York State Assembly
Provided by: Wang Law Offices
Established after World War II, rent laws cap the amount of rent a landlord can collect for a rental unit. A bill passed in the New York State Assembly would extend current laws to 2016. Read More » - Hurricane Insurance for Homeowners Might be Getting More Expensive
Provided by: Clint Brasher Attorney at Law PC
Hurricane insurance is a must for those along the cost, but premiums may be increasing due to storms coming further inland. Read More » - Loan Modification Scams Preying Upon California Homeowners
Provided by: Law Offices of James G. Schwartz
In 2009 alone, the California Department of Real Estate filed nearly 600 punitive actions against mortgage modification scammers. Read More » - Florida Sinkhole Claims Extending Beyond Sinkhole Alley?
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
Pasco and Hernandez counties are well established as the centers of sinkhole activity in Florida. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem may be spreading. Read More » - With The Housing Market In Shambles, Who Will Pay?
Provided by: The Mellor Law Firm
Although the real estate market began its collapse several years ago, banks and lenders continue to sort out the related issues today. Read More » - Insurance Companies Take New Approach to Denying Sinkhole Claims
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
Traditionally, insurance companies have sought to avoid paying sinkhole claims by denying evidence of sinkhole activity. Recently, though, insurance companies have been trying a new approach. Read More » - Mortgage Modifications under HAMP: Hope for the Struggling Homeowner
Provided by: the Price Law Firm, PLC
Nearly a million homeowners are enjoying the benefits of the Home Affordable Modification Program, one of the options integrated into the “Making Home Affordable Program.” Read More » - California Steps Up Enforcement of Foreclosure Consultant Laws
Provided by: The Mellor Law Firm
Fed up with companies preying on desperate homeowners, the California Attorney General's office is taking action to prosecute foreclosure consultants operating in violation of state laws. Read More » - Duty to Disclose Defects in Residential Properties
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the sale, you may have remedies available under Massachusetts law to recover from the party who failed to disclose the defect. Read More » - Homeowners May be Able to Prevent Foreclosure through Mediation Program
Provided by: David G. Volman, Attorney at Law, L.L.C.
In 2008, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a law creating the Foreclosure Mediation Program. Read More » - What Should Be Done To Solve Florida's Property Insurance Crisis?
Provided by: Williams Law Association, P.A.
Florida legislators must act quickly to reduce the potential repercussions of a catastrophic hurricane. However, any action must balance a wide range of competing interests. Read More »