what kind of lawyer do you call for advice about a landlord

Full Answer

What kind of lawyer do I need to deal with a landlord?

You want to focus on a lawyer who understands the landlord tenant rules in your state, and even more specifically, in the town where the rental property is located. Responsive: You want a good lawyer, but you also want one you can get in contact with.

How do I find a landlord tenant lawyer?

There are several resources you can consider to find a landlord tenant lawyer. These include: Bar Associations: Your state or county’s bar association may provide referrals for lawyers. For example, the New York City Bar provides legal services for a number of issues, including landlord tenant conflicts.

What to do if your landlord discriminates against you?

Your Landlord Discriminates Against You. If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any harm you suffered. One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court.

Do I need a lawyer to get reimbursement from my Landlord?

If you have renter's insurance, your insurance company will cover the loss and its lawyers will then seek reimbursement from your landlord. If you don't have insurance or have inadequate coverage and the damage to your property is substantial, consider hiring a lawyer to help you obtain reimbursement from your landlord.

What is a tenant lawyer?

What can a landlord/tenant lawyer do?

Why hire a landlord attorney?

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How do I report a landlord in New York State?

If you believe your landlord is not following the law related to rent increases, you can make a complaint to the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal at hcr.ny.gov.

How do I file a complaint against a landlord in NYC?

They also assist folks in the process of negotiating reasonable accommodations in the areas of housing, employment, public services etc. For general questions, call the main number, 212-306-7450. To file a complaint, call the number for scheduling appointments, 718-722-3130.

How do I take my landlord to court NYC?

Go to the Landlord-Tenant Clerk's office and fill out a court form called a Petition in Support of an Order to Show Cause. If you can, bring your lease, rent receipts, utility bills and mail addressed to you at your home. If the Judge signs the Order to Show Cause, you will get a court date a day or two away.

Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Texas?

You can submit a complaint online, or you can call their office at (512) 463-2642 or toll-free (Texas only) at (888) 452-4778.

How do I report a landlord for negligence?

Make a complaint to a 'designated person' (your MP, a local councillor or a tenant panel) if you cannot resolve the problem with your landlord. Contact your council or local authority if you and your landlord still cannot resolve the problem.

What does NYC 311 do?

NYC 311 gives access to non-emergency City services and info about City government programs.

Can you sue your landlord?

In general, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your landlord for the following reasons. Illegally Keeping Your Security Deposit: Each state's landlord tenant law lists specific reasons a landlord can take deductions from your security deposit.

Can a landlord sue for unpaid rent during Covid?

A landlord can sue their tenant for COVID-19 rental debt in small claims or civil court.

Can a landlord evict you without a court order?

No, your landlord usually cannot evict you without a court order. As long as you haven't abandoned your home, your landlord cannot change the locks, install a deadbolt, take off doors, or do anything to stop you from entering your home.

What Are Renters Rights in Texas?

According to the Texas Attorney General, Texas tenants are entitled to the following rights: The right to "quiet enjoyment" of your home. This means your landlord cannot evict you without proper cause (most commonly nonpayment of rent) or otherwise disturb your right to live in peace and quiet.

How do I sue my landlord in Texas?

If your claim is for $10,000 or less against your Landlord then you file your lawsuit in Justice Court in the county where you live in the rented property. If your claim is more than $10,000 then you file in a County or District Court.

How do I sue my landlord for unsafe living conditions in Texas?

Tenants have up to a year to file a housing complaint against a landlord for unsafe or unlivable housing. They can do this online, through email, hand delivery or mail to the Civil Rights Division of the TWC, 1117 Trinity Street, Room 144-T, Austin, TX 78701. The agency's phone number is 888-452-4778 or 512-463-2642.

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But, where can you get free legal advice for tenant problems? A great place to start for free legal advice is a web site called FreeAdvice Legal: Real Estate Law, Landlord/Tenant.. This website offers sample letters and legal document forms (that you can edit!), lists of tenant rights and responsibilities, as well as answers to general questions about renters insurance, maintenance, and ...

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An experienced landlord / tenant lawyer can help both a tenant and a landlord when issues arise. For tenants, landlord tenant lawyers can help the tenant when they are discriminated against, landlord is evicting in an illegal fashion, when your landlord would not make necessary repairs for you to have a livable place, tenant has been injured because of the property, and when the landlord has ...

What is a tenant lawyer?

On the other hand, a landlord / tenant lawyer also helps landlords who have tenants breaking rules, such as moving out three months early or refusing to pay rent. Tenant eviction laws are very specific, with different rules in each city.

What can a landlord/tenant lawyer do?

A landlord/tenant lawyer can help you win an eviction lawsuit, steer clear of liability, and collect or return a security deposit. Whether you are a landlord drawing up a lease or a renter trying to get back your security deposit, an attorney can assist in cases of all types, especially those involving illegal discrimination, property damage, ...

Why hire a landlord attorney?

Because the apartment you rent is your own personal space, the law places many limits on landlords' activities. For example, if a landlord tries to make you move without giving you enough notice, ...

What are tangential issues for landlords?

Addressing tangential issues for landlords, including business law and estate planning-related issues such as business succession planning, and protection of rental property assets in a divorce or other family law matter.

What is a landlord tenant attorney?

A landlord/tenant attorney can help you analyze your situation, determine what your rights are, and make a well-informed decision about how to protect your interests. We've created a list of trusted landlord/tenant attorneys to help you find a lawyer who is the best fit for your situation.

What is a landlord tenant attorney?

A landlord tenant attorney is one who specializes in the legal issues surrounding landlord and tenant rights and is a valuable resource for you when you need it most. Legal expertise can guide even the most prepared landlord through the challenges of managing your rental property.

What to do if landlord tenant attorney is not doing the job you expect?

If your landlord tenant attorney is not doing the kind of job you expect, don’t hesitate to seek out another one that may be a better fit. Whether the attorney is too hard to get ahold of or your personalities just don’t mesh, don’t get stuck with someone who is not meeting your needs one way or another.

What is RentPrep for landlords?

RentPrep offers great resources for landlords who want to write their own leases. Check out our landlord starter form kit today to get the base lease agreement and lease addendum examples as well as many other form examples that will be useful for landlords like you.

What is a real estate attorney called?

Real estate attorneys are sometimes called landlord–tenant or rental attorneys. The exact type of law that an attorney specializes in will determine whether or not they can help you with the issues that you are having.

Why do landlords avoid hiring an attorney?

Many landlords avoid hiring an attorney because they believe it will be too expensive. However, the typical cost of getting help from a lawyer for a few hours to review documentation or for an entire case is not as much as many believe it to be.

What is the best way to handle a rental business?

In those cases, working with an experienced rental attorney familiar with local and state laws is the best way to handle the situation. An experienced attorney can help you to make the right legal choices and provide the support needed to keep moving forward with your rental business.

Why do landlords prefer membership?

Many landlords prefer the membership model because they get state-specific forms and unlimited answers to their legal questions. The fee is tax deductible as well.

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

What do lawyers do?

Different types of lawyers specialize in different areas of law. Some lawyers mostly do the work outside of the courtroom, such as drafting contracts and wills, preparing documents to comply with a process, negotiating deals, and advising clients on a legal problem. There are also lawyers who present cases in court or litigations ...

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is a real estate lawyer?

Real estate lawyers provide legal guidance for individuals or companies seeking to buy or sell a property. They work with their clients and the real estate agents to draft documents and ensure that the paperwork is legally binding. They may also negotiate for the buyer or seller, or represent a property owner during a foreclosure dispute.

What kind of lawyer handles reproductive rights?

But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law. For instance, if there’s a criminal investigation of child abuse or a domestic violence case, or if there’s a juvenile delinquency case, a family lawyer may also work with a criminal lawyer. 3. Estate Planning Lawyers.

What is a criminal defense lawyer?

Last but not least, a criminal defense lawyer is skilled in handling all stages of a criminal lawsuit. They provide valuable counsel to their clients from the time they are arrested, through the investigation, charging, arraignment and sentencing. Their work isn't quite done if their clients wish to appeal their case. A good criminal defense attorney knows how to navigate the nuances of the law, which allows them to keep their clients out of prison.

What is an intellectual property lawyer?

Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected from copycats and duplicates. If you've created an art design, a unique product, a novel, a song or a computer program, you can consult with an intellectual property lawyer for securing copyright, patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements.

How many discrimination complaints does HUD receive?

HUD and state and local agencies in FHAP receive over 10,000 discrimination complaints a year. If HUD investigates your complaint and determines there's reasonable cause to believe your landlord has been discriminating, you'll get the benefit of having a HUD lawyer representing you in front of an administrative law judge at no cost. The judge can award you compensation and attorneys' fees, impose penalties against your landlord, and order other relief.

What is tenant rights?

The more you know the law and your legal rights, the better. The Tenant Rights section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website provides a wide variety of state and local resources, including links to fair housing groups, rent control boards, tenant unions, and legal aid organizations for each state ;

What to do if landlord refuses to honor promise?

If the landlord later refuses to honor the promise, you might need to hire a lawyer to write a stern letter to your landlord, with a reminder that landlords can be held liable for some criminal activities at their rentals, and threatening a lawsuit unless the landlord follows through.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any harm you suffered. One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court.

What to do if landlord serves termination notice?

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a local lawyer that is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant law and has significant experience fighting evictions.

Why do landlords have attorneys fees?

Many landlords include an "attorneys' fees" clause in their lease or rental agreement to prevent frivolous lawsuits. If your lease or rental agreement includes this clause, you might be entitled to get reimbursed for your reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs if you win a lawsuit against your landlord.

How to evict a landlord?

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hands—for example, by locking you out, canceling your utilities, or even removing your doors, windows, or possessions—consider hiring a lawyer. These types of "self-help" remedies are illegal. No matter how strong a landlord's case may be for ending a tenancy, a landlord doesn't have the right to take, or even threaten, any self-help actions against you.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is personal injury?

In a personal injury suit, an individual is injured, mentally and/or physically, because of an accident, defective product, or an act or failure to act by another. A court may award a plaintiff in a personal injury suit monetary damages for their injury. Civil law cases can be complex.

What is civil matter?

Civil matters include contract disputes between businesses, real estate, and personal transactions. Unlike criminal cases, there is no determination of guilt or innocence. Usually, the parties may only recover monetary damages, including punitive damages in some cases.

What happens if you can't afford a criminal lawyer?

It is important to remember that, in most cases, when an individual cannot afford a criminal lawyer, the court will appoint one to represent them. It is also important to keep in mind that if an individual is sentenced to jail time, they will not be able to earn an income and may lose a job.

What does a tenant attorney do?

A tenant attorney will help resolve any dispute between you and your landlord by interpreting the lease agreement and either representing you in a lawsuit or advising you on your next steps. If your tenant attorney is only reviewing your lease, you can expect to feel comfortable that the agreement between you and your landlord is legally binding ...

Can a landlord sue you for a security deposit?

Your landlord is suing you. Some security deposit disputes can be handled on your own in small claims court, but if you're confused about the process, you may want to consult with a tenant attorney to help guide you through the steps.

Do tenant attorneys charge by the hour?

Many tenant attorneys charge by the hour, but some also use flat rate services for simple matters such as lease reviews. Rates will vary depending on where you live and what you need your attorney for. Make sure to negotiate a rate before you decide to hire your attorney.

Do landlords and tenants have disagreements?

What you'll learn: Tenant and landlord disagreements are common, but fortunately tenant lawyers exist to guide you through any disputes that may arise. Before moving forward with a lawyer, you may want to figure out what outcome you can expect.

Is Rocket Lawyer a lawyer?

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

What happens if you are sued for housing discrimination?

When You’re Being Investigated or Sued for Housing Discrimination. The penalties for engaging in illegal housing discrimination are steep. Not only will a landlord potentially face a $16,000 decision, but they can likewise owe other damages to the plaintiff.

Why do people rent out properties?

While there are some landlords out there who make a career out of being a landlord, most folks who rent out properties do so because it’s a lucrative form of investment. They own one or a few rental properties and are largely self-educated when it comes to the legal side of the business. In other words, they don’t necessarily keep ...

Do landlords have an attorney on retainer?

Landlords that own major investments all over the city or make a living off of real estate generally have an attorney on retainer or are themselves, attorneys. For smaller investors, having an attorney on retainer may not make a whole lot of financial sense.

Can a landlord sue for property damage?

Property Damage Lawsuits. If a landlord’s failure to maintain his property results in damage to the tenant’s property, the tenant has a right to sue the landlord for damages . Some landlords require that their tenants carry renters insurance which may cover property damage to tenant’s belongings done on the premises.

Can landlords be held liable for personal injury?

Only if the landlord fails to respond could they then be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises. Nonetheless, personal injury lawsuits are complex issues and having a lawyer handle them for you will produce the best results.

Can a landlord be sued?

There are a number of reasons that a landlord can be sued, but one of the most common is a failure to maintain a safe and healthy residence. Tenants can bring premises liability lawsuits if they result in personal injury.

Do landlords need a lawyer for eviction?

In addition, there are some complex evictions in which even experienced landlords would want to have a lawyer help them. Those include: The tenant has a lawyer and is fighting the eviction. The tenant is filing for bankruptcy. The tenant is involved with a state sponsored-housing program.

What happens when you file an eviction notice?

Once the eviction notice is filed with a local court, then the clerk will send a summons to the tenant and also provide the landlord with a court date for a hearing. At this stage, both the landlord and the tenant should be collecting evidence to support their arguments for and against the eviction at the hearing.

Why would a landlord want to evict a tenant?

There are many different reasons for why the landlord may want to evict a tenant from a rental property, including: If the tenant has breached the terms of their lease or rental agreement (e.g., smoking in a non-smoking building or keeping pets despite no-pet conditions in the lease); and.

What to do if tenant forgot to pay rent?

If the tenant simply forgot to pay rent or is now in a situation where they are able to pay it, then the tenant should alert the landlord and make the payments.

What happens if a tenant wins an eviction hearing?

In contrast, if the tenant wins the hearing, then they will continue to enjoy the right to remain on their property. The judge may also order the landlord to pay the tenant’s legal fees and other damages that the tenant may have suffered due to the eviction action.

What happens if a landlord removes a tenant's personal property?

If the landlord removes a tenant’s personal property before the eviction order is granted, then the tenant will have grounds to sue for illegal possession of property and any associated damages done to the property that were caused by the landlord’s illegal actions.

How long do you have to leave a house if you are not a tenant?

If a court rules in favor of the landlord, then the tenant will have a certain amount of days to leave the premises. If they have not left after the time period has expired, then the landlord may contact local law enforcement to have the tenant arrested and removed.

What to do if tenant is evicted?

If the tenant has good reason to defend against the eviction notice, then they should hire a qualified attorney to argue on their behalf in court. This can help ensure a more successful outcome due to the legal procedures involved and certain evidence that the tenant may not know to gather themselves.

What is a tenant lawyer?

On the other hand, a landlord / tenant lawyer also helps landlords who have tenants breaking rules, such as moving out three months early or refusing to pay rent. Tenant eviction laws are very specific, with different rules in each city.

What can a landlord/tenant lawyer do?

A landlord/tenant lawyer can help you win an eviction lawsuit, steer clear of liability, and collect or return a security deposit. Whether you are a landlord drawing up a lease or a renter trying to get back your security deposit, an attorney can assist in cases of all types, especially those involving illegal discrimination, property damage, ...

Why hire a landlord attorney?

Because the apartment you rent is your own personal space, the law places many limits on landlords' activities. For example, if a landlord tries to make you move without giving you enough notice, ...