what kind of lawyer to fight a housing

by Elena Stark 9 min read

What does a housing attorney do?

Do I need a lawyer for a housing dispute?

When to get a lawyer to fight your homeowners association?

Aug 14, 2018 · Housing laws can often involve some serious legal disputes and issues. You may need to hire a qualified property lawyer if you have any legal disputes or concerns. Your …

What kind of lawyer do I need to solve my legal problem?

What a Landlord & Tenant lawyer can do for you. 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 …

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How do you deal with an angry landlord?

6 Ideas for Dealing with a Difficult Landlord
  1. Pay your bill. Paying your bill on time is the single most important thing you can do as a tenant. ...
  2. Be a good tenant. ...
  3. Know your rights. ...
  4. Pick your battles. ...
  5. Document everything. ...
  6. Communicate clearly.

How do I report illegal rent in California?

Report a Rental Code Violation

If you wish to file a complaint regarding potential code violation(s) on a residential rental property, containing more than one dwelling unit, you may do so by calling the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) at 1-866-557-RENT (7368) or online here.

Where can I complain about my landlord in Los Angeles?

Contact the Los Angeles Housing Department by phone at 213-252-2500 or in person at one of the offices listed on its website at hacla.org. Complete a complaint form at the Los Angeles Housing Department if the landlord does not make repairs within 20 days of your written notice.

Where can I file a complaint against my landlord California?

The State of California Department of Consumer Affairs can help with questions or complaints regarding landlord/tenant relationships, including repair issues, safety violations, and Health and Safety Code violations. For further information, call (800) 952-5210, or visit the website at www.dca.ca.gov.

How do I sue my landlord in California?

How to file a small claims lawsuit against your landlord
  1. Step 1: Identify who your Landlord is and their address. ...
  2. Step 2: Complete "Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court" (Form SC-100) ...
  3. Step 3: File "Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court" ...
  4. Step 4: Serve your landlord.

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.

How do I report landlord to housing authority?

HUD calls this a double crime: one against both tenants and taxpayers. To report a bad landlord to the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line call toll-free at (800) MULTI-70 (800) 685-8470) / TTY (800) 432-2209.

How do I report an illegal garage conversion in Los Angeles?

Complaints generally can be made to local building departments in person, by phone or online. * For the city of Los Angeles: Call (888) LA4-BUILD and press “2"; or go to www.ladbs.org, click on “Report a Property Violation,” then click on “next” to get to the code enforcement complaint form.Sep 17, 2006

Your Landlord Is Evicting You

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 lawye...

Your Landlord Is Evicting You Without Proper Court Procedures

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 hand...

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...

Your Landlord Won't Make Necessary Repairs

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the land...

Your Landlord Isn't Fulfilling His Promises

Sometimes, landlords make promises to encourage hesitant applicants to rent from them. For example, if an applicant is concerned about the neighbor...

You've been Injured Or Made Ill

Accidents can happen, even at a well-run rental property. However, if an accident is the result of the landlord's carelessness, you may have a lega...

Your Property Has been Damaged

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring re...

How to Get A Lawyer's Help

If you are in need of a lawyer, choose one with expertise in landlord-tenant matters. For help in getting a lawyer, read the article "How to Find a...

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 is the best legal option for a lawsuit?

Suing someone, or responding to someone’s lawsuit against you? An attorney who specializes in civil litigation will be your best legal option. You may also find that different attorneys will specialize in different litigation areas as well. For example, a corporate litigation lawyer should have the expertise to help you with commercial litigation issues.

What is an IP lawyer?

Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.

What is general practice law?

Unlike lawyers who specialize in a particular area of law, a general practice lawyer has a practice that handles a wide range of legal issues. Different general practice attorneys will have different areas of law with which they are most comfortable, so if you consult with a general practice lawyer, it’s always prudent to discuss his or her experience in handling the type of legal issue you’re facing.

What is a disability attorney?

The Social Security Disability system can be a particularly complex system in which to navigate. An attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability issues can help you with any step in the Social Security Disability process, including assisting you with eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deny you benefits and dealing with the reduction or termination of your benefits.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

What is a worker's compensation lawyer?

If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

What does an affordable housing attorney do?

An affordable housing attorney will be able to determine whether your landlord and/or management company is in compliance with all federal and state housing regulations. Your attorney can also discuss whether your rights were in fact violated, and if so, they can provide you with the best legal options that would help you resolve your matter.

How to sue HUD?

If a person wishes to sue the HUD, the first thing they must do is file a complaint either by calling the Housing Discrimination Hotline or going directly to HUD’s website and clicking on their link for filing a complaint.

What are HUD tenants' rights?

Various other rights: HUD tenants also enjoy the right to organize and participate in protected tenant activities without fear of retaliation from management or their landlord. For instance, a HUD tenant may post materials in a common area to inform other residents of their housing rights.

How does HUD work?

HUD apartments: There are several other ways that HUD funds affordable housing. One such method is through HUD apartments, or low rent housing. The way this works is that the government will give apartment owners money in exchange for having them lower rents.

Why do we need a homebuyer booklet?

The reason why this booklet is given to homebuyers is to educate them about some of the major issues that arise during the purchase of a home, and also for their own protection. By providing answers to many common questions, the information in this booklet reduces the chances of a real estate broker or lender taking advantage of the buyer.

What is Section 8 housing?

Another low income program that HUD offers is Section 8 housing. Section 8 is essentially a voucher system. The government will supply a person who qualifies with a voucher to pay for a large portion of their rent. The remaining rent is then covered by HUD or the government sends money to a local housing agency who will use it to pay the landlord.

What is HUD financial assistance?

Other means of financial assistance: There are a number of financial assistance programs or resources offered under HUD, such as loans, mortgages, grants, and assistance for homelessness. HUD also provides fair housing education materials to protect the general public. Lastly, some financial assistance programs may be offered directly ...

Why do lawyers work for environmental organizations?

While these are not the types of lawyers that make the most money, most professionals in the field enjoy doing their part to save the planet. These lawyers work with various government organizations, citizens, and businesses to help them avoid further environmental damage in their actions, or pursue justice for the harm that has already been inflicted.

Why do people hire malpractice lawyers?

People who hire medical malpractice lawyers have most often suffered a personal injury due to an error made by a medical professional. Any harm caused by inappropriate treatment, negligence, botched surgery, or misdiagnosis falls under the practice of these types of attorneys. A malpractice lawyer can also represent health professionals when charges are brought against them, and they are usually employed directly by the medical facility where said professional works.

What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

In other words, it’s one thing to secure the so-called Juris Doctor degree - a graduate-entry professional degree in law - and another to pass the bar exam and practice law. So before we examine what the most interesting types of attorneys and lawyers are, it’s important to point out the difference between the two terms. An attorney is a lawyer, but a lawyer isn’t necessarily an attorney.

How much does a lawyer make?

We compared different types of lawyers and their salaries and found that medical lawyers earn the most. The average annual salary of a medical lawyer is over $150,800.

What is a business lawyer?

Business lawyers or corporate lawyers ensure that all operations of an individual company are conducted within the legal framework of local, state, and federal laws. A business lawyer is involved in everything from liability and intellectual property disputes to mergers and revising all sorts of legal documentation.

What do immigration lawyers do?

Immigration lawyers deal with individuals and entire families who are trying to acquire US citizenship. They provide advice on how to live and work in America legally. Immigration lawyers also work with political refugees and asylum seekers. Moreover, many employers and employees use immigration lawyers to help them obtain work visas. While this isn’t one of the highest-paid types of lawyers, helping people find a better life in the US can be fulfilling work.

How many lawyers are there in the US?

According to the latest statistics, there were 1.33 million lawyers in the US alone. Among this vast array of legal minds are diverse types of lawyers who work across several categories of the law business. The following article covers a dozen different jobs for lawyers that can serve as a useful starting point to anyone searching for a legal practice.

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.

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Common Disputes Against Hoa's

Common Disputes by Hoa's Against Homeowners

  • The following are common HOA disputes that occur between HOA's and homeowners: 1. Failing to pay HOA dues or assessments on time 2. Not maintaining your home in accordance with the 3. Parking in authorized areas 4. Violating use and zoning ordinances 5. Ban on certain types, sizes, and number of pets Being a member of a homeowners' association isn't for everybody. So befor…
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How Association's Work?

  • The association is a governing body that runs your planned community or condominium building. They association has a board of directors. Residents are elected to serve in positions such as President, Secretary and Chief Financial Offer or Treasurer. The association's bylaws and CC&R's set forth the rules and regulations. The association documents must comply with state and loca…
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Complaints About Associations

  • People who live in communities governed by associations frequently complain about the fact that the board of directors do not follow through on comments and complaints made by the homeowners that they represent. Other big complaints are mismanagement of HOA funds and lack of enforcement of common area rules and regulations. By hiring an HOA lawyer, you have t…
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Hire An Attorney

  • If you are involved in a dispute with your HOA, you should hire an HOA attorney to assist you. HOA matters can become heated and emotional, so it is best to have an experienced attorney handle the negotiations and resolve the dispute for you. The attorney is an expert in HOA and state laws, and can explain them to you and advise of your legal right...
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