what type of lawyer do i need for a case against a landlord

Do I need a lawyer for a landlord tenant law case?

Oct 30, 2020 · Lawyers can work in a law firm with other lawyers, with a partner, or practice by themselves in a solo practice. In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases.

Why should I hire a lawyer for an eviction?

If you think your case against your landlord may be worth more than $10,000, you may want to reach out to a landlord-tenant lawyer in your area to see how much they think your lawsuit is worth. Many landlord-tenant lawyers provide free consultations to determine if …

What to do if your landlord discriminates against you?

Choose a local lawyer that is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant law and has significant experience fighting evictions. Such a lawyer can come up with effective strategies or creative solutions that you might not be aware of—for example, the lawyer could argue that your landlord's eviction was retaliatory (and therefore an illegal eviction ) if the circumstances support such a …

What does a lawyer do for rental property owners?

Mar 30, 2011 · What kind of attorney do I need to sue landlords for extreme emotional trauma? ... Absent a case for slander, any case against the landlord would be based in contract. This would mean you would only be able to sue for your economic damages, and not for any emotional distress, pain, or suffering. ...

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...

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, ...

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 lawyer advise on?

A lawyer can advise an individual what they may be entitled to in their state, as laws vary by state. Issues may include alimony and child support. Without a lawyer, an individual runs the risk of inadvertently waiving their rights to alimony, visitation with their children, or even custody of their children.

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 criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Can a guilty plea affect immigration status?

Some guilty pleas, even to misdemeanor charges, can have long-term consequences. A guilty plea can also affect immigration status or lead to deportation of a non-citizen. 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.

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.

Do I need a lawyer for a prenup?

In most cases, marriages do not require a lawyer but a prenuptial agreement should be reviewed by a lawyer. In some states, it is required, unless expressly waived, that an individual is represented before signing a prenuptial agreement. Many family law matters begin after a couple has been married.

How to serve a small claims court in California?

Once you file your California small claims court lawsuit, the next step is to notify your landlord that they have been sued. This is called "service of process" (also known as "service"). You must serve your landlord at least 15-20 days before the small claims court hearing (sometimes you are required to serve at least 30 days before the hearing). There are several ways you can serve your landlord including by having a friend serve, hiring a process server, or hiring the sheriff. You cannot serve your own lawsuit.

What to do when a problem arises?

The first thing to do when a problem arises is to communicate with your landlord. If you are still living in the unit, you have an ongoing relationship with your landlord and maintaining that relationship is important.

What is a demand letter?

For example, you could write to your landlord to request that they return your security deposit and that they did not follow the procedures outlined under California law. For security deposits, landlords should be well aware of their requirements outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1950.5.

How long does it take to get a small claims hearing?

Once you file your small claims lawsuit, you will get a hearing date scheduled anywhere between 30-70 days later. During this time, your landlord may call you to try and settle the case. If you come to an agreement, you can close your small claims lawsuit.

Can you sue your landlord for a security deposit?

You can sue your landlord in small claims if you think the amount they kept from your security deposit is incorrect or if they used your deposit to repair damage to the unit considered "normal wear and tear." Remember, your landlord cannot take money from your security deposit for damages that are considered "normal wear and tear."

Can I sue my landlord in California?

We often receive the question, can I sue my landlord in California small claims? The answer is yes as long as the dispute is for $10,000 or less (more on this below). Disputes with landlords are very common in small claims court.

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 evicts you?

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.

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.

What happens if you don't have renters insurance?

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 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 happens if your landlord doesn't fulfill your lease?

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 landlord who keeps putting off needed heating system repairs until winter is well under way, or the landlord who ignores a ground-floor tenant's requests to fix a broken window until a burglary occurs.

What happens if a landlord doesn't maintain the property?

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring repair job could spark an electrical fire in your living room, damaging your furniture and other belongings.

Lonnie K McDowell

I am sorry for your serious medical difficulties. I expect that the landlord would give a different version of the facts, and the judge may find her testimony credible. I do not think starting a protracted, emotionally draining lawsuit a year and a half later is the remedy for your problems.#N#More

Jonathan Adam Jamieson

In order to sue for slander, you would have to prove that the comments made by your landlord resulted in some sort of harm to you. From the facts you've provided, it seems that the harm you suffered came more from the acts of the landlord (in evicting you) and from the moving man.

Daniel Robert Hamad

Talk to a personal injury attorney, I guess... or just call up general practice firms in the area.#N#This is not legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The post is only an opinion. You should speak to an attorney for further information...

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 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.

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 IP law?

1. Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers. Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected ...

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.

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 is a personal injury lawyer?

This lawyer is an expert in tort law, which deals with civil legal liabilities and damages.

What happens if a tenant does not respond to a landlord's complaint?

If the tenant does not respond, or answer, the landlord’s complaint, the court will issue a default judgment for the landlord. Should the court rule in favor of the landlord, the tenant must vacate the property if so ordered.

What does a landlord do when evicting a tenant?

The landlord files a complaint, which outlines the circumstances for eviction and may request back rent and/or damages. The landlord must serve the tenant with the complaint and a summons, which informs the tenant a lawsuit has been filed.

What is eviction in a rental?

Eviction refers to a legal process in which a court orders the removal of a tenant from a rented apartment or home at the request of the landlord. The landlord must have justification for requesting eviction. There are many reasons a landlord may wish to evict a tenant from a rental property. These can include:

How to fight an eviction?

The simplest way to fight an eviction is to adhere to the terms of the rental agreement.

What is a pay or quit notice?

Pay or quit; Cure or quit; and. Unconditional quit. A pay or quit notice is provided when a tenant has not paid rent. The landlord puts the tenant on notice that if they do not pay the rent, they will be required to leave. A cure or quit notice is provided when a tenant has violated a term of the lease.

Can a landlord evict a tenant without reason?

Prior to going to court and requesting an eviction, a landlord must terminate the tenancy. In most cases, this can be done with or without reason, unless the property is regulated by rent control ordinance. Landlords of rentals of this type must have a reason to evict the tenant.

Can a landlord remove a tenant?

Even if the tenant has failed to pay rent, has damaged the property, or has violated the lease agreement, the landlord may only legally remove the tenant through the established state eviction procedures.

What is the implied warranty of habitability?

This means that the landlord is responsible for making repairs and keeping the property in livable condition.

Can you sue a landlord for a slip and fall?

For example, you slip and fall because there is not a lawfully required banister in the stairwell. You cannot sue the landlord if your injury is due to your own neglect. For example, your apartment is so dirty that you slip and fall in your apartment on a pile of your own dirty clothing.

Can you sue a landlord for a security deposit?

If you are suing because the landlord withheld your security deposit, then it makes sense to file the lawsuit after move out. If you are suing because the landlord refuses to perform repairs to make the unit habitable, then it makes sense to sue while you have an active lease.