There are many instances in which landlord & tenant disputes are minor and can be resolved without the need for legal representation. Some situations, however, can have a major negative impact on the tenant’s life, sometimes going as far as inhibiting your ability to stay in the home of which you are renting. In these situations, it is wise to hire an experienced real estate lawyer who will strive to make sure your rights are protected.
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The eviction process is a very stressful event. Being forced to leave your home suddenly is never an easy situation. Fortunately, there are laws and regulations that landlords must abide by when trying to evict tenants. In many situations, these laws are broken, and proper procedures are not followed. In these situations, having a lawyer on your side makes it possible to stay in your home. One common illegal situation is when a landlord tries to force you out by changing the locks or cancelling utilities. No matter the reason you are being evicted, these practices are not allowed by law.
The reason for eviction must be legal as well. A landlord cannot evict you because of your race, age or sexual preference. He also cannot try to force you out of the rental property as a means of retaliating against you following a dispute.
While evictions are one of the most common landlord-tenant disputes, there are other situations where it is wise for a renter to enlist the help of an attorney. If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, such as fixing the heat or a major appliance, you have the right to repair it yourself and deduct the cost from the rent. To ensure you go about this the right way, though, it is wise to talk to a lawyer. Likewise, if your landlord is making promises such as installing a security system or upgrading a feature of the property and isn’t following through, you may be able to take legal action.
Disputes between tenants and landlords can quickly become ugly, especially when the landlord is behaving in a manner that is against the law. At the Law Offices of Eric L. Nesbitt, we specialize in protecting the legal rights of renters involved in such disputes. For a free 30-minute consultation, call us today at 303-741-2354.