Owning a piece of real estate is a dream come true for many. However, with ownership also comes responsibility and, sometimes, inevitable legal challenges. One such challenge is real estate litigation, which can be a labyrinth of complexities. Let’s look at some of the common real estate litigation cases that could bother you.
Table of Contents
1. Boundary Disputes
Boundary disputes are common real estate litigation issues where neighbors argue about where one property ends and the other begins. Fences, trees, or even buildings can encroach on a neighbor’s land, leading to legal battles. It could be as simple as you have planted a beautiful garden, but your neighbor claims a portion of it is on their side of the property line.
2. Zoning And Land Use Regulations
Zoning laws and land use regulations can feel like a complex rulebook that dictates how you can use your property. Understanding them becomes paramount since these laws differ from city to city and can be complex to deal with.
Let’s say you own a property in a residential zone, but you want to convert it into a commercial space. In such cases, zoning laws may stand in your way.
3. Easements
Easements grant someone the legal right to use part of your property. These can be public, like utility companies accessing your land, or private, like your neighbor’s driveway crossing your property.
For example, you own land, but a utility company has an easement to access their equipment on your property.
4. Contract Disputes
Real estate transactions involve contracts, and misunderstandings and disagreements about contract terms can lead to litigation. It is like you agreed to sell your property but later realized the buyer interpreted “fixtures included” differently than you did.
5. Title Issues
Title issues can arise when there’s a dispute over who legally owns a property. Title searches are crucial to ensure a clear chain of ownership. Let’s say you buy a property, but a previous owner’s heir comes forward, claiming they still own it.
6. Nuisance Claims
If your neighbor’s actions interfere with your property rights and enjoyment, you might have a nuisance claim. For example, your neighbor’s noisy party disrupts your peaceful home, impacting your right to quiet enjoyment.
7. Construction Disputes
If you hire a contractor to remodel your kitchen, but they don’t complete the project as agreed, it can lead to a construction dispute. Construction disputes can involve contractors, subcontractors, and property owners. These disputes may arise due to issues with work quality, timeline, or payment.
8. Eminent Domain
Eminent domain is the government’s power to take property for public use, often with compensation to the property owner. However, disputes can arise over fair compensation for your property.
For example, if the government wants to build a new highway, and your property is in its path, the government will ask you to donate property for their project. And in return, they will provide you with compensation for it.
9. Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Landlord-tenant issues can encompass a wide range of disputes, from eviction to lease violations. Therefore, familiarity with your state’s landlord-tenant laws is essential. One scenario for this dispute could be that your tenant has not paid rent for months, and you want to evict them.
10. Environmental Issues
Environmental issues can affect property value and use. If the soil, water, etc., is contaminated around your property, such environmental hazards can result in litigation. For instance, you discover that a nearby industrial site has been leaching toxins into the groundwater, affecting your property. These problems can cause environmental troubles.
The Role Of Legal Professionals
While these issues are common in real estate litigation, each case is unique. Hence, dealing with these disputes requires expertise and professional help from real estate attorneys, mediators, or sometimes courts. Property rights and real estate laws can vary significantly from one state to another; thus, understanding the legal landscape in your specific jurisdiction is essential to getting out of them smoothly.
