Benny L. Kass – Page 17

The Fair Housing Act should a starting place in disputes between nonsmokers and smokers.

Law addresses secondhand smoke infiltrating apartment

May 20, 2019 at 7:35 a.m.

Q: I unknowingly moved into an apartment next to a smoker. The smoke permeates into my apartment and has increasingly posed serious health issues for me (respiratory issues, coughing and...

Typically, condo developers make their profit when the last few units are sold.

Construction loan may spell out partial release of condos

May 20, 2019 at 7:34 a.m.

Q: I am buying a new condominium from a developer. My lender asked if the developer's loan allowed for partial releases. What does this mean? A: The developer got a...

Pigeons can become a nuisance when large groups gather around homes.

Confront neighbors about their pigeons creating a nuisance

May 20, 2019 at 7:33 a.m.

Q: I live in a home with a relatively small backyard. The houses surrounding me are all very similar. My neighbor has put up a pigeon coop in the middle...

A rental agreement should specify penalties for violations, experts say.

Can landlord sue tenant for remodeling home?

May 20, 2019 at 7:33 a.m.

Q: Five years ago I rented my house to a couple. I stopped by to see them the week they were moving in and was shocked to see the man...

Donating a conservation easement is an area of law that has serious tax consequences if not done right.

Tax implications of donating a conservation easement

May 20, 2019 at 7:32 a.m.

Q: My husband and I have land and want to give a conservation easement to a legitimate organization. Where do we start? A: That's a good, but tough, question. I...

The American Society of Home Inspectors recommends a three-pronged inspection: prior to the pouring of the foundation, prior to insulation and drywall, and prior to the final walk-through.

Why you should get inspection on brand new home

May 20, 2019 at 7:32 a.m.

Q: My husband and I are buying a newly constructed house from the developer. This is our first purchase. Should we hire a building inspector to monitor the house as...

Home seller under no obligation to give buyer documents

May 20, 2019 at 7:31 a.m.

Q: I just settled on closing my house sale, and the cash buyer now wants the property survey I paid for about 20 years ago. Is this a reasonable request?...

The concept of diminution of property values is vague and often difficult to prove.

When a neighbor’s property obstructs your view

May 20, 2019 at 7:30 a.m.

Q: I live in a rural area with very high property values. Building codes are extremely stringent, and any construction is ultimately subject to our state coastal commission approval. One...

If you lack receipts to back up your deductions, the Cohan rule may offer some relief.

Cohan rule may provide tax relief without receipts

May 20, 2019 at 7:30 a.m.

Q: Thirty years ago, we bought a house that we lived in until 2-1/2 years ago, when we bought another house and moved. Our neighbor's son and wife wanted the...

If you have purchased a home and then later discover a major defect, you may be able to recover damages, but litigation is time-consuming and expensive.

Is it worth it to sue over new home with a leaky spa?

May 20, 2019 at 7:30 a.m.

Q: We bought our home in August 2014. One of the key items was a spa in the back. On two separate visits, the spa was running and looked great....

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