Real Estate Law in Reno, NV
What Is Real Estate Law?
Are you getting ready to purchase or sell some property? Are you involved in a property or real estate dispute? Or, maybe you are having trouble getting your landlord to make repairs to the home. Whether or not you are a property owner or tenant, you have rights under Reno, Nevada real estate law.
Developers, property managers, and investors can also face property issues. Common reasons for this include property rights, access, liabilities, and more. These matters are complicated, so the best first step is to seek the counsel of a qualified Reno, Nevada real estate attorney.
Types of Real Estate Law Disputes
Disputes involving real estate are very common and some of them are quite complex. They often require the intervention of the courts. The courts are seen as the most biased party to weigh in fairly. Learn more about the different types of real estate disputes below.
Escrow Deposit
If you decide to purchase any Reno property, there are certain steps all involved parties must take. One is having an escrow account. A common reason escrow disputes occur is when the closing process fails and the buyer and seller cannot agree on what happens with the funds.
Easement Real Estate Dispute
Easement disputes are one of the most common forms of real estate disputes between neighbors, especially when property ownership changes. An easement allows other people or parties access to use certain portions of your property. Easements are not always granted by a property owner. Information regarding easements is often included in Reno, NV property deeds. Regardless of the reason for the dispute, the resolution often involves hiring an experienced real estate law attorney. Still, one step you can take to resolve the matter before pursuing litigation is talking amicably with the other party.
Fraud/Omissions
Some unscrupulous sellers try to take advantage of buyers by withholding information. Ultimately, they may do this to impact the outcome of the transactions and future ownership. Proving fraud in a real estate transaction can be an uphill battle. It is almost always necessary to work with an experienced Reno real estate lawyer to straighten things out.
The Attorney General of Nevada urges all residents of Reno to file a report if you believe you have fallen victim to real estate fraud. This type of fraud occurs when individuals or entities knowingly deceive, misrepresent, or lie in regards to the sale or rental of property. Failing to disclose damage, or lying on mortgage applications are both types of fraud, and are punishable by law. Mortgage fraud carries a maximum of 10 years in Nevada. If you have been the victim of fraud, you should contact the Nevada Mortgage Fraud Unit.
Contract Breaches
No Reno, Nevada real estate transaction is enforceable without a contract. Not all contracts are valid. The requirements for what to include in a valid real estate agreement vary from state to state. However, documents that are missing certain elements or contain unclear or confusing language and in which one party breaches often result in real estate disputes between sellers and buyers. Real estate contracts are enforceable documents. You should never enter into a real estate transaction in Reno without a valid mutually beneficial contract.
Landlord/Tenant
Disputes often arise when Nevada landlords and tenants cannot agree on repairs, rent arrears, and more. Reno, NV tenant and landlord laws are very complex, and failure to adhere to them can cause either party to violate the rights of the other. Not only is a valid rental agreement crucial, but so is having good legal counsel.
The Nevada Landlord and Tenant Act states that landlords in Reno are within the bounds of the law if they ask a prospective tenant about their criminal record. A landlord is also allowed to ask the nature of the crime you may have committed. Landlords must respect their tenant’s right to privacy once they inhabit the rental unit, and are required to keep all common areas of the rental property clean. In addition, landlords must give written notice if they intend to enter a rental unit, either for repairs or to show the unit.
Boundary Lines
Property line disagreements usually occur when adjoining Reno, NV property owners do not respect property boundaries. Sometimes this is due to a valid misunderstanding between neighbors. Not all property lines are easy to define and property records are not always accurate or easy to understand. Usually, disagreements arise because of fencing, trees, and other boundary line concerns. Though some Nevada property owners feel they can take matters into their own hands, doing so could cause more problems. Court intervention is typically the best way to identify and enforce property lines.
Ownership
Ownership issues are common when an owner verbally transfers ownership without documentation. These disputes often happen when someone bequeaths their real estate to another without going through the proper process. Or, there can be other parties with ownership rights, such as certain lien holders.
Determining the rightful owner of a property in Reno is not always easy. Many factors and issues can arise when disagreements over real estate exist.
Liens
Liens can impact your ability to own property or land free and clear. It is possible to sell a property that has liens on it. However, some liens can diminish a property’s sale price. Also, in many cases, liens must be cleared before securing a mortgage or financing.
The Nevada State Legislature affirms that creditors in Reno can petition the court for a judgment against debtors who have not or will not resolve their debt. If judgment is granted, a creditor can place a lien on the real property of the debtor. Some creditors will simply use this to garnish wages, but some may choose to force the sale of the property. The creditor is then entitled to a portion of the profit from the sale to settle the debt.
What Should You Do If You Become Involved in a Real Estate Dispute In Reno, Nevada?
If you have a real estate issue in which you feel your rights are being violated, or there is a specific issue that has you and another party in disagreement, you may want to speak with a qualified Reno real estate lawyer. Regardless of the issues involved, you can benefit from having legal guidance.
Learn About Real Estate Law
Reno real estate law is quite complex. It is important for you to learn as much as you can about how real estate law applies to your circumstances. Your lawyer will help you to understand what’s at stake and develop a plan of action that helps protect your real estate rights.
Work With an Experienced Reno, Nevada Real Estate Attorney
Real estate disputes make up the majority of litigation cases. Not all issues require you to go to trial. You should work with an experienced Reno lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to get you the resolution you seek. Depending on your disagreement, the courts may include financial compensation and injunctions to prevent retaliation or recurring issues.
Get the legal help you need now. We help Nevada landlords, renters, property and more resolve their real estate litigation. Additionally, we can even help you connect with an attorney across Nevada state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced Reno, Nevada real estate attorney!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
