Real Estate Law in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island real estate law. Not all residential and commercial real estate transactions execute perfectly. Sometimes unexpected issues can occur such as property rights, access, liabilities, and more. Furthermore, legal matters involving real estate transactions are often complex and are not just limited to the property owners.
Types of Real Estate Law Disputes
Disputes involving real estate in Rhode Island are very common and some of them are quite complex. They often require the intervention of the courts. Typically courts are seen as the most biased party. Learn more about the different types of real estate disputes below.
Escrow Deposit
If you decide to purchase any Rhode Island property, there are certain steps anyone who is involved 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 Rhode Island property deeds.
For example, a neighbor may feel they have the right to access a portion of your property because a previous owner allowed them to for years. One step you can take to resolve the matter before pursuing litigation is talking amicably with the other party.
Landlord/Tenant
Disputes often arise when Rhode Island landlords and tenants cannot agree on repairs, rent arrears, and more. Tenant and landlord laws are very complex and failure to adhere to them can cause either party to violate the rights of the other.
Under Rhode Island’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a landlord cannot demand a security deposit in excess of one month’s rent. Upon termination, the landlord must deliver to the tenant an itemized list of damages plus any remaining security deposit within 20 days. If the landlord fails to do so, the tenant may recover the amount due, together with damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees.
Contract Breaches
No Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island without a valid mutually beneficial contract.
Fraud/Omissions
Proving fraud in a real estate transaction can be an uphill battle. It is almost always necessary to work with Rhode Island real estate lawyers to straighten things out.
Under Rhode Island law, residential mortgage fraud occurs when a person intentionally makes an omission of or misrepresents a material fact during the mortgage lending process. Any person violating this law is guilty of a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. Any person who engages in a pattern of mortgage fraud can face up to 20 years in jail and up to $100,000 in fines.
Boundary Lines
Property line disagreements usually occur when adjoining Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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
Determining the rightful owner of a property in Rhode Island is not always easy. For instance ownership issues are common when an owner verbally transfers ownership without documentation. Or, when someone bequeaths their real estate to another without going through the proper process. There can also be other parties with ownership rights, such as certain lien holders.
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 clear before you can secure a mortgage or financing.
Under Rhode Island statute, a judgment lien remains attached to the property for 20 years. As well, a judgment creditor can attach a judgment lien to either real estate or personal property. However, the creditor must request the attachment of the lien within 48 hours after the original judgment is entered. The creditor must then file the execution with the recorder of deeds in the Rhode Island town where the property is located.
What Should You Do If You Are in a Real Estate Dispute in Rhode Island?
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, it’s best to speak with an experienced Rhode Island real estate lawyer. Regardless of the issues you are facing, you can benefit from having legal guidance.
Learn About Real Estate Law
Rhode Island 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 Real Estate Attorney in Rhode Island
Real estate disputes make up the majority of litigation cases. Still, not all issues require you to go to trial. You should work with Rhode Island lawyers that have 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 Rhode Island landlords, renters, property and more resolve their real estate litigation. Additionally, we can even help you connect with an attorney across Rhode Island state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
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