Being a landlord comes with a lot of responsibility, but it has the potential to become a rewarding and lucrative experience. One of the keys to setting yourself up for success is making sure you have proper legal representation when necessary. Though you may not need to keep a real estate attorney on retainer, hiring someone to advocate on your behalf in certain situations will help to protect your investment and prevent you from facing significant financial burdens. Below are a few instances in which you will benefit from seeking counsel.  

When Do Landlords Need the Help of a Real Estate Attorney?

1. Tenant Eviction 

Most states try to encourage a stress-free eviction process; unfortunately, this isn’t how it always turns out. Oftentimes, landlords opt to go through the procedure without legal help only to discover they’ve made an error on the paperwork or violated their tenants’ rights. Working with a real estate attorney will ensure you’ve provided all the correct information, met the deadlines, and remained in compliance with the law. They will also help expedite the process to minimize your income loss. 

2. Housing Discrimination Disputes 

When you’re a landlord, you’re likely to reject quite a few applicants over time, as not everyone will pass your tenant screening process. In some cases, this can lead to accusations of discrimination, which is strictly prohibited by law. Even if you’re confident you’ve followed fair housing policies, consult a real estate attorney if you’re being investigated or sued for discriminatory acts. They can help you resolve the dispute quickly and avoid serious penalties. 

3. Liability Lawsuits 

Under premises liability law, landlords have a legal duty to maintain a safe property and eliminate any dangers that could cause someone else harm. If a tenant or visiting guest gets hurt on your property and subsequently files a personal injury lawsuit claiming you were negligent, you should hire a real estate attorney. They will know how to negotiate these types of cases and build a strong argument to present to the court. 

Without the appropriate legal experience, defending yourself in circumstances such as these is not in your best interest. When you need a proven real estate attorney, contact Stuart R. Norman Jr. He has extensive knowledge of the law and landlord rights. He has spent more than 40 years providing the residents of New London County, CT, with high-quality services and will fight to preserve your reputation and financial health. Call (860) 376-0069 to schedule a consultation, or visit his website for more information on how he can help you.