A legal conflict related to real estate is commonly referred to as a property dispute. This type of dispute can involve any kind of property, such as a house, a plot of land, a small body of water or a building. In the United States, property conflicts are relatively common and can easily escalate into contentious legal disputes, which can be frustrating for everyone involved.
Most landlords and property owners simply want to conduct their business without any interruption, whether it involves building new structures or just living on a particular property. Unfortunately, disagreements over issues such as land ownership, lease obligations and liability for damages often arise. This can happen when multiple parties claim ownership of the same property, there is a disagreement about the boundaries between two properties or other property-related issues come to light.
Common types of property disputes
Various types of conflicts can arise in different situations. The following are some of the most common types of property disputes:
- Breach of contract. Whenever real estate is bought, sold, or leased, a contract is put in place. A person may be found in breach of contract if they fail to uphold their end of the bargain, in which case the opposing party may seek damages for their losses.
- Boundary disputes. These may arise between neighbors due to disagreements over the exact location of property borders.
- Real estate fraud. Unfortunately, fraud can occur in any sector, including real estate. This usually occurs when one party misrepresents their property and deceives another party, for example, by hiding facts regarding the property’s condition.
- Co-ownership disputes. These may arise if owners or tenants cannot reach an agreement regarding the property. For example, a co-owner may end up paying more than their fair share of costs for repairs.
If you are unable to resolve a property dispute in a straightforward way, it is advisable to seek assistance from someone who understands real estate law. Being as proactive as possible can help you to safeguard your rights effectively.
