about a year ago we got out house fixed by a non-licensed contractor. we payed them to finish all works done in check the full amount and we also baught some things for them that they needed to fix for the house. unfortunately they never finished and they never return our calls. we kept calling but they never responded. is there a way we can sue? there was a verbal agreement but no written contract.  we knew them from a family friend so we thought we could trust them but we ended up getting screwed over with a house that is half remolded and no money to get things that we not fixed properly refixed.
128737
As someone once said, "a verbal contract is only as good as the paper it is written on". Verbal contracts are difficult to defend in court, as the argument then becomes one of "he said, she said". The best you could hope for would be a resolution through mediation or by judge's order. You never know, you might wind up on the lucky side, but you need to consider the cost of legal action, and determine if it's worth the time, effort, and stress involved in chasing this person down.
347887
If that's what the proposal said, and that's what you signed, then it will be difficult, but not impossible, for you to prevail.  First, think about getting a copy of the proposal.  The fence company should have it. Read it.  Where is the limitation of liability clause?  Did you see it? Did they point it out to you?  Is it reasonable? (i.e. there are some things in some states that you can't waive by contract.  If the thing says that they're not liable for any damage whatsoever, it may or may not be enforceable in Florida).  Did you mention the PVC piping to them? Did they make any oral representations about the pipe (these may or may not be valid, depending upon the representations)?\nThis is an uphill legal battle for you, but what about the practical side? Call the business owner, tell him:\nHey, your guys really messed up my underground PVC piping.  I'm not happy with your work, and I would like to talk with you about having you help pay for the repairs.  \n\nExplain exactly how the fense building caused the repairs.  If possible get some proof that they didn't build the fence in a "workmanlike" way--that they were not careful somehow.  Mention that you can report these facts (never say that you'll badmouth the business itself; that can be grounds for a business libel suit) to your friends.  See if the guy will work with you.  Don't just talk to the person who answers the phone, or even the super who put up the fence--get as high up as possible.  Perhaps there is a non-legal way to settle this.\n\nIn addition, if the value is just a few thousand dollars or less, you can consider taking this to small claims court -- (the name is different in each state).  You don't need a lawyer (some states prohibit a lawyer) and the rules of evidence don't apply.  The forms are easy, and oftentimes the judge will give a "fair" verdict, rather than one that would apply a strict interpretation of the law.  Just give the facts without emotion.\n\nAs always, you can (and should) consult an attorney.  Most attorneys do not charge for their original consultation.  Call the Bar association for a referral, especially for one that does "construction defect" litigation.
341447
Put your request in writing (include the fact that the landlord previously had stated the problem was going to fixed), ensuring a date is on it, make a copy of it and send it certified to your landlord; also notify your local building code services office and explain the situation to them.  In most areas of the country where it gets cold, it is illegal for landlords to rent unheated dwellings and they can be fined if they do so.  If the heat goes out in one of their rentals that is inhabited and they do nothing about it, the local building code department can issue an "uninhabitable dwelling" violation which forces the tenants to move out until the problem is resolved.  (I worked in a codes services office in Kansas and we had a few of these  every year.)   Hope this helps! (Hope you get some heat!)
229968
Document everything that has been done, when it was done, how long it took, and how long the fix lasted.\n\nCall around and ask if a lawyer will look at it.  At the same time drop a copy of the file off at the property manager's office with a note that says your lawyer is reviewing the information.\n\nYou can also drive down to the local police department and file a complaint that your landlord has created and refuses to fix unsafe living conditions.  That is a criminal charge.\n\nThat should be enough to get their butts in gear.\n\nIf not, a lawyer should be able to draw up papers, and should be able to file for damages including his fees.
476408
Every state landlord/ tenant laws different. I own apt buildings in two different states and closing escrow on another one within a few day. So I know landlord/ tenant issues.\n\nI'm not a lawyer or paralegal but I know contract law and work with them all the time so I'm rather knowledgeable on lease laws. \n\nFrom your question it sounds like you have no written agreement with your landlord. That is why the judge didn't here your side. It doesn't matter who you had rented the apt from originally. \n\nOwners change property managers often but it doesn't change anything for the current tenants unless they resign the agreement.  \n\nAnything not in writing come down to his/her word against yours. Being he owns the property you have no legal standing to the property except as a renter.  \n\nI'm surprised the judge didn't tell your husband that and also that he was in violation of the law. A renter can not hold back rent to blackmail the landlord in fixing something. If that was the case every renter would do it for what they deemed needed fixing. \n\nNow, if it was a safety issues electrical, plumbing and major leak, things like that and the landlord doens't fix it within a reasonable time. The word is reasonable and it isn't 10 min after reporting the problem. \n\nOne can have it fixed (hire a professional) an give the landlord or management company the bill. Then if they don't reemburse you, take them to court. But, you still have to pay the rent.\n\nSorry for your situation but there is nothing I or anyone can tell you to make it better.\n\nBut, I can give you some advice for the future. \n\n1. Inspect the property your planning on renting. Just as you would a car, house anything your buying from an individual or company.  \n\n2. If it is major issues don't move in until it is fixed. One persons minor might be anothers major issue. Like covers over light fixtures minor but it looks bad.  It is another thing NOT having covers over electrical switches that is a safety issue and should be considered major and done prior to moving in.\n\n3.Get everything in Writing. Your word against anothers doesn't hole water in the court of law. \nSome places court dates are booked up so far out because of so many cases that that judges only look at the relevent evidence and ask very few questions before deciding. \n\nLast year I went to court as witness we were 5th. We were in front of the judge in less then two hours. Two before us were done in less then 10 minute. There were some real unhappy people but there wasn't anything to back up the evidence. Nothing in writing.  \n\n4. Most important thing, READ WHAT YOUR SIGNING BEFORE SIGNING. If you do not understand what is written ask or get legal advice from someone who knows legal contracts. Paralegal that know contracts are a lot cheaper then a lawyer. \n \nGood luck.
338053
Talk to the Lawyer's Bar in your state/province and see if there are any repercussions about signing a contract and not fulfilling the obligations.  If you have proof that he has filed nothing on your behalf, show this to them.  Does your contract not state that he does SOMETHING for you?  If he hasn't, i would think he is the one who has breached your contract first, giving you just reason for termination of his services...
212087
Sue for breach of contract. What contract?\n\nYou could try to sue for negligent infliction of emotional distress. You won't win, of course. But, in general, you could try.
269311
i don't no how your state works but here in south carolina they don't sue you they just put it on your credit which in some ways are worse than being sued you will never be able to rent again and if the people you are buying your house from happens to call that landlord chances are you may not get your home if i was you i would go talk to the landlord and make some arrangements to pay him and if you have a lease you can be charged for breaking that lease that again is another reason to talk to him also tell him that your house is falling apart put it in writing and take pictures that may help you some and if he is a butt talk to the regional manager explain it all to her or him ,trust me they have the ups on you if they take you to court you will lose i use to manage a 120 unit apartment complex and this is how we did things ,its not worth destroying your credit
458334
First of all I would NOT hand him cash.    He could take the money, hire a cheap outfit (or his nephew!) and pocket the difference.  IF you pay, you're going to pay the contractor directly, AND YOU are the one keeping the receipt, not him.  YOU are the client here.\n\nSecond, I would check and see if your "accidental damage" is such that you could be held legally liable for it.\n\nThirdly, if it WAS his insurance company paying, they would pay for the CHEAPEST estimate, not the highest one.  So don't feel obligated to fly in some fancy outfit from Hollywood.  \n\nSo, if it were me, I'd tell him, hey, sorry, I'll pay (lowest estimate) just like your insurance company would have, but only if you hold me harmless for all further damages, and sign off on this form.  jBecause otherwise, he can come back to you next year looking for more.\n\nAnd, you paying ANYTHING is more than he'll get anywhere else.  You *might* want to make the offer in writing, certified, return receipt, because if he sues you over it, you're going to need to prove that you tried to settle it fairly.
97544
In this day and age, anybody can litigate anything, it is often humorous in what is litigated today. Whether they will have a successful lawsuit is iffy. Before they litigate, they must allow you to remedy the problem. If it was not stated that the painting would be done by a licensed and bonded painter, then you have no problem. I would write the new owners a letter, stating that you will be over on a specific date to paint the house. Send the letter return receipt requested. Then be there on that stated date and just finish the job as professionally as you can. I would also have witness's/helpers go along. I would photograph the start and completed job. I would also have another letter pre-typed, releasing liability for not completing the paint job in case she asks you to leave the property for not bending to her whims on the choice of paint she picked out. But, your best bet is to talk to an attorney, most don't charge for inital consultations, talk to one and get direction. Best of Luck
631421
I think you have a case . . . did you happen to take pictures of all of these "repairs"?  Sometimes just the threat of small-claims court will get them to write a cheque.  You may have to pay a lawyer to write up the court documents, unless the clerk is willing to help you out.  You did agree to the repairs, but you could argue that you expected them to be close to the original quality.  The fact that they tried to repair the stand, indicates they insured the UNIT part also. Good luck.
515875
If you can afford to get the repairs done, do it and let things go. The time, worry and effort involved in getting anything back at all will probably not be worth it.\n\nTake the money, sign what they ask for and include a clause that they also consider the matter closed and they will take no further action etc..\n\nConcentrate your efforts on reletting the property and keeping it let. Learn a lesson and move on.
147457
Bring up a lawsuit against them with well documented hours of work and some from of job description and any pay stubs.  I hate that I am telling you this, but I do not like it when people abuse their weaknesses. Once a lawsuit is brought up they normally get a temp work VISA to stay in the country until is is settled, but by then most are able to find a better job and able to get extensions.  Had one subcontracts employee sue an apartment and got a work visa out of it. It is some times a risk, but you your friends case it just might work.  contact a good lawyer and you just might pull if off.
569093
Are you wondering how to get in contact with someone who needs their house looked after?  If so, I would contact the base housing office.  They should be able to answer your questions.  If you are wondering about any liabilities that would be placed on you if something happened to the house while the owner is away you should contact the base legal office.  They will be able to help you draft a "contract" of sorts between you and the owner that will state what you can and cannot be held accountable for in their absence.
386549
That is too much to just let go.\n\nLearn from your mistake.\n\nNext time if there ever is one draw up a contract, have it signed by yourself and the other party and have it notarized.\n\n\nChances are you learned your lesson. But I definitely would not let them get away with it.\n\nInstead of getting a lawyer (expensive) go to small claims court and have it settled.
480371
do you have copies of the complaints you made? on what days you made them? and to whom?\n\nif so, contcat your local/govenment fair housing authority.\n\nas for free rent...not likely. if they sent people to fix it, in a timely fashion after yoru complain was made, (within a week) then you have no case to sue.
619198
As a contractor and not an attorney, I don't think he has a leg to stand on unless the contract is actually titled "CONTRACT/ESTIMATE" or something similar in which case the ESTIMATE may give him a leg to stand on. There are a lot of generic contracts that use the title "CONTRACT/ESTIMATE" or "BID/ESTIMATE".\nAlso check ALL of the fine print for clauses that would allow extra charges without an aditional contract.\nIf none of the above is true and he won't back off let him take you to small claims court where he will almost surely lose.