Legal issues are quite common in real estate. But that’s not something most buyers or sellers think about when they shake hands. A small legal snag, and everything goes on hold.

This is where a skilled property attorney steps in. Not just to review paperwork, but to fix problems that others don’t even see coming.

In this article, we’ve covered the top 8 legal issues handled by a property attorney..

Title Defects That Stall Transactions

A property sale can’t go through unless the title is clear. But issues with title records are more common than people realise.

Missing signatures, spelling errors in legal descriptions, or even a decades-old mortgage that was never recorded as paid, these can stop a deal.

A property attorney Los Angeles will uncover and correct these issues. They’ll run detailed title reviews and take legal steps to fix what title companies miss. Sometimes that means filing affidavits or quiet title actions before closing can happen.

Boundary And Easement Disputes

The fence might be in the wrong place. Or a neighbour may claim the right to use your driveway. Boundary and easement issues often go unnoticed until there’s a dispute.

Attorneys help figure out who legally owns what, using surveys, deed records, and court filings if needed. In some cases, the solution involves redrawing boundaries or negotiating access rights.

Zoning Non-Compliance And Land Use Violations

You can own a piece of land, but still not be allowed to do what you want with it. That’s zoning.

Maybe the building is too tall. Or the space was rented out for a use that the city doesn’t allow. A property attorney steps in when property owners face trouble from zoning boards.

They help file for variances, defend against penalties, and check if a property is even eligible for a certain use before a deal happens.

Unpermitted Structures And Building Code Violations

Not every home improvement is legal. Some owners skip permits to save time or money. But when it’s time to sell, those shortcuts come back to bite.

Buyers may back out. Lenders may say no. And the city may fine you.

Attorneys work with inspectors, contractors, and city offices to sort this out. Sometimes it means retroactive permits. Other times, it’s about negotiating with the buyer or removing the structure entirely.

Partition Actions Between Co-owners

Two or more people can own a property together. But what happens when one wants to sell and the other doesn’t?

That’s where partition actions come in.

It’s a court process to force a sale or divide the property. It’s not always smooth, especially when emotions or money are involved. A property attorney helps clients protect their rights, avoid unfair terms, and settle faster.

Title Insurance Claims And Denials Disputes

Title insurance is supposed to protect buyers and lenders from past title issues. But sometimes, the company refuses to pay a claim.

Maybe they argue it’s not covered. Maybe they delay the action. Either way, you’re left exposed.

Attorneys know how to read those policies, find where coverage applies, and push back. In some cases, they take legal action to get what’s owed.

Commercial Lease Default And Enforcement

Commercial lease problems can get ugly. One side stops paying. The other changes the locks. And things quickly turn into lawsuits.

Attorneys are often brought in to either enforce lease terms or negotiate an exit. They also help with collections and eviction notices.

Landlords and tenants both rely on legal backup when trust breaks down and the money’s on the line.

Environmental Compliance In Property Transactions

Some properties carry hidden environmental risks. Underground oil tanks, contaminated soil, and proximity to protected wetlands.

These problems can trigger government penalties or kill a deal.

Property attorneys help navigate environmental reports, cleanup obligations, and liability transfers. They also advise buyers on what kind of insurance or remediation steps are needed before moving forward.

Conclusion

Owning or dealing with real estate isn’t just about location or price. It’s about the fine print, the rules buried in contracts, and the legal risks that don’t show up in photos.

That’s where a good property attorney steps in, not just to handle paperwork, but to protect what’s yours, fix what’s broken, and fight when things go wrong.

If you’re in the middle of a deal or even thinking about one, it’s worth having someone who knows what to look for. Mistakes in property law aren’t just costly. They’re often permanent.