Marcia Stewart

Legal Editor

Marcia Stewart wrote and edited Nolo books on landlord-tenant law, real estate, and other consumer issues. She co-authored the first and several subsequent editions of Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First HomeEvery Landlord's Legal GuideFirst-Time LandlordEvery Tenant's Legal GuideLeases and Rental Agreementsand Renters' Rights. She edited dozens of Nolo books, including The Women's Small Business Start-Up Kit.


Articles By Marcia Stewart

What's Dual Agency in a Real Estate Transaction and Why Should I Avoid It?
Potential for conflicts of interest and lack of a committed negotiator when house buyer and seller use the same real estate agent.
Buying a House: What Expenses Will I Have to Pay Up Front?
Be sure to take closing costs, moving fees, and other expenses into account when planning for a real estate purchase.
New York Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent or “Repair and Deduct”
Find out when and how to pay less rent in New York when your landlord fails to fix major problems in your rental unit.
Do I Really Need an Inspection of My Newly Built House?
How to deal with problems that turn up at the final inspection of your newly-constructed home.
What's the Difference Between a Tenant and a Subtenant?
A tenant has signed a lease or rental agreement with a landlord. A subtenant is someone who subleases or rents all or part of the rental property from a tenant.
Can I Sue My Landlord for Housing Discrimination?
When you've experienced illegal housing discrimination, one solution is to sue your landlord. Here's what you need to know before bringing your landlord to court.
Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Missouri
Both landlords and tenants should be able to deal with many legal questions and problems without a lawyer, once they understand the basics of state law. This overview of key landlord-tenant laws in Missouri will get you started. Missouri Security Deposit Limit and Return Missouri state law limits how
Dealing With Abandoned Vehicles in Your Neighborhood
Wondering what to do about that old car, RV, or truck that’s been parked on your street for over a week now?
Don’t Lock Out or Freeze Out a Tenant—It’s Illegal
Landlords are subject to penalties if they change the locks or shut off utilities to get a tenant out of rental property.
When Should Home Seller Hire Inspector Before Marketing the House?
As a home seller, you could just sit back and wait for the buyer to do a home inspection. But that leaves you open to a problem: The buyer’s inspection may turn up hidden defects or problems that can turn the negotiating tables in the buyer’s favor.