Ann O’Connell

Ann O’Connell

Attorney

Ann O’Connell is a legal editor at Nolo specializing in landlord-tenant and real estate law. She writes for Nolo.com, Lawyers.com, and Avvo. Ann is a coauthor of Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home, which won a silver Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association in 2020, and Nolo’s Every Landlord’s Legal Guide.

Legal career. Before joining Nolo as an editor, Ann was a freelance writer for Nolo as well as other publications and law firms. Ann practiced civil litigation in California and Colorado, and had her own firm in Colorado. At her firm, she focused on real estate, landlord-tenant, and small business cases. 

Credentials. Ann earned her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from UC Berkeley Law. She has passed the bar exams in California, Nevada, and Colorado, where she is both an active attorney and a real estate broker.

Landlord-tenant law. Ann’s favorite part of writing about landlord-tenant matters is the opportunity to help tenants—who often find it difficult to afford or hire a lawyer to represent them—understand and assert their rights. Ann’s research and writing on coronavirus-related eviction bans and tenant rights has been cited by numerous news outlets and government agencies, including Yahoo Finance, CNET, Fannie Mae, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Articles By Ann O’Connell

Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in New York
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 New York landlord-tenant laws will get you started.
Washington Landlord's Guide to Security Deposit Disputes in Small Claims Court
Even the most meticulous landlord may be sued by a tenant over the return of a security deposit.
Legal Resources for Tenants
Websites and articles for renters looking for help related to landlord-tenant issues and eviction.
Does a Home Seller Have to Accept a Full-Price Offer?
What are home sellers obligated to do when buyers submit a full-price, contingency-free offer?
Evictions During COVID-19: Landlords' Rights and Options When Tenants Can’t Pay Rent
Tips, resources, and advice for landlords whose tenants aren't able to pay the rent due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Housing Rights of People With Disabilities
A person with a disability who's seeking a rental shouldn't face questions by landlords as to whether they have a disability or illness, nor a request to see medical records.
How to Delay an Eviction
Here's what you can do to postpone your eviction, fight your eviction, or maybe stop it altogether.
Legal and Illegal Reasons Landlords Can Reject a Rental Application
What a landlord can and cannot ask you when you're applying for a rental.
Bounced Check and Fees Charged
I recently bounced a check and my landlord charged me a $30 service fee. Is that legal?
Fighting Rental Housing Discrimination FAQ
Learn about illegal housing discrimination, including how to file a complaint.