Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can my landlord require me to move out for renovations when I still have seven months left on the lease?
In Hawaii, a landlord usually cannot simply end a fixed-term lease early just because the property needs renovations. A lease is generally a binding agreement for the full term, so if you still have seven months left, th...
How do I apply for borrower defense if my trade school lied about licensing pass rates?
If a trade school gave you misleading information about licensing pass rates, borrower defense may be one possible way to seek relief on certain federal student loans. In general, borrower defense is a process that allow...
Do I have to pay a debt collector if they cannot prove the debt is mine?
In general, a debt collector should be able to identify what debt it is trying to collect and why it says you owe it. If a collector cannot provide enough information to connect the debt to you, that may raise a serious...
Is it legal for a landlord’s insurance company to blame my shoes for my fall?
In general, yes, a landlord’s insurance company may try to argue that your shoes, your own actions, or some other factor contributed to the fall. That does not automatically mean the insurer is correct, and it does not b...
My roommate’s boyfriend basically lives here now and won’t chip in for utilities. Can I do anything?
In Colorado, your options usually depend on the lease, any roommate agreement, and who is legally responsible for the utilities. If the boyfriend is not on the lease and not on the utility accounts, he may still be allow...
Do I have to pay storage charges while arguing with insurance about whether my car is totaled?
In general, maybe. In Rhode Island, whether you have to pay storage charges while an insurance company is deciding if your car is totaled usually depends on the insurance policy, who ordered the tow or storage, how long...
What are my rights if my mechanic found hidden frame damage after the insurer already paid the claim?
If a mechanic discovers hidden frame damage after an insurance company has already paid for a repair claim, you may still have options, but the details usually depend on the policy language, the claim record, the repair...
What are my rights if my insurance company delays my roof claim for more than 60 days?
If your insurance company delays a roof claim for more than 60 days, you may have rights under your policy and under Montana insurance rules, depending on the facts. In general, insurers are expected to investigate claim...
What happens if my ex hid a camera in my apartment after we broke up?
If an ex hid a camera in your apartment after you broke up, that may raise serious privacy, criminal, and civil law issues in Michigan. In general, secretly recording someone in a private place can be illegal, especially...
Do I have to pay a medical bill that went to collections before I received an invoice?
In general, you may still owe a valid medical debt even if the bill was sent to collections before you personally received an invoice. A collection notice does not, by itself, mean the debt is inaccurate or unenforceable...
What are my rights if my apartment elevator has been broken for a month and I live on the sixth floor?
If you live in Oregon and your apartment elevator has been broken for a month, you may have tenant rights if the problem makes the building unsafe, significantly interferes with your use of the home, or suggests the land...
What happens if my loan was forgiven but the balance still shows on my credit report?
If a loan was forgiven, that usually means the lender or servicer has agreed not to collect the remaining balance, at least under the terms of the forgiveness. But a forgiven loan may still appear on your credit report f...
Do I have to pay a cleaning fee if I left my rental unit spotless with photos as proof?
In Michigan, the answer usually depends on your lease, the condition of the unit, and whether the landlord is trying to charge for normal cleaning, actual damage, or unpaid rent. If you left the rental unit clean and hav...
Can I record a private call with a dealership after telling them I want the call recorded?
In Massachusetts, the answer usually depends on whether the other person consents to the recording. Massachusetts is generally treated as a two-party consent state for private conversations, which means recording a call...
What are my rights if a debt collector threatens to arrest me over an unpaid payday loan?
If a debt collector threatens to arrest you over an unpaid payday loan, that is usually a serious red flag. In general, private debt collectors do not have the power to have you arrested just because you owe a debt. A th...