Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can I withhold rent if my heat has not worked for three weeks in January in Illinois?
In Illinois, a long heating outage in January can be a serious habitability problem, but whether you can withhold rent depends on the facts and on how you respond. In general, tenants are expected to notify the landlord...
Is it legal for a hotel to deny responsibility after I fell on a wet lobby floor with no warning sign?
In Arizona, a hotel may be able to deny responsibility, but that does not automatically mean it is legally correct. In general, a hotel’s responsibility after a slip and fall depends on the facts, including why the floor...
What are my rights if my insurance company delays my storm damage claim for two months?
If your insurance company has delayed a storm damage claim for two months, you generally have the right to expect the insurer to handle the claim in a reasonable and good-faith manner. In Alabama, as in many states, the...
Can I be evicted for running a small online business from my apartment?
In Missouri, the answer is often: it depends on your lease, your landlord’s rules, and what your business actually involves. Many tenants run low-impact online businesses from home without causing problems, but a landlor...
Do I have to wait for the regular payday if I quit my job without notice in Utah?
In Utah, the timing of your final paycheck usually depends on state wage-payment rules and the facts of your separation from work. In general, if you quit without notice, your employer may still be allowed to pay your fi...
Can a Landlord Make Me Pay for Pest Control if Roaches Were There Before I Moved In?
In Louisiana, a landlord usually cannot simply shift pest-control costs to a tenant without looking at the lease, the condition of the unit, and who is responsible for the infestation. If roaches were already present bef...
Is it legal for a landlord in Alabama to keep my security deposit for normal carpet wear?
In general, a landlord in Alabama usually should not keep a security deposit just because carpet shows normal wear from ordinary use. Security deposits are commonly used to cover unpaid rent, lease violations, or damage...
Can I get student loan forgiveness if I work for a state university?
In general, working for a state university may make you eligible for some student loan forgiveness programs, but it depends on the program, the type of loans you have, and whether your employment fits the program rules....
Can I record a private phone call with my landlord in California if I am part of the conversation?
In California, the answer is often no unless the other person agrees. California is generally considered a two-party consent state, which means that recording a private phone call usually requires the consent of everyone...
How do I handle a landlord who is charging me for water bills from before I moved in?
If a landlord is trying to make you pay water bills from before you moved in, the first question is whether your lease clearly says you are responsible for those charges. In general, a landlord usually cannot shift earli...
What are my rights if I asked for a lawyer but detectives kept questioning me?
In Illinois, if you are in police custody and you clearly ask for a lawyer, detectives generally must stop asking you questions until a lawyer is present. This rule is based on the idea that a person should be able to en...
How do I dispute duplicate charges on a medical bill?
Duplicate charges on a medical bill can happen for a few different reasons. A provider might accidentally bill the same service twice, a claim may be processed more than once, or a bill may include charges that overlap i...
Can my landlord evict me because I refused entry when they gave only 30 minutes’ notice?
In Virginia, a landlord usually cannot treat every refusal of entry as an automatic eviction event. In general, the answer depends on the lease, the reason for the visit, how much notice was given, and whether the landlo...
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...
Can I Transfer a Vehicle Into My Name Only Without Refinancing?
In California, it may be possible to put a vehicle title in your name only without refinancing, but it depends on whether there is an existing loan, who is listed on the title, and what the lender allows. Title transfer...