Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can my employer require employees to buy branded shoes from one specific vendor?
In California, an employer may sometimes set appearance or uniform rules, including requiring certain shoes for work. But whether the employer can make employees buy branded shoes from one specific vendor often depends o...
Is it legal for an apartment complex to charge me $85 every month for valet trash I never agreed to?
In Arizona, whether an apartment complex may charge a monthly valet trash fee usually depends on the lease, any addenda, and whether the fee was clearly disclosed before you signed. In general, landlords and property man...
Do I have to pay a contractor if the work failed inspection twice?
In general, maybe—but it depends on what your contract says, what work was actually completed, and why the inspection failed. In West Virginia, the fact that a project failed inspection twice does not automatically mean...
Can a School Charge Me for a Laptop My Child Says Was Stolen?
In general, a school may try to charge a family for a laptop that was issued to a student if the school believes the device was lost, damaged, or not returned as required under school policy. But whether the school can a...
What happens if my renter’s insurance refuses to cover theft because there was no forced entry?
If a renters insurance company refuses to cover a theft claim because there was no forced entry, the first thing to check is the policy language. In general, some policies cover theft only if there is evidence of forced...
Can a Landlord Charge Me for Utilities From Before I Moved In?
In Pennsylvania, a landlord may sometimes try to pass through utility charges that are tied to the rental unit, but whether a tenant can be charged for utilities from before move-in usually depends on the lease, the util...
What are my rights if my landlord is trying to evict me after I reported code violations to the city?
In Pennsylvania, a tenant who reports code violations to a city or other housing authority may have some protection if the landlord then tries to evict in retaliation. In general, retaliatory eviction means a landlord ta...
What happens if my ex posted false accusations about me during our custody dispute?
If an ex posts false accusations about you during a custody dispute, the consequences can vary a lot depending on what was said, where it was posted, and whether the statements can be shown to be false. In Colorado, publ...
What happens if a subscription renews after I canceled but didn’t receive confirmation?
If a subscription renews after you believe you canceled it, the first step is usually to check what proof you have of the cancellation. In general, a consumer’s rights may depend on the contract terms, the cancellation m...
Do I have to pay back my health insurance from a dog bite settlement?
In general, maybe. After a dog bite settlement, your health insurer may have a right to ask for reimbursement if it paid medical bills related to the injury. Whether repayment is required often depends on the insurance c...
Is it legal for my servicer to capitalize interest after I submitted my recertification on time?
In general, a servicer may only capitalize interest if the loan terms and the applicable program rules allow it. Whether that is legal after you submitted a recertification on time often depends on how the servicer proce...
Can an internet company send me to collections for equipment I returned with a tracking number?
In general, an internet company may still try to send an account balance to collections even if you returned the equipment, if the company’s records do not show the return, if the return was processed incorrectly, or if...
What are my rights if my phone carrier added a protection plan to my bill without my permission?
If a phone carrier added a protection plan to your bill without your permission, you may have consumer rights under Tennessee law, contract law, and possibly federal or billing-related consumer protections. In general, a...
What happens if a dog bite got infected and required follow-up treatment?
If a dog bite becomes infected and you need follow-up treatment, that often means the injury is more serious than an ordinary bite wound. In general, an infection can increase the amount of medical care needed, extend yo...
My Neighbor’s Tree Fell on My Fence During a Storm — Who Pays?
In North Carolina, who pays for a fence damaged by a neighbor’s tree during a storm usually depends on why the tree fell and whether anyone was negligent. In general, if a healthy tree falls because of strong winds, rain...