Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
My employer changed my commission plan after the customer already signed. Which rate applies?
In California, the answer usually depends on the terms of the commission plan, when the commission was earned under that plan, and whether your employer gave effective notice of the change before the work or sale was com...
What are my rights if my landlord refuses to return my security deposit within 30 days?
In Illinois, a landlord’s obligations about returning a security deposit can depend on the type of tenancy, the lease terms, the reason the deposit was withheld, and whether the landlord followed the proper notice requir...
Can my landlord deduct $600 for nail holes and normal wear after I lived there five years?
In Wisconsin, a landlord usually cannot charge a tenant for ordinary wear and tear, and that often includes minor damage that happens from normal living over time. Nail holes from hanging pictures or everyday use may som...
Do I have to recertify income if my payment is already $0?
In general, a $0 payment does not automatically mean you can skip recertifying income. Many benefit, repayment, and assistance programs require periodic updates even when your current payment is zero, because the agency...
What are my rights if my landlord claims damages that exceed my security deposit without proof?
In Florida, a landlord generally cannot just keep a security deposit or demand more money for damages without some factual basis. If a landlord claims that damages exceed the deposit, the landlord usually needs to be abl...
Is it legal for the other driver’s insurer to deny my claim without explaining why?
In general, an insurance company should not simply leave you guessing after denying a claim. In Arizona, as in many states, a denial is usually expected to be communicated in a way that gives at least some notice of the...
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...
Do I have to pay a locksmith who damaged my door during the job?
In general, whether you have to pay a locksmith who damaged your door during the job depends on the facts, the agreement you made, and whether the damage was part of the work you authorized or the result of careless work...
Can I Sue for Wrongful Detention After Being Held Without Arrest?
In Utah, a person who is held without being formally arrested may sometimes have a civil claim depending on what happened, who did it, and whether the detention was legally justified. In general, the key issue is not onl...
How do I know whether a public sidewalk conversation is private enough for Penal Code 632?
In California, the answer usually depends on whether the conversation was carried on in a way that a reasonable person would expect it to be confidential. A public sidewalk is a public place, so that setting often makes...
Can my landlord evict me after one late rent payment if I have lived here for four years?
In Ohio, a landlord may be able to start an eviction process after a late rent payment, but that does not always mean eviction will happen right away or that one late payment automatically ends your tenancy. The answer u...
What happens if my security camera captures audio of guests talking in my living room?
In California, the fact that a security camera captures audio in a living room can raise privacy and consent issues, especially if guests did not know they were being recorded. In general, California is known for strict...
Can I return a car if I find out it was previously used as a rental but not disclosed?
In Colorado, you may have options if a car was sold to you without disclosure of important information, including a prior rental history. But whether you can return the car depends on the facts, the paperwork, the seller...
Is it legal for a tow company to refuse to release my car until I pay in cash?
In Indiana, a tow company may sometimes require payment before releasing a vehicle, but whether it can demand cash specifically depends on the facts, the towing arrangement, and any applicable contract, local rule, or le...
My boss says cash tips count toward replacing a drawer shortage. Can they do that?
In general, an employer may not be able to treat your cash tips as the employer’s money to automatically cover a cash register or drawer shortage. Whether that is allowed can depend on how the tips are handled, whether t...