Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Can a Company Send Me to Collections for Equipment I Already Returned?
Yes, a company may sometimes send an account to collections even if you returned the equipment, but that does not automatically mean the debt is valid. In general, the key issue is whether the company believes you still...
What are my rights if alimony was supposed to end after five years but deductions keep coming out?
If alimony in Maryland was supposed to end after five years but deductions are still being taken, the first question is whether the obligation truly ended by its own terms or whether a court order, agreement, or payment...
What happens if my student loan servicer lost my prior payment records?
If your student loan servicer lost records of your prior payments, that usually does not mean the payments never happened. In general, servicers are expected to keep account histories and apply payments correctly, but re...
Can I withhold rent if my landlord does not fix a leaking ceiling?
In Illinois, you may be tempted to stop paying rent if your landlord does not fix a leaking ceiling, but that can be risky. In general, tenants do not want to assume they can simply withhold rent without understanding th...
Can my landlord charge me for repainting after normal wear and tear?
In Wisconsin, a landlord generally cannot charge a tenant for ordinary wear and tear that happens from normal living. Repainting that is needed only because the walls have aged, faded, or show minor scuffs from regular u...
Can I make a personal injury claim if I slipped on ice outside my office building?
In Missouri, a slip-and-fall on ice outside an office building may sometimes lead to a personal injury claim, but the answer usually depends on who controlled the area, whether anyone knew or should have known about the...
Can I modify alimony after the divorce if my income drops?
In Maine, a drop in income may be a reason to ask the court to modify alimony, but it does not automatically change the order. In general, the court will look at whether there has been a material change in circumstances...
Can I withhold rent if my landlord refuses to fix a broken stove for weeks?
In Illinois, the answer is often not a simple yes or no. A broken stove can be an important habitability issue, but whether you may withhold rent depends on the lease, the seriousness of the problem, whether the landlord...
Do I have to pay rent if my apartment has a severe bed bug infestation that management hasn’t treated?
In Oregon, the answer often depends on the facts, the lease, the seriousness of the infestation, and what the landlord has done to address it. In general, tenants usually still owe rent unless a recognized legal remedy a...
Can I be evicted for keeping an emotional support animal after giving my landlord a doctor’s letter?
In Ohio, a landlord generally cannot evict you simply for having an emotional support animal if the animal is a legally recognized reasonable accommodation for a disability and you gave the landlord proper notice or docu...
Can I keep the house if the mortgage is only in my spouse’s name?
In Missouri, the answer depends on more than whose name is on the mortgage. A mortgage is a loan and lien on the property, while ownership is usually determined by the deed and by how the home was treated during the marr...
My Employer Fired Me After I Reported Safety Problems — Do I Have a Claim?
In Georgia, being fired after reporting safety problems at work may raise a legal issue, but it does not automatically mean you have a claim. The answer usually depends on what you reported, who you reported it to, what...
What are my rights if my landlord issued an eviction notice after I called the health department?
In Kansas, a landlord generally cannot use the eviction process as retaliation just because a tenant complained about housing conditions or contacted a housing or health authority. If the notice came soon after you repor...
Is it legal for my Utah employer to hold my final paycheck until I return my uniform?
In Utah, an employer usually may not withhold earned wages just because there is a dispute about a uniform or other property. In general, final pay rules focus on paying wages that have already been earned, and an employ...
How Can a Landlord Take Action Against a Problem Rental Next Door in Georgia?
In Georgia, a landlord who is bothered by a neighboring rental property usually has limited but sometimes meaningful options, depending on the facts. The available steps often depend on what the “problem” is, who owns th...