Legal Q&A Topics
Browse published legal information questions. Pages are sorted by recent reader activity.
Is it legal for a landlord to delay repairs for essential utilities?
In general, a landlord may not be able to delay repairs for essential utilities for long, especially when the problem affects habitability or basic use of the rental unit. Utilities like heat, water, electricity, gas, an...
What are my rights if someone reposted a defamatory tweet instead of writing it themselves?
If someone in Tennessee reposted a defamatory tweet, your rights may depend on what exactly they shared, how they shared it, and whether they added their own comments or endorsements. In general, defamation law can somet...
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...
Can I recover lost tips if I am a server and missed shifts because of an injury?
In general, a server who misses shifts because of an injury may be able to seek compensation for lost earnings, and that can sometimes include tips if the tips were a regular part of the person’s income and can be shown...
Can a Landlord Charge Me for Carpet Replacement After Normal Wear?
In Ohio, a landlord usually cannot charge a tenant for carpet replacement just because the carpet is old or worn out from ordinary use. In general, landlords may try to pass on costs only when the carpet was damaged beyo...
How do I get a refund from a concert ticket site that canceled my event but kept the service fees?
If a concert or other live event is canceled, many ticket buyers expect to get their money back. In general, that often means the ticket price is refunded, but the treatment of service fees can vary depending on the tick...
What are my rights if a dog bit me while I was delivering food to someone’s house?
If a dog bit you while you were delivering food in Washington, you may have legal rights under personal injury law and possibly workers’ compensation, depending on how you were working and whose dog it was. In general, a...
Can a Landlord Make Me Sign a New Lease With Higher Rent Mid-Term?
In general, a landlord cannot usually force a tenant to sign a new lease in the middle of an existing fixed-term lease just to raise the rent, unless the original lease gives the landlord that right or the tenant agrees...
What happens if the person who hit me was driving someone else’s car?
If the person who hit you was driving someone else’s car in Louisiana, more than one insurance policy may potentially come into play. In general, the car owner’s insurance, the driver’s insurance, or both may be relevant...
Can an internet company charge me for equipment I returned in person with a receipt?
In general, a company should not keep charging you for equipment that you actually returned, especially if you have proof such as a return receipt. But companies sometimes make billing mistakes, delay processing returns,...
What happens if a furniture financing company keeps charging after I paid the balance in full?
If a furniture financing company keeps charging after you have paid the balance in full, the extra charges may be unauthorized. In general, that can happen for several reasons, such as a billing system error, a payment p...
The car wash ripped off my side mirror and pointed to a “not responsible” sign. Does that matter?
In Georgia, a “not responsible” sign may matter, but it usually does not automatically end the issue. In general, a business cannot always avoid responsibility just by posting a sign, especially if the damage may have be...
Is it legal for a store employee to say I cannot take photos of the hazard after I fell?
In general, a store employee may tell you not to take photos, but that does not always mean you have no right to document the scene. In South Dakota, the answer can depend on where you are standing, who owns or controls...
What are my rights if my landlord shuts off utilities to force me to move out?
If you are in Maryland and your landlord shuts off utilities to pressure you to leave, that is often a serious tenancy problem. In general, a landlord is not supposed to use self-help methods to force a tenant out, and t...
What happens if a gym refuses to cancel my membership despite multiple written requests?
If a gym refuses to cancel your membership after you have made multiple written requests, the situation usually turns on the membership agreement, the cancellation method required by the contract, and any consumer protec...