Title: What’s the amount of hours you have to work to get paid for the day? TX

Question: I’m a salary employee in Texas. Last week I had a doctors appointment causing me to only work 5.5 hours that day. HR calls me and tells me I have to use vacation time to make up for the missing hours or I will not get paid for the day. She states I have to work at least 6 hours to get paid for the day. Is this true?

Answer:
 Partial day absences *must* be paid in full; however your employer may legally deduct from your PTO bank the amount of time you were absent from a typical shift.

Full day absences may be deducted, or PTO used to cover. When PTO is exhausted, your employer can deduct that day.

> To respond to your specific concern about whether or not an exempt employee’s accrued PTO leave bank may be reduced for partial day absences, the answer is yes. Where an employer has a benefits plan (e.g., vacation time, sick leave), it is permissible to substitute or reduce the accrued leave in the plan for the time an employee is absent from work, whether the absence is a partial day or a full day, without affecting the salary basis of payment, if the employee nevertheless receives in payment his or her guaranteed salary. Payment of the employee’s guaranteed salary must be made, even if an employee has no accrued benefits in the leave plan and the account has a negative balance, where the employee’s absence is for less than a full day. See opinion letters dated February 16, 2001, May 27, 1999; and December 4, 1998(enclosed) https://www.dol.gov/whd/opinion/FLSA/2005/2005_01_07_7_FLSA_PaidTimeOff.htmAnswer #2: They can make you use leave but your weekly salary can only be docked for very specific reasons and this isn't one of them. Google "flsa salary basis" Answer #3: > She states I have to work at least 6 hours to get paid for the day. Is this true?

No.

Just to be clear. The other posts here have described the PTO usage and covered that issue. If you come in for 5 or 45 minutes, they have to pay you for the day, even if your PTO is exhausted.


Title: Was I wrong to talk to the police? Florida

Question:
I read this sub a lot, and whenever police come up, the advice is never to talk to them, even when the person hasn't done anything.

Well, many years ago in college, my friend was raped. She told me about it the next day, and I took her to the pharmacy and bought her the morning after pill. About a week later, I got a call from the campus security saying that the police were there and wanted to talk to me. I went and they asked me a bunch of questions about the incident and recorded it. I wasnt actually there during the incident, she just told me about it the next morning, so I told them what she told me. I didnt think anything of it.

Now reading this sub, I wonder if I should have been more cautious about talking to the police. As far as I know, nothing ever happened to the rapist, and I wonder if my interview had any impact or relevance whether positive or negative. Thinking back, I can see how some of my answers could easily have been twisted or misconstrued in a way that would discredit my friend.

What would your advice have been to someone in my situation?

Answer:
 To honestly answer the questions of the police.

You weren’t a suspect, you did fine.


Title: Google locked me out of my own internet router, is there anything that I can do?

Question:
I live in Russia. On a recent trip to the US I picked up the "Google Wifi" router which is only controllable through a smartphone app. I'd like to mention specifically that this device does not have a web-interface.

I used it for a few months without any problems, but now the app (the only thing that allows me to control it) is telling me "This version of the app is no longer supported. Update to the latest version".

When I click "update", I'm taken to the Appstore which tells me "App not available. The app is currently not available in your country or region".

So basically, I'm left with $300 worth of equipment which I have no way of configuring.

I tried contacting Google through the forums, but without any luck.

Is there a law that Google might have broken?

Answer:
 You can download a VPN and use that to download the update.Answer #2: Find the terms of use and license applicable to the router software and the app. I bet it has restrictions on export as well as other language that protects google in this instance.Answer #3: Use a VPN to change your app store location to US and download the latest version.

I don't think Google would be considered at fault seeing as the device isn't intended for sale in Russia.


Title: Got evicted [FL] but was allowed to stay; personal property was thrown out.

Question:
Hello!
I was in the process of being evicted last week. I paid my apartment in full [rent and late fees for last and this month; not sure it its relevant but I ended up paying $2700 to be allowed to stay, and my rent is typically $850], and was allowed to stay at the same apartment.

The problem is that because I was already being evicted, by the time I went to pay the complex, they'd already started moving my things out. When I was let back into my place, the TV, my PC, all my books, movies, collectables, silverwear, basically EVERYTHING except the furniture is gone. The apartment is saying that it's not their responsibility because of the situation and there's nothing that can be done.

I read online that possessions seized in an eviction are typically stored and able to be picked up. However, I just talked with the maintenance man who told me that he personally had cleared out my apartment and he personally was instructed to throw everything in the dumpster.
I feel like that cannot be legal. All of this took place, from the first notice to me being back in the apartment, within the last 30 days.

So, my question is if there's anything to be done other than just take the loss, and if what they did was legal. Thanks in advance for the help!

Answer: The landlord absolutely didn't not follow proper procedure. They needed to send you written notice with a list of the items and where the items can be picked up and by when. If they are worth over $500 then they must sell them at a public auction. Additionally, if they accepted your payment and cancelled the eviction, then they definitely did not follow procedures because you are once again a tenant. You can send a demand notice for reimbursement and if they fail to comply you can sue them.


Title: Girl left her ID in my car, last night while I was sleeping cops came and let her into my car without my consent.

Question:
This was in the US, Ohio State.

So I was hanging out with my friends and this girl left her ID in my car. Hours later while I was sleeping, the cops came and let her into my LOCKED car without my consent to get her ID. When I called into the police department a few days later for an explanation, the individual I spoke to stated that somebody was called with a spare key and used that to open my car. No such spare key exists, I have the only key. A witness, one of the guys who returned with the girl to get her ID, says that the cop got into my car using one of those tools that they use for when people lock their keys inside the car.

What course of action can I take? Can anything be done? I am significantly pissed off and there is no way this can be legal. Someone needs to be held accountable.
Topic:
Searches and Seizures

Answer: File a complaint with the local police station.Answer #2: I would file a complaint with the police station and move on.  You can take legal action but it will cost you thousands of dollars and you receive little to no compensation.


Title: Land Lady’s request for personal info

Question:
    I live with my parents in a rented home that takes half of our income. We live in a three bedroom house in a pretty bad and poor area in California. Recently our landlady has asked for my older sisters credit card number, drivers license, passport, personal income, and so much more. Apparently she has done this to my uncles too and they gave the info up. I don’t know if this is allowed or if we are able to counteract this without being in trouble.  I just want to know if she can do anything about this, please let me know. My sister refused to give up the info and now my landlady wants to meet with her on Saturday to discuss this again.  Please not that my parents are immigrants and I’m sure the landlady knows this too.
Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: Why in the bloody heck would she want a credit card number?? Don't give her that information at all.


Title: [North Carolina] My apartment doesn't have a utility I was expecting, and now they are suggesting I move to a different unit where that utility is available.

Question:
I moved into my apartment on June 1st. Despite being told in-person and via email that the unit would have washer/dryer connections, when I got my keys, I noticed that they were missing. I brought this to the office-staff's attention immediately and they apologized and promised to make it right. They have, to my knowledge, attempted to talk to multiple utility companies to try to add them after the fact, but adding utility lines to a non-ground-floor apartment is proving to be much easier said than done.

The newest update is they're asking one last company and after that, if it's still unresolved, the options are 1) live without the hookups [I didn't even LOOK at units without hookups when choosing an apartment because this option is so unappealing to me] or 2) move into a soon-to-be-vacated apartment that's the same floorplan but has the hookups I was promised. I'd be able to move in the second week of July. They (verbally) offered me a $400 credit to cover any lost moving expenses, such as power hookup fees, that will essentially be doubled from having to move again.

On one hand I do appreciate that they are going through the effort to right their wrong and they have been overall very communicative through the whole ordeal. I do believe it was an honest mistake and the leasing agent that rented me the apartment seemed genuinely surprised that the hookups weren't in the unit as this must be the only until of my floorplan that doesn't have them (there's even a spot in the unit where the washer and dryer would go... Just no way to plug them in). On the other hand, I've dried the well on people willing to help me move for the cost of pizza and beer. I think I would need to hire movers in order to get this done and $400 is not going to cover various other fees PLUS movers PLUS any overlapping rent.

My question is: do they have any legal responsibility to pay for the extra costs associated with moving (i.e. movers) when they promised me something that they couldn't deliver? Are their other things that I should be asking for/demanding? Am I wasting my time/energy trying to break even on this situation?

Answer: Does your actual lease say the washer and dryer will be there?  If not all the other promises are pretty much irrelevant.  All that matters is the lease itself.


Title: Landlord selling building, said he'd only sell to someone who will honor current leases, but...

Question:
I posted this with a housing tag in r/personalfinance but apparently I should have posted here.

My building has four apartments. My husband and I have lived here for 2 1/2 years. Our awesome landlord is unfortunately selling the building since he moved out of state and wants to invest in property there. He said he'd only sell to someone who will honor the current agreements and not kick us out. Thing is, we don't have a lease and even if we did, after the first year it would have been month-to-month anyway. He said if we wanted he'd draw up a lease before he sells the building so that the new owner will have something to go by and we can be protected. But does that mean we would have to have him draw up a year lease? We like month-to-month and don't necessarily want to commit to living here for another year. But if he just writes something out saying "Mr. and Mrs. X are paying X amount of dollars a month for rent and utilities," that wouldn't really hold the new landlord to keeping our rent the same, would it? We live in Connecticut.

Answer:
 You're a month to month tenant and can have your tenancy terminated at any time, no matter who owns the building, unless you're in an area that requires just-cause for termination. If you're not willing to sign a new lease, that's a concept you're going to have to come to terms with.Answer #2: Leases go both ways. If you want to be entitled to stay for a year, you have to commit to being there for a year.

A month to month agreement doesn't bind either party beyond the month.


Title: [VA] How can I combat the demand for increase in childsupport from the mother of my child?

Question:
Hey /r/LegalAdvice,

Mother of my child is recently married and will be moving with my child overseas to Europe. Her expenses, including everything child-related, will be 100% covered by her husband's job. Yet she is demanding the court to raise child support amount from my end. Currently I pay about $1,100/mo, and the calculators seem to max out around that amount, give or take $100. She is demanding more. What can I show to the court to show that she will be living completely expenses-free (housing/food/child expenses 100% covered) and that my child support should not be increasing absent any salary increase from me?

Is there a similar case I can read that actually decreased the child support for the father?

The mother does not work and has refused to work for the entirety of my child's life for undocumented/unknown "medical" reasons which she refuses to disclose to me.

Answer:
 You are spending less time caring directly for your child, and have had an increase in income. It follows that the person who DOES spend the most time caring directly for your child would get an increase in monetary support due to your increased ability to provide it, and decreased hands-on help. Think about it the way I know you are already thinking about it : if you were paying for a full time babysitter, and the amount of hours she worked increased, you'd pay her more. Answer #2: > including everything child-related, will be 100% covered by her husband's job. Yet she is demanding the court to raise child support amount from my end.

It's still YOUR child, you have an obligation to support it. There is no "yet".  The court will take into account both your salaries in calculating support, not her husbands salary as he is not a parent to the child and has no legal obligation to support it. You do.Answer #3: housing/food/child expenses 100% covered

_______________________________

Are you sure?  Surely these kids need clothes, and perhaps there are school fees, or even tuition for an American school if they are moving overseas.

I really can't think of a company that pays for housing AND food overseas.  If this is the military, they will give you an amount towards that, but it doesn't 100% cover it.  It's an offset.  And there can be quite a gap between the offset and the actual expenses.


Title: Contracted maintenance unplugged my security camera.

Question:
I rent an apartment [Arizona], and I have two security cameras, one in the bedroom and one in the living room. I use them to keep an eye on my dog when I'm at work. They do not continuously record video, but they do send me alerts when motion is detected and I can view what's happening live. Both cameras are very visible, sitting on shelves, and are not hidden in any way.

My apartment complex contracted a private company to check our A/C units, and today they entered my apartment to do their work. Hours after they arrived, while I was at work, I received an alert that my security camera in the living room had gone offline. When I returned home, I found the camera had been unplugged. The last alert received was a screencapture of one of the workers unplugging the camera.

As far as I can tell, nothing is missing or damaged and I doubt unplugging the camera is illegal in any way, but I'm incredibly annoyed that they took it upon themselves to turn off the camera and prevent me from monitoring my home. Is this something worth complaining to apartment management/the contracted company about?

**[EDIT]** Thanks for the input! After talking with one of my neighbors who was home while they were working in her apartment, I think the most likely scenario is that the camera was unplugged so they could use the outlet for their equipment. Other outlets were available, but it may have been the closest. Since nothing was missing or damaged, I've decided not to complain.

Answer:
 According to [Arizona statute 13-602](http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/13/01602.htm)

A. A person commits criminal damage by:

**2. Recklessly tampering with property of another person so as substantially to impair its function or value.**

I would consider turning the power off of a camera as tampering and impairing its functionality. The statute doesn't say the damage has to be permanent.

I would call the company and talk to them and if they stonewall you then call the police and file a police report.

Answer #2: Are you sure they didn't just unplug the camera to plug something else (a tool) in?


Title: What do I do with found drugs in my apartment from a previous tenant? (NYC)

Question: I’ve lived in my apartment for almost two years. Today I found a small container in my bedroom in a place too high for me to normally reach or see. Inside, it held a baggie of crack cocaine (ID based on my second-hand knowledge and a google search). Needless to say it is not mine, and not my roommate’s. How do I dispose of it ethically and lawfully?

Answer: You could report it and ask for a unit to come collect it, but I'm not sure I would risk the attention.  I would just flush the bag and the contents separately and be done with it.


Title: Issue with AirBnB host soliciting to be long term renter / realtor and now demanding to record my ID

Question:
Hi All,

Looking for some advice, I booked via AirBnB a place for 31 days in San Diego. The next morning the host text me for several minutes offering her services as an owner for long term rentals and as a realtor. I tried to politely say no and then she called me. I ignored the call and had to insist she stop.

What I didn't realize as renting was the house rules continued on beyond the fold and contained a full T&C including one where it states I need to "provide my ID".

I told the host when they asked about my ID that due to the solicitation, I'd prefer not to provide it if it's unacceptable please refund the rental (This is 10 days before the rental) (AirBnB's profile for the property states 50% refund) the T&C they snuck in states no refund. The T&C's continue on to say they will effectively chase me for any damages. I have no intention of damaging the property but I've now noticed reviews stating the owner makes unreasonable claims to the point where they insist forks cannot be put in a dish washer.

The host got upset when I said i'm uncomfortable and claimed "I have personal issues and Airbnb cannot help me". I said OK how about I show you my ID instead of uploading an image. They have now said instead of me "providing" my ID they have to "record it".

This to me seems like a change of the terms and conditions, am I wrong? I've asked about assurances that I want be further solicited for business and also their data retention policies and how they intend to protect my data. They pointed me back at the T&C which does not cover this subject. The host seems untrustworthy at this point.

So i'm now wondering what to do, the host seems rude and not at all friendly, if i stay at the property it sounds like they might decide i'm responsible for damage I didn't do and i'd have to prove it (basically using me for free repairs) and i'm also concerned they will use my data inappropriately again. At this point I just want a refund so i can rebook with another host or just use a hotel (it seems safer)

I've asked airbnb to step in and they declined, I've now escalated to a Airbnb team lead and i'm waiting for a reply. If it helps I paid via PayPal credit.

Any advice would be graciously appreciated!

Answer: Have you considered that maybe you should quit being a weirdo and just send this lady a copy of your DL? It's a perfectly reasonable request.


Title: TX - Cement truck hit our fence, they won't pay. How to proceed?

Question:
The house behind ours was sold last year. The new owners demolished it and are building a new house in it's place. A cement truck hit our fence while they were pouring the foundation. Luckily, I was home at the time and heard/saw it happen. I documented it at the time with photos/videos and my neighbor saw it as well.

I've been working with both the builder and the cement company to get funds to cover the damage. They both claimed responsibility and asked for an estimate. I provided one from a reputable fence company and was told I'd be paid. It's now been a month of back and forth and they claim my estimate is too high ($1,500) and want to use their own contractors (which is the worst rated fence company on angies list).

At this point what are my options? I don't even know who the new homeowners are but am wondering if I should be dealing with them and their insurance instead of the builder/concrete company?

Answer:
 NAL

You *could* deal with your neighbors (who would probably pay out of pocket or deal with their home owner's insurance) but it makes more sense to deal with the builder/cement company.

Generally speaking you'll now want to take the builder to civil court, but you won't need to do so on your own! Call up YOUR home owner's insurance company and let them know what happened. Their lawyers will deal with this on your behalf.Answer #2: You don't have to use their contractors.  Get a couple of estimates to demonstrate that you're not high-balling them, pick one, have the work done, send them a demand letter for the money with, say, 30 days to pay.  If they don't pay, sue them in Small Claims court.Answer #3: my approach at this point would probably be to send a final demand letter to everybody, and then sue them all (homeowner, builder, cement company) and let the judge sort out who owes who what.

if you want to be neighborly, don't sue the homeowner, because that will sour your relations with them.


Title: Wondering if an offer through eBay message is binding

Question: So I list a book on ebay. Four days into the auction, a potential buyer messages me and offers 30$ if I end the auction and send it to him. Thinking that its unlikely I'd get more than 30$ for it because the school quarter has already started (it's a textbook) I agree. However, being particularly busy in life and seeing the big text on the website telling me not to accept offers to complete the transaction outside of ebay, I let the auction run its course while being ready to cancel it if it doesn't look like it will hit 30$. The item sells for quite a bit more than 30. The original offeror threatens legal action if I don't send to him over the actual winner of the auction. Advice?

Answer:
 >Advice?

Report him to Ebay

>seeing the big text on the website telling me not to accept offers to complete the transaction outside of ebay, I let the auction run its course

Yep.

Let him threaten. If you actually get served with small claims paperwork? Worry about it then. Although no one can guarantee anything - I think it's highly unlikely he will sue you in your county's small claims court (I'm guessing you are in the US) and is willing to fly in and out to deal with this over something that you didn't do because it violated the TOS of the site you listed your book on.

He's a blowhard. Report him to Ebay.


Title: fined $247 for not updating my license, when I don't even need to, and then another $300 for missing a court date that I was unaware of! Help please!

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 As a grownup, you don't get to ignore the mail for months on end.  That's how you end up with a warrant for failure to appear, or a $600 fine.

You can try and explain it to the court. Answer #2: 1) didn't listen to an officer when he told you what to do

2) failed to check the mail for weeks at a time

Yep that's a good way to lose $600. You can go explain it to the court and ask for some relief but they probably will laugh at you at this point.


Title: OB changed the payment plan on our contract after we signed it

Question:
Location: Virginia

In August of this year my wife and I signed a contract with her OB. In the contract was a payment plan with them which showed that we would start paying them $550 a month for four months starting in April. This made perfect sense to us because the OB does not charge you or the insurance company for the doctor visits until the baby is delivered, which is going to happen in March/April.

You can imagine our surprise when this month we got a bill from the OB for $550. When asked why we were being charged in October for something we didn't agree to pay for until April they sent us photocopy of the contract that we signed and the months of April-July were crossed out in pencil and over them were written Oct-Jan.

We did not agree to this and they are refusing to comply with the original contract. They even admit that they made this mistake. Do they have an obligation to the contract we signed? Do we have some legal room to make them charge us in April-July instead? Also, because we faxed the contract back to them, we have the original contract that was signed with the unaltered dates.
Topic:
Contracts

Answer:
 Tell them you'll only pay when you agreed to pay. It's also illegal to change a contract after the fact.Answer #2: You are in the right.  Keep the original contract.  Don't lose it.  Send a photocopy of the contract to the doctor's office and try negotiating again.  Politely remind them that they can't alter a contract without your consent.

However, you have to tread lightly or just find a new doctor. The last thing you want is to have a doc who is pissed off at his patient.  You don't want to dread going to see your own OB.Answer #3: Modifying legal contracts before signing by scratching certain things out or writing in other terms is a common practice and the modified terms are 100% enforceable, but generally both parties initial next to each modification and the modifications are written in pen rather than pencil.

If you don't have an unmodified copy of the original agreement, be sure and get a copy of the agreement in its current state. You could argue that the lack of initialing at the modified term shows that it was added after signing.

But your best bet is to have a copy of the original agreement that doesn't have any modified terms. If you have that, send via certified mail a copy of it plus a letter saying you plan to adhere to the terms of the original, signed agreement and nothing more or less. And if they push the issue, be prepared to defend yourself from a lawsuit.


Title: [NYC, USA] I received a notice from google that my a/c info has been requested by the DOJ

Question:
I received this message : [pastebin](http://pastebin.com/9NhNJ4Qb)  a few hours ago and I am shitting myself, I really have no idea what this could be about. I have reached out to an attorney friend,  his area is business and contracts, but he hasn't resonded. My previous history with the law has only been for child support and I settled that a few years ago. I can submit the case/ ref. number via pm. I googled it and nothing came up. One can imagine i am freaking the fuck out and I feel I am at my wits ends. If you would please point me in the right direction on how to proceed I would be ever grateful.

UPDATE - I am not the target of the investigation. Turns out I was a victim of a breach of account. They need the info to send me official notice of a victim impact statement for the sentencing part of someone else's trial. Thank you to everyone who chimed in.

If you get that notice from Google get an attorney to find out what is going on. DO NOT IGNORE IT. Also, use a strong password.

Answer: Not a lawyer here, but a simple Google search of the email the notice was sent from returned this: https://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&p=214697


Title: Renter won't give me back full deposit

Question:
I've been in a sublet for the past two months paying a prorated 400 dollars for the month of July and 600 for the month of August. I also gave a 300 dollar security deposit when I moved in. Now, I'm moving out tomorrow and talked to my renter. I asked him how I was going to get my deposit back and he said he would give me back 175, as electricity for the two months had cost 125. I told him that I thought utilities were included, which he said they were, but that according to the contract we signed, electricity wasn't considered a utility. I can't find my copy of the contract to confirm, and I dont think I will be able to, so im pretty sure ill have to give in.

From the beginning, I was under the impression that electricity was included in "utilities", and despite what my renter says, I never heard him once say that electricity wasnt apart of utilities. My roommate was also told he was suppose to pay for electricity, and is in a similar situation with another renter. In the month of july, I was never presented a bill, so Im confused as to why thats being taken out now. Im in Massachusetts, what can I do?

Answer:
 He can not deduct a utility bill from a security deposit in MA even if it said so in a contract. The laws concerning security deposit are very specific and easy for landlords to run afoul of. If he wants to play games with your security deposit take him to small claims where he may be required to pay you back triple.

If you owe for electricity he needs to take you to court seperately to resolve that. He can't hold it against the security deposit.


Title: [PA] I'm fairly sure my employer is breaking the law and is using me to do so

Question:
I work in an industry that utilizes tax incentives for employee payroll.  The caveat to this, as I understand it, is that in the state of Pennsylvania, employees are required to physically be working in the state to qualify for these incentives.  What they have done is had me purchase plane tickets that aren't going to be used so that they can falsely show that these people were present in the state.  I was asked to book the tickets and did so without the knowledge that these passengers had no intention of using them.

To me, this seems like blatant tax fraud, and I'm especially unhappy that my name is all over the tickets.  I've worked in this field for ten years, and in this job capacity for six and never seen anyone even attempt to do anything like this.  This seems like it is illegal, or at the very least, extremely unethical, and I don't want to be caught up in any fallout that may come of it, as it's very easy to see if plane tickets were actually used should push come to shove.
 Should I write up an account of the events as they took place, or have I just been reading too many Comey memos?  Should I speak with a lawyer?  Blow the whistle?  Or am I just overreacting?

Thank you for any advice - as I said, this is a big first for me and it's a position I don't want to be in if something untoward is going on.

Answer:
 Yes, that is blatent tax fraud. You have not been "reading too much", that could even get to the level of a felony depending on the amount of money involved.

You could be implicated in this if you continue to allow it to occur. You need to look up PA's whistleblowing laws and I would be out the door ASAP. Answer #2: What's funny is that this wouldn't work. Government tax auditors aren't stupid. If they are to believe than an out of state employee flew into PA to work for a long period of time they will want to see more than plane tickets. They will want to see hotel bills, meal reimbursements, rental car, etc. Answer #3: Yeah, that's a difficult situation to be in.

The good news is that you haven't done anything illegal.  The people who applied for those tax incentives and lied about the requirement are the ones breaking the law here.

Is it possible that the top leadership of your company isn't aware of this?  If that's the case, I would try to report this to someone high up in the company, that you have become aware that someone is involving the company in tax fraud and putting the whole company at risk.  Finding an ally in the company's leadership is the best case scenario for you.

Otherwise, my suggestion is to get another job.  Until then, you have to figure out how to stop doing this, given that an employer is asking you to.  You shouldn't be fired for trying to follow the law but if they're willing to break the law they'd be willing to fire you for not helping them break the law.  So good luck with that.


Title: Cobra in Rental Apartment Building

Question:
Hello, I live in a apartment building in Houston, Texas and last weekend, a few floors down from mine, a White Cobra was found in the hallway. My wife is terrified of snakes and hasn't been able to sleep since. We are considering relocating however we have 3-1/2 months left on our lease. Is this grounds to break my lease? Thanks.
Here is the news article:
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Lose-cobra-terrifies-residents-at-downtown-luxury-6409670.php#photo-8373186

Answer:
 No, it's not.  Texas law covers health and safety issues in Section 92.056 of the Property Code.  It basically says if you make a repair request **the right way** and the landlord doesn't fix the issue after getting the request, you can break the lease and get some other remedies.

The cobra's already gone, so there's nothing you could ask them to fix at this point, and therefore nothing they could fail to fix.Answer #2: Yeah, that's not really going to be enough to break your lease. It was a one time event. It's not your LL's responsibility to accommodate a person's irrational fears.Answer #3: Eek, your poor wife.

I'm not a lawyer, but if the snake was owned legally, than someone violated their [Controlled Exotic Snake Permit](https://tpwd.texas.gov/faq/business/permits/nonindigenous_snakes/index.phtml). Maybe you can call the police or animal control and ask for a follow-up, to ask if the snakes owner was found or if they know how the cobra got into the building.

If that doesn't work, maybe contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and let them know what happened. It might at least stem your wife's fears to know that it won't happen again.

Best of luck!


Title: Girlfriend charged with mischief and is starting to look like harassment

Question:
One night the girlfriend and I went out and had her sister watch the kids while we were out.  We came back home only to find the place trashed and her sister beat up.  It turns out someone slashed this man's tires and had come to take out his anger on this poor girl and the home.  Later when the cops came to question them for all of 5 minutes  ( I was at work during this time) they did their investigation.  Later on that day the rcmp of Outlook calls and asks for her to come down to talk, instantly arresting her as she arrives.  Charging her with mischief because someone said she did it.  Guess I could have said anyone I wanted to and they would have changed them it seems.

She is noticeably aboriginal of one of the few in the small town of Outlook Saskatchewan.  They gave her a ten o clock curfew and every night they bang on the door.  We park in the front  so we decided to park her car in the back and they didn't bang on the door.  Instead the pull us over and say she is breached because she hasn't been home those nights, and has to come to the station Monday to deal with it.

I was wondering if anyone has any advice on this, we are going to show up in court and plead not guilty.
Also we are moving to another town in the next few days and want to know how to go about changing location for the curfew that is placed. Any help would be appreciated thank you
Topic:
Criminal Law

Answer:
 Not a lawyer:

Do not talk to the police any further without legal council. If she is arrested for breach of conditions she needs to ask for her lawyer.

I agree with the poster on the other thread about the tracking app - does she use a phone that is connected to her google account? It’s not the best but it could show her location over the last 30+ days, and be something for the lawyer to use.

Please get a lawyer ASAP, I know it could be costly but it’s better than dealing with this BS

There are 3 lawyers who pop up when I google for outlook - call one of them right now. Answer #2: Your post is unclear. She was given a ten o'clock curfew by the police? Why?


Title: Is a Lawyer 'threat' letter something to worry about?

Question:
Fun way to start the New Year.

I have an old client from last year that had a lawyer send me an e-mailed letter stating to refund the client 10,500, or I had '10 days to make the client happy.' I did all of the work and then some, but she's put things into the letter that I DID as an additional courtesy but wasn't obligated to do in my contract....claiming I didn't do them.

In our contract that she signed, it also stated my services were non-refundable. We're in two different states; she's in California, and I'm in New York. Does the clause in my contract stating non-refundable work in my favor? This is such a headache.

Answer: You're under no obligation to do what their lawyer says, especially in an email. If they sue you, you'll be served. At that point, get legal representation.


Title: Buying a house, seller wants to push possession back til 5 days after close... bad idea? [Michigan]

Question:
As the title says, I'm in the process of buying a house (short sale, if that matters). The seller made a counter-offer in which they accepted my price and seller concessions but wanted to change closing date to 40 days (after bank approval) instead of our suggested 60, and want to push back us taking possession of the house until 5 days after closing.

The '5 days after close' part is what strikes me as a bad, bad idea. Even if it were written in the closing paperwork that the seller would maintain possession until 5 days after the closing date, aren't we legally responsible for any accidents/injuries that occur on the property after the closing? I asked my realtor and he kind of brushed it off like, "Eh, it'll be written in the closing paperwork, it's no big deal." And he didn't have any idea why they might want to do this. If they needed that extra 5 days, I wonder why they didn't just agree to our original 60 days, or ask for 45.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: Forgot to include that they are currently living in the house, and that I'm obviously an idiot: they probably want those 5 days in order to move out.

Edit: Thanks all! I decided to counter-offer agreeing to the other terms but insisting upon possession at closing. If I lose out on the house, I lose out- just wasn't willing to deal with the humungous potential headache a rent-back could cause.

Answer: Stand firm. "We are willing to negotiate a mutually agreeable closing date, but it is not acceptable to delay possession after closing."


Title: Can I legally write in my will that I want to be turned into a Piñata?

Question: So say, hypothetically, if I wanted to write in my will for the people at my funeral to cover my corpse in post-it notes and beat it with a baseball bat until my guts fall out, can I legally do that?

Answer:
 In the US, the first amendment protects your right to write those words, but they won’t be legally binding on anyone and would probably be illegal to actually execute.Answer #2: It's not illegal to put it in your will.   Just like you can put other legally unenforceable requests or statements into your will without invalidating the entire document you can toss this in too.

On a side note:  If they did carry out your request it would likely open them up to some sort of charges involving abuse of a corpse.


Title: Internet Domain Name Provider Harrassment?

Question:
 Could I get some help?

EXTREMELY Shady domain provider

I emailed, then called, then confirmed. multiple times. I have a CONFIRMED cancellation email that I did not want to renew a domain and cancelled the account.. YET

They continue to send me "Upcoming Payment Notices"

NOW, unbelievably I have an email with a subject line "Overdue Balance - Account Pending Collections" ... and here's the best part. The email opens as "Your service has been suspended due to a previously declined payment..." "..with a total overdue balance of $15.17. If the balance remains unpaid, the debt will be forwarded to a collection agency incurring a fee of $18.95 in addition to the overdue balance".

W T F?!

I have a CONFIRMED ACCOUNT CANCELLATION EMAIL. AND ITS A F&&&& Domain. Any internet lawyers see a harassment payday? What do I do? I already called, emailed, multiple times. I really want to tell you all which domain provider this is .. they're big.

Answer:
 Well, it's definitely not harassment, so drop that idea.

It could be a miscommunication, it could be a billing error, it could be a million things. Call them back and let them know you received an overdue bill notice, and reconfirm your cancellation.

You're not going to get a big payday from this.


Title: [OH] I work for a non-profit catering company, and occasionally do deliveries. I don't get paid the "delivery tips" that people leave on orders I deliver. What can I do?

Question:
Title says it all. I get paid $8/hr. I see orders with $20-$40 **DELIVERY** tips all the time. Not delivery fee, we have that too... these are tips meant for the person who delivers the food. I have never received a tip unless cash is placed in my hand when I deliver their food.

I've asked about it and I was told " they (the owners/GM I assume) don't like you to get tips"... whatever that means.

I want my damn tips. What can I do? Can this be considered fraud since the customers think they are leaving me a tip, yet the management takes it?

I appreciate any help you guys can give me

Answer:
 Yep, it's illegal for employers to keep tips.  http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs15.htm

The risk is that you may lose your job, if you complain.

I would recommend documenting your tips for a while (by which I mean take a snap of the statement that shows the tip), and then inform them of the law and request your tips.

If they don't comply, then you have evidence to go to the DOL with, showing examples of tips that were paid by customers but not given to you.


Title: Landlord is requiring professional cleaning service with receipt prior to moving out.

Question:
[ILLINOIS]
and I quote

"Your unit was professionally cleaned prior to your move in. We expect it back in the same condition with confirmation via a receipt or invoice from the cleaning service used. Please e-mail the receipt or invoice to"

It does not say this is mandatory anywhere in our lease. We moved in and the place was filthy. We complained and they sent a cleaning service. We didn't explicity request it ourselves.

Answer:
 OBVIOUSLY, the correct thing to do is to file for a business license for a cleaning service, clean your apartment , invoice yourself for the cost of the cleaning. Submit receipt to landlord and then find out that an error was made and apply a 100% friends and family discount for tax purposes showing no income gained.

/s? Or is it?


Title: My car was stole and was in a high speed chase and hit a police cruiser. Tow company has custody of my car. I was never informed about the accident so the tow company wants $850 for sitting In the tow yard.

Question:
My car was stolen in Washington state at the end of June. I filed a stolen car report with the sherif a day after. He told me he would contact me or my dad if they find anything about my car. On the 15th of July it was in a high speed chase and the police through spikes out and my car crashed into a police cruiser. No one tried to contact me or my dad after the accident even though the car is registers stolen. Tow truck picked it up and brought it to their lot. My car has been sitting there for 10 days now and they want $850 for it. I feel like the police should have contacted us directly after the accident and we could have taken the car into our own hands. Is there anything I can do to about this? The guy driving my stolen car is a loser with nothing so civil suit would do no good. But the police should have contacted me right?

Edit: the car has been spray painted and the front and the whole right side has been thrashed and dented. Car does not start and the front tires have been blown out. The car at this point isn't worth the cost to get it out. But before it was stolen it would have been easily worth $2,000. Can I get restitution from this low life who stole my car even if he has no money to his name ? Thanks

Answer: Your insurance should cover the towing fees, storage, and damage to the vehicle. Then, if they choose, they can sue the man who stole it to recoup their money. You do have insurance, right?Answer #2: Have you contacted your insurance company about this? They may be able to help or have advice. You ought not to be responsible for the charges up until the point you were informed.Answer #3: If you're unable to sue the deadbeat for damages there's always the obscure IRS form [4684](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4684.pdf) which is for claiming [casualty or theft losses not covered by insurance](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i4684.pdf). You can probably take a large tax deduction anyway.


Title: Director refuses to pay me $15 per show because I was sick for the last one [Long Island, NY]

Question:
So I was in a show on Long Island this past summer.  I was promised a verbal contract of $15 a show, the same rate that every other actor in the company was paid.  I confirmed this price with the director on multiple occasions.  Aside from a couple of rained out shows, I performed at every one at the original location.  We then had one last scheduled show at a different location on Saturday, August 1, 2015.

On Friday July 31, 2015, I was diagnosed with a staph infection on my elbow, to the point where I could barely move my arm.  I could not perform, obviously, especially with the prat falls that I needed to perform.  I needed bedrest for the foreseeable future.

I called the director that day, ASAP, to let him know that I would be unable to perform.  First, he began to tell me that it was unacceptable and embarrassing.  I told him I really wished I could help in some way, I could find some actor friends who I would teach my role to in the day and a half before the show.  I would give them the costume and wig and they would be ready to step in.  He refused this option.  He then proceeded to just repeat that it was embarrassing.  I echoed his sentiment that it was embarrassing.  Then he hung up on me.

About half an hour later, he calls me and asks if I still have the costume.  I say that I do and ask how he wants to get it.  He asks for and I give him my address (he's picked me up before, otherwise I would never).  He then, without making a plan, hangs up on me.  I'm around the house on bedrest for the entire time before the show, and he never shows up.

Occasionally over the next couple of weeks, I try calling but he never picks up the company phone.  Finally, the day that I get back to school (August 25, 2015) he picks up.  I tell him that I have two questions.  First, does he want back his costume and wig?  He responds that no, I can keep them.  Second, when should I expect my paycheck?  He begins to laugh at me.  He explains that because he had to pay the actor who he got to fill my role for the night double my usual rate ($30) for that show, that he no longer owes me for the other shows I performed.  I said that he still owed me $15 for every show I performed.  He laughs and hangs up on me.

I performed 8 shows (July 5-26 Su/W/F, with 2 rained out shows).  I missed the 9th performance.  At $15 per show, I figure that I am owed $120 for the 8 shows I performed.  Mathematically, had I performed all 9 shows with the August 1 show, then I would have been owed $135.  For the substitute actor who was paid $30, one could argue that I am now owed $105, since it would be as if the director paid $15 and I paid $15 to get him to cover my services.

I haven't contacted him since August 25 as I've been very busy at school.  I know I should have asked about this sooner, but that was my mistake.

My question is, what is my next step?  I believe small claims court is enough, but is there any problem?  For example, is him giving me the costume a way of him legally getting me to "buy" it for $105?  I'll gladly give it back if that's the case.  Or, is he legally correct that he no longer needs to pay me?  I don't quite know.  Please help?

Answer:
 I would send him a registered letter with an invoice. List the dates you performed and the amount you are owed for each. Say that if you are not paid by some (arbitrary) date, you will file in small claims court. Tell him you're happy to drop the costume and wig off to him.Answer #2: I'm not familiar with the theater world, I work in film, but there is no way $15 a show is anywhere near scale. Don't take under scale jobs as only scumbags try to make people work for less then a fair wage. And those scum bags tend not to pay.

Like others have said, invoice via registered mail and keep a copy. I would also return the costume, wig, and anything else in your position that belongs to the company via mail with the invoice.

You probably also have a minimum wage claim with the state DOL.


Title: Friend being extorted due to a stupid thing (chicago)

Question:
All,

A friend of mine confided in me and looking for your thoughts.  He is visiting Chicago and tried to solicit an escort online to come to his hotel room last night via text.  Well he stupidly sent a pic of himself to this person and hotel address with his room number.  The person pinged him back , presumably doing a reverse number search or something and claimed if he does not pay, they will send the text message screenshots to his wife (whom they correctly identified BTW).  In his utter shock he met them near the hotel and paid the ransom to have the texts deleted.  Of course they doubled the price on the spot.  This morning they sent him another demand for more money and a cell phone video of their interaction last night...yes I know very dumb of him to meet them.  He has not responded to them yet today but messages and coming from different phone numbers, email and they sent a screen shot of his wife and families Facebook profile.

My buddy is Canadian and leaving tomorrow back to Canada.  Can he do anything about this without getting himself in trouble.  He travels back and forth to US often and even a mere mention of police activity will get him flagged/banned at the border.  He knows what he did was illegal but he needs help getting out of a jam.

Help please.  Out of my league here.

Answer:
 If someone contacts you and threatens to blackmail you then you have 3 options

1) call the police and let them investigate as blackmail is illegal.  The blackmailer may release the blackmail information

2) block and ignore the person.  The blackmailer may release the blackmail information

3) do what the person is blackmailing you to do and become their bitch for life.  Once you comply with blackmail you have told them that they have something valuable on them.  Silence cannot be purchased, only rented, they will come back at some later point in time.

Your buddy is in an even tougher spot because he would be admitting to a crime if he called the cops.

I don’t know what option I would pick if I were in your buddies spot but I know which one I wouldn’t.


Title: Assault in school

Question:
California.

My child was assaulted at high school by another child.

We filed a police report on the assault (although at first the police
would not take the report, until I complained), and we have a copy the medical report from the doctor, plus photos of my child’s injuries.
The attacker has also verbally threatened further violence against my child.

It now appears that the high school’s administration is not going to
take any serious disciplinary action against my child’s attacker (e.g.
suspension or expulsion), and even told me that my child’s attacker
“has just as much right to attend that school as my child”. Obviously
I don’t agree.

So I am wondering if there is any hope of dealing with the school
bureaucracy, and how I would go about finding a lawyer that has
expertise in dealing with the school system?

Advice on how to best to proceed would be appreciated.

Answer: I mean the school is right, this doesn't revoke their right to education.  That being said take it up the chain of the school board and speak to a lawyer about this.


Title: I want to sue my college, California

Question: I don't want money, (or maybe just a refund on for the 3 units I had to pay). I don't think it's fair that the Cal State school I attend forces us students to pay for an internship class, that rarely meets, if at all, throughout the semester, just to end with an unpaid internship where we get further exploited.  I feel it's a matter of principle.  I see it as a scumbag temp agency. What do you guys think I can/should do?

Answer: You're not going to find an attorney to take this case, and you wouldn't win if you did.Answer #2: Aww you precious thing. You've been so wronged in this world.


Title: Debt Collecters threatening me for someone else's debt.

Question:
Using generic names to make story readable.

I keep getting calls from a debt collection agency to collect on a debt for "John". My name is "Sam" and I don't know who this John person is. I have had my number changed several times with my phone company but they seem to find my new number and continue the harassing phone calls. Still not sure how they get my new number.

I tell the agency that I am not the person for whom they are looking for and to please stop calling me (this after a week of calls 3 or 4 times a day).

I have sent the agency cease and desist letters from one of those sites where you can get generic legal templates. They still call every day several times a day and now the agent says they know I'm lying about who I am and are now threatening me with coming into my home and taking all of my stuff to settle John's debt.

Since I don't make enough to hire a lawyer, what options are left open to me?

I have tried to ask on other forums but am usually told to quit lying and just pay my debts.

Again I don't know who this John person is and I am tired of getting phone calls for someone I don't know.

Answer:
 IMO, you have hit the jackpot. You should document each time they harass you by writing down the time, day, and method of contact. Start recording your calls and inform them at the start of the convos that the calls are being recorded.

The laws regarding collecting debts are pretty well fleshed out. After you tell them to stop communicating with you, each time they contact you by phone that is a violation of the law that corresponds to money the collection firm has to pay you. If they contact you before and or after 'business hours' (something like 8am-5pm) that is another violation. A single phone call from a stupid debt collector can sometimes be worth $1000 if they make enough mistakes. It doesn't matter if the debt is yours or not; they have to collect ethically and following the law at all times.

Google this. It's worth your time. With enough evidence in hand you can sue them for a pretty hefty sum and normally these guys will settle out of court if you have your shit together enough. I've heard of settlements in the 5 to even 6 figures range.Answer #2: The fact that they keep finding your new phone number makes me wonder if you aren't a victim of identity theft. [Here is a link to the usa.gov site on requesting your credit report.](https://www.usa.gov/credit-reports)  Answer #3: Even if they tried to show up to your house to "collect" your stuff, a 911 call stating you are being robbed should help out. Answer #4: Well, you're not John, so they can't collect money from you. Do they even know who you are or where you live? Just block their number and be done with them.


Title: My gf of 4 years accused me of rape but is dropping the charges. Should I be worried. tx

Question: Everything came back negative. It's obviously untrue but we definitely had sex the night in question. I told law enforcement everything. Consented to their searching my house and phone. Am I fucked? Even if she testifies on my behalf and I haven't been charged with anything?

Answer:
 She cannot drop charges. That is what DAs do.

She cannot "testify on your behalf." She answers questions honestly as asked by attorneys. She doesn't say anything she wants.

You can still be charged. Stop talking to anyone about this, including her. Answer #2: We can't offer as to what will happen.  That's up to the courts.  If your girlfriend is willing to testify that she accused you falsely(and you can't make her do that) then you might have a good shot.

In many places, if the victim wants the charges dropped the prosecution will comply.  They're not required to, however.


Title: Can I be responsible for payments on an apartment for which I am not the owner?

Question:
Please note that the events below took place in Dade County in Florida. I'm originally from Eastern Europe so this process is a little harder for me than most people because English isn't my first language.

My ex-wife and I divorced in Oct. 2013. My lawyer had her sign a "quick claim deed" which transferred the ownership over to her. Before signing I asked the lawyer if this would also take my name off the mortgage. He said it would and I signed it.

Fast forward to about a month ago, I am trying to purchase an apartment for myself. The Experian report came back saying my name was on an active loan. I looked into it and this was the mortgage for the house my ex-wife and I shared previously.

I called my lawyer and he said there's nothing he can do about it. I re-read the paperwork (again, this is difficult because English isn't my first language) he had my ex-wife and I sign and it said nothing about the mortgage, only the ownership of the house.

I don't make payments for the apartment. My ex-wife makes those payments but my name is apparently still on the mortgage. My question is: if my ex-wife passes away and her will says that the apartment should go to her brother, could I be in a situation where I am forced to make mortgage payments on property that isn't legally mine and thus do not live in? Is there something I can do to circumvent being in this situation in the future?

Ideally, I would like to take my name off the mortgage but I am *very* tight on money right now to hire a lawyer again.

Answer:
 Sounds like you were taken off the deed but are still on the mortgage. So yes you can be responsible for those payments so long as you're on the loan. Your ex can attempt to refi on her own but you would have to consult with an attorney to see if you have any way to compel her to do that.Answer #2: There was another post in this forum with a similar subject within the past few days.  In that case the Divorce Papers specified that the wife was required to refinance the mortgage to get the husband's name off of it within three months but there was some sort of problem as she never did that.

You might check your divorce papers and see if there was such a requirement in your case.  This seems like something that your lawyer should have taken care of in the divorce settlement or order.


Title: 2 felonies for the same thing in different states days apart.

Question:
Ok. How would this work. I was in one state and was arrested for felony drug possession and 2 other felony's related to the possession back in 2013. Spent the night in jail next day went before a judge but the prosecutor stood up and said at this time they didn't want to press charges against me so the judge says I'm free to go.

Well like an idiot 2 days later I was arrested in the next state over for just felony drug possession. (I know.. I've been drug free since then and have a wonderful family now) but any way they did end up pressing charges and I tried to fight it for as long as possible and just got it settled in 2015 with probation.

Anyway out of no where the first state apparently has had a grand jury indicte me according to what comes up when I google my name. I haven't been officially notified tho unless they count my probation officer after I asked him to check into it telling me they asked him to drive me to the state line so they could arrest me since they couldn't get a Nationwide warrant. Which he told them no that's not his job.

But yea if I do go take care of the charges would it count as a 2nd offense felony? Is there a statue of limitations on these? Like I said this was way back in 2013. I figured I'd never hear about it again after this long. I would think the longer it takes to take care of the more it would help me cuz I could use the timeframe as a defense that because of it being so far back I couldn't defend myself fully and the prosecutor made no real effort to bring me back.
Even my probation officer says it sounds like if I just stay out of that state I'll be fine cuz they obviously don't want me that bad. He said he really didn't know how I would be charged cuz he has heard of this situation before.

Oh all it says online about the indictment is that a grand jury has indicated me on 3 charges related to possession of a narcotic all 3 of them class 4 felonies. It doesn't specify what they are. It's on the local papers website out there.

The original state was Illinois.

Answer:
>
>But yea if I do go take care of the charges would it count as a 2nd offense felony?

Maybe. Up to the judge

> Is there a statue of limitations on these?

 If there is a warrant then they already filled charges and likely did it within the SOL. But have your attorney check.

> I could use the timeframe as a defense that because of it being so far back I couldn't defend myself fully

No. Murder cases take years to go to trial. Time isn't a limiting factor in that sense.

Answer #2: I believe (happened to a friend of mine) that because the violation that the first state is charging you with predates your probation agreement with the second state, it should not count as a parole violation. However get an attorney licensed in the first state and listen to what she/he says.Answer #3: Your current parole office is not a lawyer, so you can't really take anything they say as legal advice. I doubt they're trying to mislead you but unless they're a mind-reader they don't know what the other state would do.

Unfortunately, the best way to understand your options here are to consult a criminal defense lawyer. You probably would want to consult one in the state that indicted you, in the jurisdiction is best as they would be most familiar with not just the laws of the state but the local court system.

Of course, it sounds like there's the potential for arrest if you are pulled over driving back to Illinois to meet with a lawyer, so there's that. Best start with a phone call I suppose.


Title: Divorce: Ex is on drugs during monitored visits

Question: [deleted]

Answer:
 > can I file for divorce and check "visitation as reasonable" + "monitored visits" AND some requests for him passing drug testing, having substance abuse therapy, and a psychiatric evaluation in order to have visiting rights?

Yes.  Checking that is only your request though.  It's up to the court to determine what's in the best interest of the child

> If I do this, what will most likely happen?

It's impossible to judge without knowing about your case in detail.  If he's as bad as you said and you have evidence to prove it, its pretty unlikely he'd be given custody.  If you can't prove the allegations you're making, he'll probably retain some amount of shared custody.


Title: [california] after we signed our lease, the management company told us the neighbor is the landlord...

Question:
Hello all!  Yesterday my husband and signed a signed a one-year lease on a duplex; our move-in date is March 7.  After we signed the lease, I asked if we could/should introduce ourselves to the other tenants prior to move-in (we both have dogs).  That's when the manager told us the other "tenant" is the property owner.  This had not previously been disclosed, it was even concealed: when we did the walk through, the neighbor was specifically referred to as a "tenant" and "the other renter".

My husband and I are very uncomfortable with this.  We lived in a similar situation in the past and it was unpleasant.  We do not want to share a wall with someone for whom my business is their business.  We specifically sought a unit which was owned/managed by a corporate entity.  I am stressed by this and I would like to cancel the lease (and get a refund of my deposit), because I feel it is a material misrepresentation.  However, I don't know that I actually have a legal argument so much as painful/expensive learning experience.  Please let me know your thoughts and advice.  Thank you!

Topic:
Landlord Tenant Housing

Answer: This isn't cause to break the lease. What does it matter that it's your landlord? Why would he necessarily be "in your business"? What makes you think he even wants to be "in your business"?


Title: What can I expect from a potential pet custody battle?

Question:
My mother-in-law decided to move several hours away. She intended to move in with HER mother temporarily, and then find a place of her own. Her mother would not allow her to bring her dog, a Shih-Tsu named Bella, to her house, so my wife and I agreed to take care of it for a time while she got on her feet and found her own place.

When we took custody of Bella, she was in pretty rough shape. Eaten alive with fleas, bald spots on her fur where she had ripped her own hair out, scabbed over claw marks where she had clawed herself bloody due to the flea infestation. Also, there were mats in her fur all up and down both sides of her muzzle, and down both legs. She was barely housebroken, but after about 2 weeks of being regularly let outside to potty, stopped having accidents in the house completely. Last, she seemed to have a problem with her ears, as she would constantly rub them against furniture, the floor, anything, and just shriek while doing so.

To me, all of this reeked of neglect, if not outright abuse. I spent hours and hours cleaning her up, treating her for fleas, cutting the mats out of her hair, etc. I have tried various solutions for her ear problem, with only moderate improvement, and I was about to give up and take her to a vet for them, when...

My mother-in-law decides she's ready for her dog back. Over the course of the 2 or 3 months that we've had Bella, I've grown attached, at least attached enough that I have a hard time sending her right back into the kind of environment that let her suffer so much before we took over her care. My mother-in-law is exploding with rage at our refusal to return her dog, and our accusations of neglect. She is threatening to involve the police.

I don't know what to do. I don't particularly want to adopt this dog permanently, but I sure don't want to give her back to the family that neglected her so. What will happen if my mother-in-law calls the county sheriff and tells them we've kidnapped her dog? (Keep in mind she'll be calling from out of state, several hours away, if that makes any difference.)  How do these things proceed?  Is a sheriff going to show up at my house looking to take custody of the dog?

Any and all advice will be highly appreciated!

Note: I've decided I'm taking the dog to the vet tomorrow, regardless of whether or not it ends up going back to my mother-in-law. I do not feel like I can trust her to do that, considering I don't really feel like I can trust her to do so much as let the dog outside to use the bathroom.  I wish now that I had taken her in right after we took over her care, or *at least* taken pictures of her condition, but sadly, we did not.

Edit for location: I live in middle Tennessee.  My mother-in-law has moved to Georgia.

Edit 2:  I was unaware of the legalities of the situation.  That kinda sucks.  I'm not inclined to bend over backwards to return her dog to her, especially since she willingly gave it to use to take care of temporarily and has moved several hours away, but I suppose if she comes asking for it, I have no recourse but to turn it over to her.  So, assuming the dog ends up back in her possession, without being able to physically go check on the dog myself, what authority could I contact to get her checked on, if any?

Answer:
 There is no custody. The dog is legally property. She gave you property to hold and now is asking for it back. Give her her property back.

Edit

You  should have reported the abuse immediately. But it is too late now. Give the dog back. If you have concerns when the dog is on her care, call animal controlAnswer #2: Just in case you need someone else to tell you there is no custody with dogs.  It is her dog that's it period.  If she calls the police you have to give her the dog and the police will be annoyed.   If you don't give her the dog back you will have stolen the dog.Answer #3: It is her dog. If you think she has been neglecting it, then report her for that. But until that investigation has been completed, you've no right to keep the dog.

You *may* be able to recover the costs of looking after it, and any treatment, but I suspect you will need to prove that the treatment was essential. If you haven't taken the dog to a vet yet, then I suspect you might struggle to provide independent evidence of it.


Title: Do I own the software that I wrote for my boss?

Question: I have written several automation programs for my boss who owns a automotive parts store. I never put any copyright header, and I also left the code on his computer for him to change if need be. But recently, he’s been talking about taking the programs and selling it to other store owners that could greatly benefit from it. Can he do that without my consent? I wrote the software while I was on the clock, but everything is written completely by me. Also, I never signed any kind of contract when I started working here.

Answer: Were you getting paid by the company while you wrote the software? If so, they most likely own it - especially absent any agreement that states you own the IP for it. You are most likely SOL here.Answer #2: If you wrote it while on the clock, the code belongs to your employer and you are owed no further compensation, bar an employment contract that specifies otherwise.


Title: I am very very certain that my boss is a sex tourist. I would like to report him but I don't know how to do this or even if it is a good idea.

Question:
[California]

Hello,

I work for a man who regularly visits Siem Reap, Cambodia, as well as other notorious child sex tourist locations in SE Asia.   He has described Siem Reap to me as a "resort town" in Cambodia with loads of amenities for wealthy people and a good repeat tourist destination.  I have been to Siem Reap twice, most recently last year.  It is not a resort town.  It's a backpacker ghetto.  The only two reasons to go there are to see Angkor Wat (which he claimed in another convo to have only visited once decades ago) and to have sex with children.

There are plenty of other little clues I have as well, the most obvious one being that he returned from the Philippines a few years ago with a boyfriend who is at least 40 years younger than him.  The kid has no job, does not go to school, does not drive and just lives in his house with him.

I want to report this man.  Obviously I don't have any actual evidence, just a suspicion.  Is it worth my time?  Would I get in trouble?  Who would I speak to?  Police?  Homeland Security?

Answer:
 So basically you are making a lot of baseless assumptions and want the police to investigate?

Did it ever occur to you to mind your own business unless you have some actual evidence?


Title: [FL] My friend was with his friend driving his friends car. They ran out of gas on the highway causing another car to hit them from behind. His friend is now telling him to tell the police things that didn't happen.

Question:
My friend is A. His friend is B.

A was driving Bs car and they ran out of gas. A tried to pull over onto the left side of the road but B yelled at him to try to make it to the next exit. Pulling back to the right while slowing down because no gas caused the car behind them to hit them.

B is telling A to tell the police that B was driving, not to mention they ran out of gas, and that the car behind them was speeding.

And that's what they both did. The car is getting towed right now. I don't know what the other driver told them.

What could happen to my friend as a result of this? What should he do? Will the police take issue if they find the car has no gas? Will they find that out?

Answer:
 Even if they ran out of gas, the car that hit them from behind is likely going to be at fault here. A should definitely not lie to the police or the insurance company(s).Answer #2: My advice is not to lie to the police, and just let insurance handle this.

As for B's logic in not keeping up with his fuel level, horrible judgement in coasting distance, impeding traffic, and story manufacturing for the investigation, that is so far out of how I view and understand the world I don't really know how to make sense of it.


Title: Mississippi trans minor name change

Question:
What is the procedure to name change legally in MS. I have a minor who wants this before his permit next year. What paperwork do you need to present to license bureau for the name change on permit. How do you get gender marker changed for a child born in MS?
Topic:
Other Civil Matters

Answer:
 This website is extremely useful for things regarding name and gender changes, both federal and state specific, and has many of the forms you may need.

http://www.transequality.org/documents


Title: Found possible CP on friend's computer. Unsure how to proceed

Question:
So as the title explains I think I may have found illegal content in my friends computer. My friends computer was very 'slow' so he asked me to take a look.  I'm not an expert by any means, but am far more technically literate than my.friend.

Basically I found he had a ton of junk on his computer and viruses, so I went about deleting everything he claimed was 'non essential'.  While doing so I came across a folder labeled 'NN'.

It was photos and videos of VERY young looking girls.  They appeared to be taken professionallly and had watermarks.  None of the girls were naked or engaged in any sex acts but they did look 'lascivious' and were scantily clad.  I don't know. I saw like 5 or 6 files before my friend saw what was happening.

He said 'Ok thanks!' and took off the computer and left.  I was kinda stunned and didn't know what to do.  He texted me almost immediately and said that technically it wasn't illegal and I shouldnt judge him.  This happened about 20 minutes ago.  Should I call the cops? I Iive in a major city so cops here are usually pissed off if you don't report a 'real crime' and I don't want to waste their time if he didn't actually break the law.

Regardless our friendship is over.

So is this 'non nude' shit legal? Thanks!!

(Chicago, IL)

Answer: Call the cops immediately, and tell them what you saw. Those children could be in danger.Answer #2: NN probably stood for not nude. Hope there wasn't an N folder.


Title: [Ohio] My mother's ex-boyfriend stole her card (credit or food stamp card I believe,) and stole about $400 dollars with it. He's not responding to any calls or anything.

Question: What should I do?

Answer:
 There's people for that. Ghostbusters? Wait...no...that's not right. Batman?

Edit: oh right, policemen officers.


Title: Live in New York and I think my new Job is illegally not giving us breaks anyone know anything about this.

Question:
I'm not sure is this is the right subreddit to post in, but if not could you redirect me. Ok so basically I started working at a fast casual type of restaurant like chipotle or Panera bread. The first day I worked from 10 to 4 without s break but I said hey it's only 6 hours didn't really need it. But then on Thursday I worked from 12 to 10 a ten hour shift with not break. And the last couple off days it's been 9+ hour shifts with no breaks always. And they told me they just don't give breaks, and some people work even longer like yesterday Saturday someone with me worked from open ~7ish am to close at around 9:20. I feel like these long hours without break are breaking New York State law. Is there anything I can do about this? I'll post some info about the state law here too:

"If you are a worker in New York, you are covered by NY labor laws about breaks. In some circumstances, employers are required to provide employees with breaks of a particular length. This guide will explain some of the provisions of New York labor laws about breaks, so that you can understand whether your employer is in compliance. If you have more detailed questions about NY labor laws about breaks, you may want to consult with an attorney specializing in employment law, who can give you legal advice and in-depth information.

Meal Breaks

Most workers who are working a full-time shift are entitled to a meal break period at some point during their shift. Workers who work a shift that is at least 6 hours long and lasts between 11 AM and 2 PM are entitled by New York labor laws about breaks to a half hour unpaid meal break for lunch. Workers who start work before 11 AM and end after 7 PM are entitled not only to their lunch break, but an additional 20 minute meal break between 5 and 7 PM.
If you are an employee who works more than 6 hours starting any time between 1 PM and 6 AM, you are entitled to a mid-shift 45 minute unpaid meal break according to NY labor laws about breaks. Factory workers receive special treatment in New York labor laws about breaks—instead of the 45 minute break, they are entitled to a full hour. If you work a shift that is shorter than 6 hours, NY labor laws about breaks do not entitle you to any break time for meals.

Rest/Coffee Breaks

It surprises many workers to know that New York labor laws about breaks do not require employers to provide any short rest or coffee breaks at any point during a worker's shift. However, if an employer does provide short breaks (less than 20 minutes) to employees, these breaks must be paid according to NY labor laws about breaks and federal labor laws. While there are no New York labor laws about breaks for bathroom needs, federal laws require that employees have reasonable access to bathroom facilities. If your employer is preventing you from taking reasonable bathroom breaks, you may want to consult with an employment attorney to discuss your options."

Also my location is Westchester, New York

Answer:
 If you work longer than 6 hours then you need a uninterrupted meal break. Then depending on the shift you may be entitled to a longer or extra break. If you are the only one on duty then you may be required to eat on the job.

It sounds like they are messing this up pretty bad. I would report them to the DOL and look for a new job, if they are this bad with breaks who knows what other shady stuff they are doing.

Edit: Unpaid -> Uninterrupted


Title: [OR] Neighbor playing bongo drums loudly at random intervals throughout the day.

Question:
Hey r/legaladvice I have a neighbor that is learning the bongo drums in his front yard at random intervals during the day. I can clearly hear it inside my house, its a pretty low tone and reverberates inside. This has been going on for ~3 weeks now. My wife runs a home business and is there everyday. Almost every client she has over has commented on how loud the drums are from inside while hes playing.

The first time I talked to him, he wanted to reach a compromise, I suggested he play in his backyard, he has a pretty big lot with no residents on the back side (plus a lake/creek, who wouldn't choose to learn bongos by a damn lake??) He said that may work but persisted to play in the driveway/front of the property the next day.

From then my wife and I filed a noise complaint to the city, no response from the cops initially. We've since filed about 4 more complaints in the past week while hes playing.
He approached me while I was walking to the mail box, saying something to the effect of I'm unwilling to compromise and accusing me of not being civil.

Eventually the cops show up saying there's not much that can be done if hes not in the act of playing. He plays for about 30-40 mins then stops for an hour or two and goes at it again so its difficult to "catch him in the act". They suggested a officer shows up and mediates our conversation. Also to officially stop him from playing they need to perform a decibel check which is difficult to perform.

Prior to this I actually had a pretty decent relationship with him, but now it seems like hes mostly doing this to spite me, seems like my next step is to ask the other neighbors to speak up. what are my options?

TL;DR: Neighbor playing bongo drums in front yard, has property to play in the back to minimize disturbance. Wife has home business, she can constantly hear the drums. I've Spoken to him asking if he can play after my wife finishes work / if he can play in the backyard; he was uncompromising. Filed a noise complaint, cops can't do much unless they measure db, or find him in the act. what can I do?

Answer: Pick up a cheap sound pressure level meter, video record yourself in your yard measuring decibel level, take to police and/or verify against noise ordinances.


Title: [MI, USA] Am I legally wrong for riding my bicycle on the right shoulder of the road?

Question:
Sorry for shitty formatting I'm on mobile.

This may be a very simple answer but after Google searching for 30 minutes I couldn't find it and I figured this would be faster and more accurate. Recently it has been very nice where I live, which is uncommon because of how much it rains here. Since it has been so nice, my friend and I have been riding bikes around our small town. Most of the time when we ride we ride on the back roads of our town that are still paved, but basically deserted other than the random car passing by, so we ride in the middle of the road but make sure to get over when a vehicle comes. Earlier today 2 teenagers driving a car start to come down the road, so I do what I normally do and get over to the right side of the road on that slim piece of pavement between he white line and the dirt. When the car passes it blares its horn and swerves at me. I know that I shouldn't have, but I was so mad he just swerved at me I gave him the finger. He slammed on the brakes put it in reverse and flew back to me and my friend and threatened to break my f*cking finger. Now obviously I know that he shouldn't have threatened me but after thinking about it for a bit I keep wondering whether or not I was in the wrong. Should I have been on the other side of the road?
Topic:
Traffic and Parking

Answer: Bikes should ride with the flow of traffic, on the right side of the road.  If there's no designated bike lane, on the right shoulder is where you're meant to be unless you're making a left turn at an intersection.


Title: Dad got fired less than 3 years from retirement

Question:
Los Angeles, CA.

My dad is an accountant for an insurance company and has worked there for roughly ten years. He worked for another company prior to that before it got bought out by the current one where he retained his position.

Only within the last year or so, he got put under a new boss who has been making his life miserable. She was micromanaging him, nitpicking little things while ignoring the important projects he was fulfiing, and there have been many incidences of belittling him, ie. snapping at him when he can't remember certain things about reports filed 6+ months ago off the top of his head, but can find the answers for using the company's initial protocal for doing so. In other words, it seemed like she was portraying signs of elder abuse along with just overall bad management skills. My dad has never been good with confrontation or "creating a big deal" out of something even at his own expense, so he never reported it to HR until just recently when it got kicked back.

A few months ago, he had a meeting to go over his latest performance review. They basically told him that he wasn't meeting their standards and he had a 3 month "shape up or ship out" deal. After reading over the reviews about what his boss was notating, he decided to sit down and formulate a letter to essentially "plead his case" without being too agressive. They read it over and seemed more sympathetic and gave him some reassurance that if he could just improve his performance, that he would be fine. It was not fine.

They put together a severence/early retirement package for him and if he accepts it, he is giving up his rights to sue the company. He was considering this and told them that he would want  10 months of pay along with a few years of medical coverage. The offer they recently gave him was for 4 months of pay, and a year of medical.

My dad is turns 64 in March, my mom has a lot of medical issues and is constantly seeing doctors , and he doesn't believe that anyone would be willing to hire him so close to retirement and be willing ot train him knowing that he will be leaving shortly after. I think if he dips into his social security funds permaturely, he will get penalized for it vs. waiting until he's 65.

Is there anything that he can do? The only issue or bad performance reviews that he has received as an employee has only occured in this last year and he is a dedicated and hard working employee that is more than capable of doing his job. Would he have a case to fight it? Would the risks be worth taking?

I apologize if some of my information is vague. I will respond to questions as best I can. My dad does not know I'm writing this post and I know he is very reluctant to bring this to court because of the stress that it would cause and the risks he would be taking financially.

Answer:
 It sounds like they have their ducks in a row with the documentation.

He isn't coming from a strong position here. He certainly can consult with an attorney but absent a contract or union it sounds like he may not have a case.

I really feel for you as a close relative of mine has been placed in a similar position within the last few years and still haven't gotten back on their feet.


Title: Owing money for investment llc

Question:
I’m a sole proprietor for being a “Trading Advisor”. I do the trades for other people’s behalf with their money for commission.

However I messed up with their money and part of my contract was if I failed, I pay up to the dollar I owe them from initial deposit.  If I don’t have any money to pay them back, how does this work out?

Answer: Do you have the proper registrations to be doing this legally?


Title: Neighbors pine tree falls on my parents property. Neighbor calls a tree trimmer then demands my parents pay for the work the tree trimmer was going to do on their property without my parents permission.

Question:
So a few big storms came through southwest Missouri over the last few weeks. My parents neighborhood has had a lot of tree damage because of it.
After the 1st storm part of the neighbors walnut tree fell on my parents fence. My parents paid to remove the part that fell down. Then the neighbor said if you want just have them cut it all down. My parents said ok but we need to split the cost. He said nope it is not my problem because if this whole thing falls down it will land on your property not mine. So my parents said well if you aren’t going to pay for part of it then we will have it cut down but we won’t grind the stump away. He said that’s fine. So $600 later the tree was removed.

After the 2nd storm his pine tree fell on my parents driveway. No damage but just blocked the driveway. My parents don’t have a chainsaw so I bought mine over. When my Dad went out to cut the tree so it wouldn’t be in his driveway the neighbor came over. The neighbor said hey I have a tree trimmer here and you need to talk to him about how much your part will be to remove the tree that fell. Now picture this. Only about 2 feet of a 30 foot tree was on the neighbors property because it was planted right on the line.

My parents were shocked that this neighbor only wanted to pay to have 2 feet of tree taken care of that fell from his property. He kept telling my parents it is the law. If a tree falls on your property even if it fell from someone else’s property it is your problem.

Now I am not a law expert but I think some ethical and moral standards messed up with this neighbor. If a tree from my property fell on my neighbors land I would take care of it with no questions asked.

So is that really the law? If a tree from a neighbors property falls on your property is it your problem now? If so is the whole tree your problem or only the part on your land?

Answer:
 The answer is still the same from your crosspost to r/treelaw...

In this instance the neighbor is basically correct, if the tree was in good condition and it was an ‘act of god’ which caused it to fall, each party is liable for their own damages.

However if the tree was in poor condition, dead, or otherwise not healthy, and the owner of the tree had been informed that needed to be taken down otherwise it might cause damage, or the owner in any way could be shown to have been negligent in the care of the tree, some liability could be placed on the owner of the tree.

This is an item that should get reported to your homeowners insurance and each parties insurance will make them whole.  If the claim is not large enough for insurance, chop up the wood and sell it or have a nice fire or whatever.Answer #2: > walnut tree

> $600 later the tree was removed

I just came here to say that if it was decent size walnut tree, the lumber was worth far in excess of $600. A missed opportunity to make some $$$


Title: If I were to leave a voicemail that could potentially be used against me in the future; if I started my voicemail with "I do not consent to this being recorded" at the begging of the message - could it still be used against me down the road if they wanted?

Answer:
 How...do you think voicemail works, if not making a recording of your voice?Answer #2: Of course it could still be used against you.
Said it, stuck with it.

You left the voicemail, you volunteered the evidence.

Don't do that if you don't want it admitted.


Title: Attraction between myself and superintendent... Conflict of interest?

Answer: Superintendent *of what*??


Title: I am a victim of a fraud marriage. I have proof. What should I do next?

Question:
[FROM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. USA]

Hello friends,

I am a redditor for 6 years but I cannot use my real account for privacy purposes.

----

Long story short, I have voice recordings which she (american) admits that this was not a serious marriage and she was with many people while she was with me. I have viceo recordings of her doing cocaine and other substances. I also have pictures from the time she cut her wrists to commit suicide and hospital records of being mentally unstable.

----

What should I do now? She filed a divorce and I am going to be deported. (She took all my money before leaving me so I am very broke.)

Please help...

---

EDIT:

I am in Los Angeles. This marriage was not open like a facebook status. I was loyal, we lived together for a while but she extorted me for money ($800 a month) for a year.

She was born in Los angeles and her parents took her back to France. She came back to Los Angeles to start a new life, march 2013. Met me June and Married me September 2013. Stayed married but she forced me to pay her (I have voice recordings) and hid our marriage from her parents. (I told everyone around me, work, family, friends, anyone you can imagine, including facebook.)

My green card is for 2 years, I cannot renew it if the marriage fails. (It did). I also been to jail 2 times because I refused to pay her and she called the police. Each time I was bailed out and proved that I did not harm her. (witnesses and physical evidence). Also avoided going to jail many times by showing her self abuse pictures and some pre-police-call videos.

My legal question: I am suffering because of her doings. I lost more than $40,000 and my freedom. Now I will face being deported. How can I stay here?

---

I also have some voice recordings about how she cheated on me. I know voice does not mean but I am desperate.

Answer:
 Get a divorce attorney so you get a fair split of assets. Maybe talk to an immigration one to see if you have a claim  to stay if thats what you want to do. Answer #2: Where are you? Where is your wife?

Lots of people have open marriages; or she was unfaithful; that's not the same as a "sham" marriage.

How long have you been married?

Why do you believe you're going to be deported?

And once you answer all of those questions: what is your legal question?


Title: If we split something, who owns it?

Question: We bought something together, but I paid for roughly 50% of it, someone else paid 25% and a few other people paid the remaining 25%. We owns the item? Do I?

Answer: Without any other information or a written agreement amongst everyone you would jointly own the whatever in proportion to your contributions to the purchase price.


Title: I got charged with possession w/o any drugs on me.

Question: I am an 18 year old black male. I was at a local park with friends after hours. My friends were all drunk and high. I was only high. Eventually police officers showed up and confiscated everything we had. There was weed and alcohol. They searched me and found nothing. They also used a breathalyzer on me to make sure I wasn't intoxicated. I admitted to them that I had a smoked a little prior to this situation. All of my friends received some sort of alcohol related charge. I only received a Marijuana possession charge. Will I need to talk to a good lawyer in order to sort this out or would a public defender be sufficient. I think it would be easy to prove my innocence because I was found with nothing on me. Any suggestions on how to approach this would be great. Thank you!

Answer: This is “constructive possession”. You need a criminal defense attorney.


Title: $50k+ dental bill from a concert accident (USA, CA)

Question:
Recently I was at a large venue (~20k) concert with a friend standing behind the railing that separated the floor section from the VIP when a crowd surfer (maybe trying to get over into the VIP section and past security like others had been doing) landed hard on her head and forced her mouth into the railing, shattering a few of her teeth. Security that was standing past the railing took the crowd surfer away for landing in the VIP, and after being shown her bleeding mouth they brought her over the railing and escorted her to medical staff.

She's since seen an oral surgeon that removed another tooth and quoted $50-60k to fix the missing 4 front teeth, with likely long term check-ups/fixes. She doesn't have insurance that will cover it and she's starting to get more credit to pay the incoming bills. She's spoken to a lawyer to whom I'll give witness account and the venue has the crowd surfer's information, but she's been down and not motivated to research legal details and doesn't know what to expect.

I guess that's my main question, what should she expect? Do arena venues typically have insurance that covers accidents like this, and it's easy for a lawyer to get payment? What settlement might she be looking at and how much should the legal fees be? Any other tips for her regarding what to do/not do while handling this situation?

Answer:
 Yes, they absolutely should have insurance. Although, it is not an easy process. Your friend needs to see a personal injury attorney.Answer #2: She should probably get a second opinion from another dentist, that cost is ridiculous.

Then sue the crowd surfer.


Title: (FL) Apartment charged me almost $10,000 ~2 years later.

Question:
An old apartment (in Pinellas county, if that matters) that I broke the lease early at because I got a job on the other side of the country.  I haven't heard a peep from them since May 3, 2015 when I reset my password on their site.

They now claim they sent me a registered letter, which I never received.  No contact other than that was ever made via phone, address, or e-mail.

A ~$10,000 ding showed up on my credit report when I tried to just sign up for an apartment, so I was instantly rejected.  I just got in touch with them and they say that even though that charge is wrong, I still owe ~1.5 months worth of rent.

Can I, if nothing else, get them to remove the big charge and ding from my credit report?  Do I still legally owe the 1.5 months of rent, even after almost 2 years at this point?  Is there anything else I can/should do?

Thanks!

Answer:
 You can dispute the amount owed on your credit report. You can place notes on that item explaining what you've explained here.

>[Do I still legally owe the 1.5 months of rent, even after almost 2 years at this point?](
 http://www.debthelp.com/kc/199-florida-debt-collection-laws-and-statutes-limitations.html).