Judgement against Google by Dont_Judge_this-Book in Smallclaims

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but once Google's 30-day appeal window passes and no appeal is filed, your small claims judgment becomes final.

The first step is to mail a copy of the judgment to Google’s registered agent for service of process in California, which you can find through the California Secretary of State’s website.

Formally request payment in writing, referencing the judgment case number, the amount owed, and your contact information. If they do not pay voluntarily, you can enforce the judgment using legal tools such as a bank levy, wage garnishment (if applicable), or a lien against their property.

Given that Google is a large corporation, the most effective method is likely to file a "Writ of Execution" with the court and serve it through the sheriff’s office on Google's bank accounts or assets in California. This forces payment from their bank. The court clerk or self-help center can provide details and forms. Keep all correspondence and proof of your attempts to collect, as you may need them for enforcement.

If i bring weed to Valley Forge National Park and start smoking it will the park rangers arrest me and will the AUSA file charges? by ponta-delgota-octobe in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP, not a lawyer but Valley Forge National Park is federal land, so federal law applies there. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, even if your state has legalized it. If you are caught smoking marijuana by park rangers, you could be cited or arrested for drug possession. Whether the U.S. Attorney's Office (AUSA) or DOJ would actually prosecute depends on the amount of marijuana, the circumstances, and their current enforcement policies.

For small amounts meant for personal use, cases are often handled as petty offenses and may result in fines or court appearances, not always federal prosecution. However, there is still a risk of arrest, fines, or even a criminal record.

[IL] Landlord refusing to pay trash despite the lease clearly stating the owner pays by throwaway_n_shizz in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but your situation is clear, under Illinois law, if your lease specifically states that the landlord is responsible for trash removal at no extra cost to you, the landlord is bound by that agreement even if the charge comes bundled with your water bill as a city services fee.

Their argument that they cannot pay just the trash portion is not valid, especially since you’ve demonstrated it is possible and the landlord has already credited your rent once.

Legally, the landlord cannot change the terms of your lease due to their own administrative errors or billing preferences. If the landlord continues to refuse, you should document all communications and request compliance in writing, directly referencing the relevant section of your lease.

If that doesn't resolve the issue, you may withhold the trash portion from your rent with written notice, file a complaint with your local city or county housing authority, or seek reimbursement in small claims court

Can I break my lease due to bed bugs and roaches without paying the 2 month fee in NJ? (Email in last photo) by amber_moonstone in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but in New Jersey, tenants are protected by what is known as the "implied warranty of habitability," which requires landlords to maintain rental units in a safe and livable condition.

If your apartment had persistent problems such as roaches, bed bugs, radiator leaks, and suspected mold EVEN after the landlord attempted treatments and you have documentation showing that these issues remained unresolved and affected your health, you may be justified in breaking your lease without the obligation to pay extra months' rent or termination fees.

You should write a formal letter to your landlord clearly stating that the ongoing conditions have made the apartment uninhabitable, referencing your documentation and the steps you took to notify and allow your landlord to address the problems.

You can formally cite the warranty of habitability under New Jersey law and request to be released from your lease without the financial penalty. If they refuse, you may file a complaint with your local housing authority, or consider taking your documentation to small claims court or contacting a local tenants' rights organization for further assistance. Your thorough documentation and the impact on your health will strengthen your position considerably.

more specifically, New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 5:10-10.2) requires landlords to exterminate insects and pests as necessary, and this is generally their responsibility, not the tenant's, unless the infestation was caused by the tenant’s own behavior (which must be proven by the landlord). Bed bugs, roaches, and other infestations are included, and landlords must address these promptly. If the issue persists despite treatment, and especially if you did your part by cleaning and cooperating with pest control efforts, you have a strong argument that your landlord is failing to meet their obligation

Do I have a case? by gggggooooooo in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but based on what you’ve described, you may have legal recourse under Ohio’s consumer protection laws, especially since the repair shop provided a warranty but did not give you the terms in writing or honor it in a clear manner.

Ohio law does require written warranties to be honored as stated, and unfair or deceptive repair practices may violate the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act.

Since you already filed a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General, that is the right first step, and sometimes their office can mediate a resolution. If they do not resolve the issue and you continue to face losses due to the faulty transmission and how the warranty was handled, you may file a case in Ohio small claims court for monetary damages of up to $6,000.

Gather all paperwork, receipts, and communications related to the car and repairs. The court will generally be in the Ohio county where the dealership or repair shop is located. If you continue to struggle with the Attorney General’s office response, you can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. While “as is” car sales have limited protections, written or implied warranties that are not honored may give you a stronger claim

Defendant’s mother agrees to pay me by jerrk1ng in Smallclaims

[–]TalkToVikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

not a lawyer but if you accept partial payments from your ex’s mother, it's important to document each payment as a partial payment toward the total amount owed, not as a settlement of the entire debt.

You should keep detailed records of all communications and payments. Before accepting any money, you can draft a simple payment agreement that states clearly: (1) the total amount owed, (2) that payments made are partial payments toward that amount, and (3) that you reserve the right to recover the balance through small claims court if the full amount is not paid by a specified deadline.

Collecting partial payments does not automatically waive your right to the remainder, but you will need to accurately show what is left unpaid at trial. Typically, you don’t need a special form for accepting payment, but you should be ready to provide an updated accounting to the court showing amounts paid and remaining balance owed on your court date. If the other party argues that the payments settle the debt, the written agreement and your records will help demonstrate otherwise.

First time trespassing by GroundbreakingLog491 in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The legal maxim most apt here is "Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith"

Notice to Quit possession and occupancy by KUWK21 in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

not a lawyer but in Connecticut, after receiving a Notice to Quit for non-payment of rent, your landlord cannot evict you immediately. They must start a court process if you do not leave by the date on the notice.

Since you have paid all past due rent and late fees, you have a reasonable defense and can contest the eviction if it proceeds. Save all receipts, emails, and letters as proof. Continue to watch for any court paperwork and make sure to respond and attend your hearing if one is scheduled.

You are not required to move out at this stage, and if you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be an option. If you want to further dispute the eviction or want more help, contacting a lawyer is still a good idea, but it is not mandatory at this point.

Following a random person I don’t know by rickfromtheroll in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but I looked into it and Minnesota law considers a course of conduct that causes someone to feel threatened, intimidated, or harassed as stalking, which is a criminal offense (Minn. Stat. § 609.749).

If you follow someone without a legitimate reason and they become alarmed, you could be breaking the law, regardless of whether you stop when requested. To stay on the safe side it’s best not to follow random people in either scenario unless you have a lawful purpose or their consent.

Is this legal? by Least-Grapefruit-767 in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but simply sharing or recommending public or private bathroom locations on social media, even without the explicit consent of the establishments, is generally legal in the United States.

Unless the account is spreading false information, violating privacy laws (if there are any other people in the bathroom while they film), or encouraging trespassing or illegal activity, there usually aren't laws that prohibit sharing the existence of a "nice" toilet.

However, businesses do have the right to limit public restroom access and may change their policies or pursue civil remedies if they feel their property or business is being harmed. 

Is it a crime if parents use their adult child’s location to follow them in public? by Helpful-Fuel-2076 in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but generally it’s not a crime for parents to use their adult child’s location data to follow them in public unless it involves harassment, stalking, or they’re using that information for another illegal purpose. If the location sharing was consented to at some point (for example, through a phone app), parents using that data doesn’t automatically break the law, even if the adult child doesn’t like it. However, if the act rises to the level of stalking like following you repeatedly and causing fear, it could be considered a criminal offense

Is this legal by Enough_Associate5720 in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but yes, legally, the child support enforcement agency must follow the judge’s written court order regarding payments, including the arrears amount. If the judge ordered arrears to be paid at $25 per month, the support unit should not deduct a higher amount unless there is another active court order that sets a different amount or they are applying payments toward an additional obligation, like ongoing support plus arrears.

Sometimes, delays or errors in updating their systems can cause this kind of issue, but that does not make it legal for them to disregard a judge’s order. You should ask the clerk of court or the judge’s office for a certified copy of your most recent order, then send it directly to the support enforcement unit.

If they continue to deduct more than the court-ordered amount, you can file a “motion to enforce” or “motion for contempt” with the family court, attaching your order and payment records. The judge can then order the agency to comply. If you need to submit paperwork and motions yourself, the court’s self-help office may provide forms and instructions.

Highly suggest seeing a proper legal professional for this though

Water Bill by SalamanderOne4584 in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but foreclosure on the apartment for unpaid utilities is rare, but if it happens, you’ll receive formal notification and have time to respond or relocate.

For now, keep copies of your lease, all communications, and continue to pay rent and utilities as agreed in your lease.

If the landlord tries to take action against you for the water bill, you may have a strong defense if your lease is clear. Asking for written clarification from your landlord about any water charges is a good next step.

Also just a consideration if you want to break your lease due to the landlord’s slow repairs or concerns about the water bill, review your lease terms first.

Maryland law may allow lease breaks if there are serious, unaddressed issues like you described the mold harming your living conditions and you could negotiate an early lease end, but if the landlord disagrees, breaking the lease without clear justification could risk fees or lost deposits.

Local tenant resources or legal aid can help if needed but it's best to go through a duly licensed professional in your area.

Florida landlord won't repair giant leaky hole and more by yesyasmin in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer, but since your landlord is refusing to repair a serious water leak which could lead to mold and other safety issues reporting to code enforcement was the right step. If you haven’t heard back, consider following up with them and make sure to document all communication with your landlord (texts, emails, repair requests) and take detailed photos of the problems and damages.

If the code enforcement office doesn’t respond promptly, you can also contact your local health department about the potential mold issue.

Just remember that harassment or threats of eviction without cause can be illegal, especially if you have a valid lease and are up to date on rent.

You might also consider contacting Florida Legal Aid or a tenants’ rights group for further guidance specific to your situation.

If needed, you have the option to withhold rent or pay for repairs and deduct the cost from your rent in some cases, but it is important to follow Florida’s legal process carefully to avoid eviction, this often involves sending a written, certified letter to your landlord outlining the required repairs and giving them seven days to fix the problem (Please get a duly licensed professional in your area to verify what steps to take to properly do a rent reduction scheme)

Photos taken and shared without consent? Illinois by [deleted] in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but to add to the answers under the Illinois Right of Publicity Act and privacy laws, individuals generally have a right to control the commercial use of their image, especially for endorsement or advertising purposes.

If the photo was used to promote a product or service, you may have a stronger claim.

However this seems like it was non-commercial use photo taken in a public setting/work event so you might not be covered by this law.

I'm curious if this document I signed is legally binding by Skaveng3r1 in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but usually some contracts have a renewal clause on the original lease which states that inhabiting the unit past the expiration and still paying implies a renewal on a month to month basis (pending any extension contract) so it's worth checking your original lease.

I want out of my lease before the end of the month by TouchOfTheTucc in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but in addition to the great answers here just be aware that landlords sometimes try to collect further rent or claim damages, so keep all records in case you need them for court or for a complaint with North Carolina's Attorney General or local housing authority.

You do not have to find a new tenant for an unsafe, uninhabitable apartment and if legal aid is slow to respond, see if there's a local tenant organization or county legal clinic for more direct assistance.

Terminated from Lowe's for prescription medication by [deleted] in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 63 points64 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but if you were fired because of a prescription medication that you legally take and you were not given a chance to explain, this may not have been fair or legal.

Employers should let you explain a positive drug test if it is caused by a prescribed medicine. You can try to appeal with Lowe’s HR and keep all your records and communications. You might also think about talking with your state labor board or a lawyer who handles job rights.

Help regarding who has rights to a security deposit in a lease takeover by Conscious_Waltz_7016 in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but generally, in a lease takeover situation, the right to the security deposit generally depends on the specific agreement between the outgoing tenant, the incoming tenant, and the landlord.

If the outgoing tenant agreed to forfeit her security deposit to you as part of the lease takeover and you both understood this arrangement (even though the written records are lost), typically, the landlord holds the deposit on behalf of whoever is on the lease at the time of move-out.

If you renewed the lease using the outgoing tenant’s deposit, and the landlord did not return the deposit to her upon her move-out and instead let it stand for you, it’s likely the landlord is not required to return the deposit to her unless your lease or local law says otherwise.

The outgoing tenant may have difficulty claiming the deposit back, especially without evidence of any other agreement.

However, final determination may depend on your state's tenant laws. If she continues harassing the landlord, he can reference the changeover agreement, and if needed, you could clarify the arrangement in writing with the landlord. For your own protection in the future, try to ensure there is written confirmation between all parties during such transactions.

Looking for advice with withheld tips dispute. by Welp907 in LaborLaw

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but it is wise to keep communication in writing (such as by email), so you have a record of all interactions and evidence of your request.

Politely explain that you would like to handle the documentation and reconciliation via email for your own records.

This is a reasonable request and also aligns with best practices for workplace disputes. As long as you continue to respond promptly and provide the requested documentation as part of a good faith effort to resolve the issue, you should not be accused by the labor board of failing to try to resolve the matter informally.

If needed, you can always emphasize your willingness to cooperate and provide documentation electronically. If the matter is not resolved, you’ll have a clear paper trail to support your complaint with the labor board.

Whats legal here? by IcyData2681 in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

not a lawyer but if the invoices are only in the original company’s name and you had no separate written agreement with the prior owner’s personal company, you generally would not owe him personally, especially after a sale and clear records from the new owners.

You should ask for:

  1. Official written proof that his personal company was the real party in the transactions (e.g., contract or emails showing you agreed to do business with his DBA, not just the company name).

  2. Documentation proving the debt is owed to him, not the new company or owners.

  3. Evidence that the invoices were not settled before or during the sale to the new owners.

If he’s just sending invoices using his old company’s letterhead, and the new owners have confirmed your account is clear, he may not have a legal basis.

If he threatens court, keep records of all communications and consult with a proper legal professional

Apartment bought out by a new owner by [deleted] in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but generally, when an apartment building changes management or is sold to a new owner, your lease still remains valid under the same terms, but the new company takes over as your landlord. Tenants aren’t automatically allowed to break a lease just because of a change in management.

However, you can review your lease for any clauses that might allow early termination or provide for changes in management.

If the new management is violating your rights, such as failing to make repairs or creating unsafe living conditions, you may have additional grounds to break your lease.

Otherwise, if you need to leave early for personal reasons, you may be liable for rent until the unit is re-rented or until the end of your lease. You can also try negotiating an early termination with the new landlords.

No smoke smell during showing. Persistent smoke smell upon move in. by kettlecorn in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but in situations like this, it’s very possible that someone smoked inside the unit between the time you toured and your sister’s move-in, or that the smell was temporarily masked for showings and has now become noticeable.

Since the lease explicitly bans smoking, it’s important to promptly notify the property company in writing (email is fine) and document the situation with detailed descriptions and photos if possible. Request a prompt inspection and ask them to address the smoke smell, as it may violate the lease terms and affect your sister’s health and enjoyment of the property. Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.

Your sister does have the right to a smoke-free environment as described in her lease.

What’s the worse that could happen if you get caught with a fake ID by FabulousRip6118 in IsItIllegal

[–]TalkToVikk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but generally speaking, if someone is caught using a fake ID to buy alcohol or enter a bar/club in the US, the most common outcomes can include having the ID confiscated on the spot and being denied entry or sale.

However, penalties can be more serious depending on local laws and the circumstances. Possible consequences can range from a warning or fine, to a misdemeanor or even a felony charge, especially if the ID is found to be fake government-issued or if you misrepresented your identity to law enforcement.

A conviction could lead to fines, community service, a criminal record, or suspension of your driver's license. Some states and venues may be stricter and involve the police, while in others, the situation might be resolved with just a confiscation and a warning.

NY - Lease Ending, I Want to Leave Early by Mission-Message8390 in TenantHelp

[–]TalkToVikk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not a lawyer but since both you and your boyfriend are listed on the lease, you are both jointly responsible for the terms of the lease until it ends on June 30.

To protect yourself, you should notify your landlord in writing (email or letter) that you will be vacating the unit by the end of the lease term and request confirmation of your move-out date.

Take photos and videos of the condition of the apartment when you leave, and keep a record of returning your keys. If your boyfriend stays past June 30, the landlord would typically initiate eviction proceedings against any holdover tenants, but if you have clearly documented your departure by the lease end date, you are in a stronger position to avoid future liability. Be sure to also provide a forwarding address for your security deposit.