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Q: Is it legal for property management to demand more than initially stated and evict if unpaid?
I'm living in Hemet, CA, and have encountered an issue with my property management. Shortly after moving in and paying the first month's rent, I began receiving notices for a larger amount than initially demanded in the complaint. I was given no clear explanation for this increase.... View More 
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Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on Sep 22, 2026
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answered on Sep 22, 2026
Start with the signed lease, not an unexplained payment demand. A landlord generally cannot change the agreed rent simply because management begins sending notices for a higher figure. The increase might be legitimate if the lease authorizes particular charges, or if a lawful rent increase or... View More
Q: How can I get my security deposit back after moving out due to mold and rodents?
I recently moved out of my rental home in California due to severe mold issues, along with a rodent infestation in the attic that was never properly sanitized, despite promises from the homeowner. I provided both verbal and written notices regarding these problems to the homeowner. Now, she's... View More
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Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on Sep 22, 2026
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answered on Sep 22, 2026
California's security-deposit rules and the habitability issues should be documented together. Under Civil Code section 1950.5, a landlord generally must return the deposit or provide an itemized statement and required supporting documentation within 21 calendar days after move-out. Deductions... View More
Q: Can a retail employee sue for distress from playful actions?
If someone was playfully fighting with cardboard at our retail workplace and another employee mentioned they were scared, could that employee potentially sue the person responsible for causing them distress? What factors might influence the likelihood of a lawsuit being successful in this situation?
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 22, 2026
answered on Sep 22, 2026
A West Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for over a week. From a TEXTBOOK standpoint, the victim here could argue a case for tort assault, where they experience apprehension from imminent harm arising from someone else's intentional acts. From a PRACTICAL... View More
Q: What legal steps can I take for neighborhood nuisance and harassment in Texas?
I live in Texas, and I've been experiencing ongoing issues with a family in my neighborhood which started even before I moved here. Their actions include doing donuts in neighbors' yards, bullying children, and property destruction. Recently, a family member threatened my life. There has... View More
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Emery Brett Ledger
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2026
Treat the life threat as a safety issue first. If the threat is immediate, call 911. Otherwise, make a prompt police report and preserve the report number, names, dates, messages, recordings, and photographs. Keep a dated log of the driving on yards, property damage, and child-related incidents.... View More
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Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights, Health Care Law, Libel & Slander, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury
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Washington
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Q: Landlord shared my personal health info and performed unauthorized background check. What can I do?
I am currently renting under a one-year lease in Washington. My landlord has shared my private personal health information and performed a background check without my consent, distributing these details to several people. I have documentation of emails and texts, including instances where he... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 22, 2026
answered on Sep 22, 2026
A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I picked up your question because it was tagged for "Personal Injury," but you may want to consider speaking with two other types of attorneys here, a landlord-tenant attorney in terms of a looming... View More
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