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Ohio Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Can I back out of a home repairs contract?

Hello,

I entered into a contract with a contractor for home repair services. The work was divided into three separate sections. He’s completed two of those, and not yet started the third. If no expenses have occurred in the third section, can I back out and pay for only the first two?... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Aug 5, 2019

Probably, but it will depend on what your contract says and whether the Ohio Consumer Sales Protection Act or Home Solicitation Act apply and can strengthen your position.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Products Liability for Ohio on
Q: I purchased a instrumental directly from a seller and agreed to take the instrumental down off of YouTube and it‘s not

I purchased a instrumental directly from a seller. I found the instrumental on YouTube and contacted the person who made it. He doesn’t sell through a trusted site because he said it takes a good portion from his sales and does it directly. He also informed me that he will take it down from... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jul 30, 2019

It sounds like the real reason the seller does not use trusted sites to market his stuff is because he can sell the same stuff over and over and over to many trusting people like you if he uses his own site to bilk unsuspecting people. You might want to hire a lawyer to investigate this dude and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it "Bait and Switch" when offered a price, and when time comes to sign for a car the price is higher?

The salesman then lied to me and told me the increase was due to bank fees for the loan. Now that I'm a customer of said bank, I've inquired about those "fees"; they've informed me there are no fees or charges to apply for an auto loan. Original price was $16993.00 and at... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jul 26, 2019

No, bait and switch is when they advertise a particular car for some very attractive amount of money (the bait) and then when you get there to buy it, they tell you the car you wanted was sold--and then try to move you up to a more expensive car (the switch). It is hard to tell why they jacked the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: I have a question on consumer laws regarding purchase of a puppy from breeder in Ohio. I am in Pa.

I found a puppy online. I contacted the owner on FB msger but got no reply. I then saw the same puppy listed with another woman claiming to be seller's mom. I messaged her about the puppy, and we made arrangements. I never actually spoke with the daughter. Mother disclosed that the pup had... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jul 10, 2019

It depends on what the contract says regarding the deposit. It does seem like there are multiple red flags here and you might be dealing with an Amish puppy mill situation. If you had a firm agreement that you could get the puppy for the week of July 9, that might be sufficient to get the deposit... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it fraud if dealership lies about vehicle make on temporary tag registration?

The vehicle i just got has many problems with it, that showed as soon as i drove off the lot, plus has many recalls i was unaware of beforehand. Not sure what to do at this point its a Saturn and the vehicle registration says Chevrolet. They will not return my calls. I just got it friday.... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jul 8, 2019

It is likely a misrepresentation for which they would be liable. Please see the following: https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources/commonly-asked-law-questions-results/consumers-should-know-rights-when-buying-used-cars/

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Paid for trailer, we have title in our hands. Previous owner won't give keys yet and keeps changing date. Ignoring us.

On phone owner said July first. Leading up to June 2nd she kept saying June 17th. On June 2nd we handed her cash at the BMV, and we immediately got the title in our name and we have the title in our hands. June 17th she had an issue on her new home and their closing date for her new home. ... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jul 2, 2019

If she does not vacate you may end up having to file an eviction suit.

2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Business Law and Consumer Law for Ohio on
Q: I was informed and given a letter that I was approved for a $60000 home equity loan but they changed the amount.

I got a letter saying I was approved for a $60000 home equity loan. The next day I was called and told that they were wrong and it was only $40000. The next day I received a letter that stated I was approved for the amount of $60000 signed by a loan officer. I was later informed they wrongfully... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jun 18, 2019

Do about what? You asked for $60,000 and you are getting $60,000. Where's the beef?

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Small Claims for Ohio on
Q: i cancelled my airbnb reservation 32 days in advance. The host let me cancel with no fees.

air bnb wants to keep $400, 1st they said the host fees applied. the host let us cancel with no fees or charges. air bnb said then that they were keeping the money since they did their job as an online travel arrangement site. tho i have pictures from the host saying we were cleared & invited... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Apr 24, 2019

Technically, your contract was with Airbnb. If you utilized Airbnb's extensive (and costly) international booking system and paid the booking fee, and if Airbnb did everything they promised to do then--unless the contract allows some percentage refund--they should be entitled to keep your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Products Liability for Ohio on
Q: Can a dealership knowingly sell a truck with under rated tires on it and hide this by dangerously over inflating them?

I purchased a used truck (2015 F-250 Super Duty) from 3/6. 3/22 the tire pressure low light came on.

The air pressure recommendations on the door placard of the truck recommended 80psi rear and 65 front.

I checked the max pressure on the tire sidewall and immediately noticed the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 10, 2019

A starting point could be to bring the underrated tires to the attention of the dealership. If they agree to the issue you raise and are willing to work with you to remedy the problem, that might be the most cost-effective solution.

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: I bought a car through a dealership, A, and I make my official car payments to loan group B. Can A repo my car?

I bought a car through a dealership, A, and I make my official car payments to loan group B. I did not have enough money at the time for a down payment, but worked out a monthly plan with A while still making payments to B. So thats $420 to A, monthly and another $226 to B, monthly. I had about 3... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Apr 9, 2019

If the car dealership has a valid lien on the vehicle for the amount you owe, then it could repossess the vehicle. Try to work it out with the dealer.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Ohio on
Q: Per Thompson vs. Smith do I have to have a driver's license and register my vehicle.
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Mar 28, 2019

Yes, you have to abide by the laws governing the licensing of driver’s, and the registration and insurance of vehicles.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: My apartment is flooded with sewage, what are my rights and responsibilities ?

How long do they have to contact me?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 11, 2019

Did you tell landlord about it? If the apartment is not habitable, then you must move out. If landlord won't pay the extra cost of your alternate living accommodations, then you would have to sue landlord to get reimbursement for that and for replacement of any lost property you have to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: What defines an emergency in maintenance apartment complex?
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Mar 10, 2019

Common sense. The most common emergencies are gas and water leaks and fire. But there are any number of other possibilities.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Family Law, Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: I have lived in a rental own by my mother for 30 years. Doing work on her properties/with me getting house in will

I have become disabled and can no longer do most of the work. Now she wants me to move because I'm no longer useful.

What can I do

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Feb 28, 2019

Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local real estate attorney to review all the facts and advise you of your options. If there is no written agreement allowing you to stay and money for your rent, then you might have to move.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for Ohio on
Q: What can be done about a telemarketer that called at 5:45 AM on a Sunday morning and then hung up when answered?

It is an energy company that calls us often, sometimes 2-3 times a day.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 15, 2018

You could consult with a collections attorney in your state as to your remedies. If you repost your question in the Collections section of this website, an attorney who works in that area would have a better chance of picking it up.

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: Can I get my deposit and first month rent back if I never moved in due to pest issues, repairs needed and still dirty?

I was not given the opportunity to look at property before I moved in due to landlord not being available. My move in date was 8/16 and I received my keys and spent 2 hrs on walk thru on 8/15 @ 7pm going over things that needed to get done and unfortunately I had movers set up the next morning at... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 20, 2018

You can file in small claims court. Check the court web site for the forms and process to follow.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Ohio on
Q: Is there any single law against crimes that casinos are doing for manipulating slot machines on a daily bases?

Lost 300k in last 10 years for this crime

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jul 16, 2018

It is illegal for the casino to rig games in a way specific to some individual or jackpot, yes. But, the games are rigged the regular old legal way so any long time player is bound to be a loser. Look at the machines. They actually say on them things like "This slot pays out 97% of all... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: is it normal to wire transfer downpayment and fees to title company before the closing date?

I am purchasing a house in Findlay, OH.The title company said that they will not be able to accept a check in $10,5000 since the state of Ohio

has what’s called the “Good Funds Law”. This law requires that any funds greater than $10,000 be electronically wired to title company.... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 11, 2018

It is required in Ohio, as the title company has advised you. Check with your bank about the process and the security. The title company will provide wire transfer instructions.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: We received a letter from the property manager for 3 day notice to vacate. The bank will not write a letter to the

Property manager for fraudulent activity. We have tried every resource possible to find help with the rent and have yet to get any help. My husband and I are both on Social Security disability and we don't know what to do

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 28, 2018

If you cannot work it out with the landlord, and if rent has not been paid, then the landlord probably can get the eviction. Contact your local senior services agencies, and local housing assistance agencies for help finding a place. And definitely get a new bank.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Land Use & Zoning for Ohio on
Q: can the owner of a property who granted an easement to another for a private driveway use the driveway (more information

even though the grantor did not pay for driveway installation

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 19, 2018

It depends on the wording of the easement that was signed by grantor and recorded in the county records. But typically, the easement is non-exclusive, and the grantor can continue to use the easement area along with the grantee. So if grantee installs a driveway in the easement area, grantor can... View More

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