Articles: House Or Apartment

Dear Consumer Ed:  I moved out of my apartment six weeks ago and I still haven’t received my security deposit back. I have emailed the apartment manager twice, but she has not replied. I have the documents showing that all the bills and dues were paid. What can I do?

Dear Consumer Ed:  I was told by my moving company that under Georgia law they can require that I pay them before they unload my furniture. Is this true?

Dear Consumer Ed:  There’s a tree between my neighbor’s and my property that fell and landed in my yard. I asked my neighbor to split the costs with me for removing the tree, but he says the tree is in my yard now, so I should pay. Who is right?

Dear Consumer Ed:  My landlord is raising my rent by $200 per month. Now he is telling me I also have to pay an additional $200 on my security deposit. Is he allowed to do that?

Dear Consumer Ed:  Can my Homeowners Association increase my monthly dues by $230, and do so without prior notice?

Dear Consumer Ed: I paid a contractor a $3,900 up-front deposit for a $5,400 contract for work on my home. He never began the work and is ignoring my phone calls. Can I get my money back?

Dear Consumer Ed:  The apartment I rent has a 12-month lease. The property was recently sold and the management company changed. I am concerned that they may raise the rent at the end of the lease term. How far in advance of my lease expiration are they required to notify me of a planned rent increase?

Dear Consumer Ed:  There is a leaky water pipe underneath the house I rent. I’ve spoken to my landlord about it several times over the last two months, but he won’t fix it. What can I do to get this repaired? Also, am I still responsible for paying my water bill, which, thanks to this leak, has gone from $77 to $142 a month?

Dear Consumer Ed:  I’m having solar panels installed on my home.  What kind of licensing is the installer required to have?

Dear Consumer Ed:  Can an apartment complex force tenants to pay for “valet” trash pickup in front of their apartment door versus letting us just take care of it and throw it away in the dumpster for free?