Articles by Elena Ortiz
Is It Legal to Put Security Cameras Outside Your House?
Home security cameras are generally legal — with limits on filming neighbors' private spaces and on audio. Here's the framework.
Is It Legal to Rent Out a Room in Your House?
Renting a room is often allowed but comes with zoning, HOA, tax, and landlord-tenant strings. Here's what to check.
Is It Legal for a Landlord to Enter Without Notice?
Landlords generally must give notice before entering, with an emergency exception. Here's how entry rules typically work.
Is It Legal to Break a Lease?
Breaking a lease early can mean owing rent unless you have legal grounds. Here's the general framework and how to limit costs.
Is It Legal to Resell Tickets?
Ticket resale is legal in many states but regulated in others. Here's how scalping laws and ticket terms generally work.
Is It Legal to Sell Homemade Food?
Cottage food laws let many people sell low-risk homemade items — within limits. Here's the general framework.
Is It Legal for Debt Collectors to Call Your Family?
Collectors can contact others only to locate you — not to discuss your debt. Here's what the FDCPA generally allows.
Is It Legal for a Business to Charge a Credit Card Fee?
Credit-card surcharges are allowed in most states with disclosure, banned in a few. Here's how the rules generally work.
Is It Legal for Your Employer to Monitor Your Computer?
Employers can generally monitor company devices and networks. Here's the general rule and where the limits fall.
Is It Legal to Be Fired Without Warning?
At-will employment allows firing without warning in most states — but not for illegal reasons. Here's where the lines are.
Is It Legal to Work Without a Lunch Break?
Federal law doesn't mandate lunch breaks, but many states do. Here's how meal and rest break rules generally work.
Is It Legal for Your Boss to Reduce Your Pay?
Employers can often cut pay going forward — but not retroactively, below minimum wage, or in violation of a contract. Here's the general picture.