Mylo Law Guide

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How to Legally Break a Lease Without Penalty in the U.S.

Signing a lease is a serious legal commitment—but sometimes life changes fast. Whether you're relocating for a job, facing financial hardship, or experiencing unsafe living conditions, there may come a time when you need to break your lease early . Breaking a lease without understanding your rights and obligations can result in penalties , credit damage , and even legal trouble . However, there are legitimate ways to end a lease early without facing these consequences. In this article, we explain the legal reasons for breaking a lease and how to protect yourself as a tenant. 1. What Is a Lease Agreement? A lease agreement is a binding contract between you and your landlord. It outlines the terms of your rental, including: Rent amount and due date Lease duration (e.g., 12 months) Rules around pets, guests, maintenance, etc. Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant When you break a lease early, you're typically violating that contract—unless there's a...

Understanding Overtime Pay in the U.S.: Who Qualifies and How It Works

If you’ve ever worked more than 40 hours in a week and wondered whether you’re entitled to overtime pay , you’re not alone. Overtime laws in the U.S. are governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) , and they can be confusing—especially when it comes to who qualifies, how much extra you should be paid, and what exceptions exist. This article breaks down the rules so you can protect your rights and make sure you’re being paid fairly for your time. 1. What Is Overtime Pay? Under federal law, overtime pay is 1.5 times your regular hourly wage —commonly called “time and a half.” ✅ For example: If you earn $20/hour, your overtime rate is $30/hour. Employees must receive this rate for every hour worked over 40 hours in a single workweek . 📅 Important: A “workweek” is any fixed 7-day period—not necessarily Monday to Sunday. 2. Who Qualifies for Overtime? The key question is whether you are non-exempt or exempt under the FLSA: ✅ Non-Exempt Employees Paid hourly ...

At-Will Employment in the U.S.: What Every Worker Needs to Know

If you’ve ever read the fine print on a job offer in the United States, you’ve probably come across the term “at-will employment.” But what does it actually mean? And more importantly—what rights do you have as an employee under this system? At-will employment is the default rule in most U.S. states, but many workers don’t fully understand how it affects them. This guide explains what at-will employment is, its exceptions, and what you can do if you’re wrongfully terminated. 1. What Is At-Will Employment? Under at-will employment , either the employer or the employee can end the working relationship at any time , for any reason , or no reason at all —as long as the reason isn’t illegal . For example: An employer can fire you because they’re downsizing You can quit on the spot without notice But you can’t be fired due to race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics This system provides flexibility but also creates uncertainty for workers. 2. Comm...

What Happens After You Get a Green Card? Your Rights and Responsibilities as a U.S. Permanent Resident

Congratulations! You’ve received your green card , officially known as a Permanent Resident Card . But while becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States is a major achievement, it also comes with new rights—and serious responsibilities. This article outlines what you can and can’t do as a green card holder, how to maintain your permanent resident status, and the next steps if you plan to become a U.S. citizen in the future. 1. What Is a Green Card? A green card grants you the legal right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. It is typically valid for 10 years (or 2 years for conditional residents, such as spouses of U.S. citizens). Having a green card doesn’t make you a U.S. citizen, but it does give you many of the same benefits—including protection under U.S. laws, freedom to travel, and access to work opportunities. 2. Your Rights as a Green Card Holder As a lawful permanent resident, you are entitled to: Live and work anywhere in the U.S...

The Green Card Lottery Explained: How to Apply and What to Expect

Each year, thousands of people from around the world apply for the United States Diversity Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery . This unique immigration opportunity offers permanent residency to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. But what exactly is the Green Card Lottery? How does it work, who is eligible, and what can applicants expect during the process? In this guide, we'll break it all down clearly and accurately so you can determine if it’s the right path for you. 1. What Is the Diversity Visa Program? The Diversity Visa Program was created by the Immigration Act of 1990 to encourage immigration from underrepresented countries. Every year, the U.S. government makes 55,000 green cards available through a random selection process. The lottery is free to enter , and winners are chosen randomly by a computer system run by the U.S. Department of State. If selected, applicants can then proceed with applying f...

Security Deposit Disputes: How to Get Your Money Back Legally

Security deposits are a standard part of renting a home or apartment. Landlords collect them to cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. But when it’s time to move out, many tenants face unexpected deductions—or worse, never get their deposit back at all. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid disputes and legally recover your money. This guide explains what landlords can and cannot deduct from a deposit, the deadlines for returning funds, and how to take legal action if your money is unfairly withheld. 1. What Is a Security Deposit? A security deposit is an upfront sum—usually one or two months' rent—that tenants pay before moving in. It’s held by the landlord as financial protection in case of: Property damage Excessive cleaning needs Unpaid rent Lease violations However, landlords cannot treat the deposit as extra income. It's still the tenant’s money, and must be returned after move-out unless legitimate dedu...