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Your Rights When Forced to Work Off the Clock: A Comprehensive Guide

 Working beyond scheduled hours—without pay—often happens quietly in workplaces. It's important to know that unpaid work is illegal under the Fair Labor Standards Act if you're non-exempt. Here's how to handle it. 1. What “Off-the-Clock” Work Means Activities like: Arriving early to prep Staying late to wrap up Checking work emails after hours are all compensable if required or expected. 2. Why It Happens Peer pressure from culture of “always-on” Employers hoping to save money Misunderstanding of classification rules 3. How the Law Protects You Non-exempt workers must be compensated for all time worked. This includes: Regular time Overtime (1.5x rate for above 40 hours a week) Breaks under 20 minutes, training, cleanup time 4. Steps to Take if It’s a Pattern Log all hours, even off-the-clock ones Bring it up with supervisor or HR File a complaint with U.S. Department of Labor Consider joining a class action or working wit...
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Can Your Landlord Raise the Rent? Know Your Rights as a Tenant

 Rent hikes are frustrating, but are they legal? In most of the U.S., landlords can raise rent—but only under certain conditions. Knowing your rights helps you prepare and fight back if needed.

General Rule

In most states, landlords can raise the rent at the end of a lease term or with proper notice if you’re on a month-to-month agreement. They typically cannot raise rent during a fixed lease unless the lease allows it.

Notice Requirements

Landlords must give:

  • 30 days’ notice for small increases

  • 60 days or more for larger hikes (varies by state)

Some cities with rent control laws limit how much rent can be increased each year.

What Is Rent Control?

Rent control or rent stabilization limits how much landlords can increase rent. Cities with some form of rent control include:

  • New York City

  • San Francisco

  • Los Angeles

  • Washington, D.C.

If you live in a rent-controlled unit, increases are strictly regulated.

Illegal Rent Increases

You may challenge a rent increase if:

  • It’s retaliatory (e.g., after a complaint)

  • It discriminates (race, disability, family status, etc.)

  • It violates lease terms or local ordinances

Final Thoughts

Read your lease, know your city’s laws, and don’t accept unlawful rent hikes. Legal aid groups can help you fight back.

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