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Do You Have to Pay Rent If Your Apartment Is Uninhabitable?

 You have legal protections if your apartment becomes uninhabitable —due to flooding, mold, no heat, or pests. In some cases, you may not have to pay rent at all. 1. What Is “Uninhabitable”? A place may be deemed uninhabitable if it lacks: Heat or water Electricity Structural safety Sanitation (severe mold, rodents, etc.) 2. Your Rights State laws often allow: Rent reduction Lease termination No rent obligation during unlivable conditions 3. What To Do Notify landlord in writing immediately Take pictures, get inspection if possible If ignored, consider local housing authority or court 4. Moving Out If you leave due to uninhabitable conditions, keep all evidence to defend against future rent claims .
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What is a Public Charge and Will It Affect Your Green Card Application?

 Many immigrants worry about being labeled a “public charge” and having their Green Card denied. The rules around this concept have changed in recent years. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.

1. What Is “Public Charge”?

It refers to someone likely to rely primarily on government support (like cash benefits). USCIS evaluates whether an applicant is likely to become one.

2. What Benefits Count?

  • Counted: SSI, TANF, long-term institutional care

  • Not counted: Medicaid (non-long-term), SNAP, housing assistance, COVID-19 relief

3. Who Is Affected?

Only those applying for Green Cards through family or employment in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) may be evaluated for public charge grounds.

Refugees, asylum seekers, U visa, T visa, and DACA applicants are not affected.

4. What Is Reviewed?

USCIS looks at:

  • Age, health, income, education, sponsor affidavit of support (Form I-864)

5. How to Avoid Issues

  • Provide accurate income/assets information

  • Submit strong Affidavit of Support

  • Avoid cash benefits before applying

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