Leases are legally binding, but in some situations, you can legally break your lease without penalties . Don’t let a landlord scare you into staying when you have the law on your side. 1. Legal Reasons to Break a Lease Unsafe living conditions Landlord harassment Active military duty (under SCRA) Domestic violence protection laws Job relocation over 50+ miles (in some states) 2. Required Steps Give written notice Provide documentation (e.g., military orders, police report) Follow your state’s legal timeline (usually 30 days) 3. What If It's Not a Legal Reason? Negotiate early termination Sublet if allowed Pay a lease-break fee (if reasonable) Final Thought: Know your rights. Some leases are breakable—especially if your health, safety, or legal protections are at risk.
Many workers feel pressured to arrive early, stay late, or answer messages after hours—all without pay. If you're a non-exempt worker, this is illegal under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 1. What Is “Off-the-Clock” Work? This includes: Checking email at home Setting up before your shift Cleaning up after you clock out All of this is considered work and must be paid. 2. Why Employers Do It To cut labor costs To meet unrealistic deadlines To avoid paying overtime But it's still illegal. 3. How to Document It Keep a personal log of hours worked Save emails or texts Take screenshots of time-tracking apps 4. What You Can Do Raise it with HR File a complaint with the Department of Labor Consider legal advice 5. Legal Protection Retaliation (firing you for complaining) is also illegal. If it happens, you can sue. Final Tip: Your time is money. Don’t work for free—ever.