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...
Can Landlords Raise Rent Without Notice? What Tenants Need to Know About Rent Increase Rules Rent increases are a common concern for tenants, but landlords generally cannot raise rent without giving proper notice . Understanding your rights and your landlord’s obligations can help you prepare for rent changes and avoid surprises. Notice Requirements for Rent Increases State laws vary, but most jurisdictions require landlords to provide written notice before increasing rent. The notice period depends on the type of lease and the amount of the increase: 1. Month-to-Month Leases If you rent on a month-to-month basis , landlords typically must give at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent. This means you have at least a month to decide if you accept the increase or plan to move out. 2. Larger Rent Increases For significant rent increases (which may vary by state, often defined as 5%–10% or more), some states require a longer notice period, usually 60 days . This extended not...