When moving out of a rental property, one of the biggest concerns tenants have is: “Will I get my full security deposit back?” While landlords are legally allowed to deduct from your deposit in certain situations, they cannot simply keep it without justification. Understanding your rights can help you avoid unnecessary losses and protect your finances. This article covers what landlords can legally deduct , what’s considered normal wear and tear , and how to fight unfair deductions . 1. What Is a Security Deposit? A security deposit is a sum of money (often 1–2 months' rent) paid upfront to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. Most states require landlords to return the deposit within a certain number of days (usually 14–30 days) after the tenant moves out. Landlords must itemize any deductions in writing. If they fail to do so within the legal time frame, you may be entitled to a full refund—plus penalties . 2. What Landlords CAN Deduct For Your landlord has the ...
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 ...