LawHelpMN.org
Below is a list of common legal problems, and where you can find legal information about them on this website.

If your legal problem has to do with your home or trying to get an apartment or house, please click here for a list of common housing problems.
If your legal problem has to do with taxes, bills, money, cars, or something else you've bought, please click here for a list of common consumer/tax problems.
If your legal problem is related to something going on in your family, please click here for a list of common family law and related legal problems.

If you aren't sure which of these areas your legal problem is most related to, please scroll down the page for a the full list of common legal problems.
If you don't see your legal problem in the list, you may browse for information in the following topics:

Family Law Housing Consumer and Debt
Work
Disability Seniors Immigration/Immigrants Migrant Workers
Taxes Individual Rights Public Benefits Education
Health Care Youth Rights Veterans Farm
Native Americans The Legal System Abuse, Violence, & Crime Victims' Rights

Housing

My landlord needs to fix things in my home.

In the past 2 years, a landlord kept more of my security deposit than s/he should have.

In the last 2 years, a landlord treated me worse than other tenants because of my race, national origin, religion, disability, gender, the fact that I have kids, sexual orientation, or because I get welfare.

I have been turned down for an apartment after paying an application fee.

I am pregnant or have small children, and I live in a home built before 1978.

I am living with a roommate.

My landlord has come into my home without trying to warn me in advance.

I am having trouble finding a place to rent because of evictions on my record.

I need general information on renting.

I don't know how to find a place to rent.

Can I have a pet if I rent? What if I have a disability and it is a companion pet?

My building has utility meters that measure for more than 1 space.

My utility bill is divided between me and others.

I think there are bed bugs in my house.

I need repairs NOW because I have no heat or electricity.

The building I rent in is being foreclosed.

My landlord locked me out.

My landlord won't pay the bills because s/he wants me out.

My utilities are shut off, but my landlord is supposed to pay for them.

What is "rent to own?"

What is contract for deed.

My landlord asked if I want part of my rent to go to owning the home.

I heard I can get money back in taxes if I rent - how does that work?

I heard I can get money back in taxes if I own a home - how does that work?

My landlord sent me an eviction notice.

My landlord sent me a "notice to quit."

How do I get rid of evictions on my record?

I live in public housing and they want to end my lease.

My landlord got rid of my stuff after I moved out.

Consumer/Tax

I have been told that I have "bad" credit.

I am being bothered by bill collectors.

I am thinking about buying a used car.

I am thinking about taking out a second mortgage or refinancing my debts.

I am having trouble paying my student loans.

I am worried about someone taking money out of my paycheck or bank account for money I owe.

I may want to file a claim against someone/Someone has filed a claim against me in small claims court.

I didn't get any tax refunds this year.

 

Family/Youth/Seniors

I am raising a child alone, but I don't have a child support order.

My child support order isn't being enforced.

I am not happy with my visitation plan.

My child's father has never been named in a paternity order.

Someone I know is a victim of family violence or harassment.

I have a teenager who is living away from home without my permission.

I want to know what rights kids have with parents.

I am wondering if I should have a will.

I am concerned about health care decisions that will be made if I am no longer able to make my wishes clear.



My landlord needs to fix things in my home.

Getting a Landlord to Make Repairs

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Repairs" subtopic

Emergency Repair Problems

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Repairs" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


 

In the past 2 years, a landlord kept more of my security deposit than s/he should have.

Security Deposits

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Security Deposits" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)



 

In the last 2 years, a landlord treated me worse than other tenants because of my race, national origin, religion, disability, gender, the fact that I have kids, sexual orientation, or because I get welfare.

Housing Discrimination

(PDF Version)          (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment" subtopic

Note: the "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment" subtopic can also be found in the "Individual Rights" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)

 


 

I have been turned down for an apartment after paying an application fee.

Tenant Screening

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction," "Eviction Expungement," "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues," "Public Housing," and "Right to Privacy" subtopics.

Note: the "Right to Privacy" subtopic can also be found in the "Individual Rights" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)

 


 

I am pregnant or have small children, and I live in a home built before 1978.

Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Housing Issues" and "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" subtopics 

Lead Paint and Tenant's Rights

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Housing Issues" and "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


 

I am living with a roommate.

Roommates

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Housing Issues" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


 

My landlord has come into my home without trying to warn me in advance.

A Tenant's Right to Privacy

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Right to Privacy" subtopic

Note: the "Right to Privacy" subtopic can also be found in the "Individual Rights" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)

 


 

I am having trouble finding a place to rent because of evictions on my record.

Expunging an Eviction Case

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction Expungement" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


I need general information on renting.

Basic Information for Tenants

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction," "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues," "Public Housing," "Repairs," "Security Deposits," and "Subsidized Housing (Section 8/Voucher)" subtopics

Questions About Renting

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Housing Issues" and "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" subtopics

Looking for an Apartment

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harassment," "Other Housing Issues," "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" and "Security Deposits" subtopics

Note: the "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment" subtopic can also be found in the "Individual Rights" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


I don't know how to find a place to rent.

Looking for an Apartment

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harassment," "Other Housing Issues," "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" and "Security Deposits" subtopics

Note: the "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment" subtopic can also be found in the "Individual Rights" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)



Can I have a pet if I rent? What if I have a disability and it is a companion pet?

Can I Keep A Pet?

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harassment," "Other Housing Issues," "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" and "Public Housing" subtopics
and
in the "Disability" topic, "Discrimination/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)" and "Rights of the Disabled" subtopics

Note: the "Housing Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment" subtopic can also be found in the "Individual Rights" topic

Note: the "Rights of the Disabled" subtopic can also be found in the "Work" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


My building has utility meters that measure for more than 1 space.

Shared Utility Meters

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Utilities- Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic

Note: the "Utilities- Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic can also be found in the "Consumer and Debt" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)



My utility bill is divided between me and others.

Shared Utility Meters

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Utilities- Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic

Note: the "Utilities- Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic can also be found in the "Consumer and Debt" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)



I think there are bed bugs in my house.

Bed Bugs

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Housing Issues," "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" and "Repairs" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


I need repairs NOW because I have no heat or electricity.

Emergency Repair Problems

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Repairs" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


The building I rent in is being foreclosed.

When Your Landlord Loses the Building

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Foreclosure Prevention," "Other Housing Issues" and "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" subtopics
and
in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Repossession and Foreclosure" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


My landlord locked me out.

Lockouts and Shut-offs to Evict are Illegal

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction" and "Utilities - Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopics

Note: the "Utilities- Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic can also be found in the "Consumer and Debt" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


My landlord won't pay the bills because s/he wants me out.

Lockouts and Shut-offs to Evict are Illegal

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction" and "Utilities - Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopics

Note: the "Utilities- Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic can also be found in the "Consumer and Debt" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


My utilities are shut off, but my landlord is supposed to pay for them.

Utility Shut-offs When Landlord Owes the Bill

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Utilities - Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic

Note: the "Utilities- Gas, Electricity, Telephone" subtopic can also be found in the "Consumer and Debt" topic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


What is "rent to own?"

Contract for Deed

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Contract for Deed/Home Ownership" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


What is contract for deed.

Contract for Deed

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Contract for Deed/Home Ownership" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


My landlord asked if I want part of my rent to go to owning the home.

Contract for Deed

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Contract for Deed/Home Ownership" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


I heard I can get money back in taxes if I rent - how does that work?

Renter's Refund

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" subtopic 
and 
in the "Taxes" topic, "Low Income Tax Credits" subtopic
and
in the "Work" topic, "Taxes" subtopic
and
in the "Migrant Workers" topic, "Taxes (Migrant)" subtopic
and
in the "Farm" topic, "Bankruptcy and Tax" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


I heard I can get money back in taxes if I own a home - how does that work?

Renter's Refund

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" subtopic 
and 
in the "Taxes" topic, "Low Income Tax Credits" subtopic
and
in the "Work" topic, "Taxes" subtopic
and
in the "Migrant Workers" topic, "Taxes (Migrant)" subtopic
and
in the "Farm" topic, "Bankruptcy and Tax" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


My landlord sent me an eviction notice.

Your Rights in an Eviction

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


My landlord sent me a "notice to quit."

Your Rights in an Eviction

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


How do I get rid of evictions on my record?

Expunging an Eviction Case

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction Expungement" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)


I live in public housing and they want to end my lease.

Public Housing Lease Terminations

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Eviction," "Public Housing" and "Subsidized Housing (Section 8/Voucher)" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to housing list)




My landlord got rid of my stuff after I moved out.

Getting Property Back After You Move Out

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Housing" topic, "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to housing list)

 


 

I have been told that I have "bad" credit.

Credit Reports

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Credit and Credit Reports" subtopic and in the "Farm" topic, "Debtor-Creditor/Commercial," "Farm Business & Marketing," and "FSA Credit" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I am being bothered by bill collectors.

Your Debt Collection Rights

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Debt Collection and Garnishment" subtopic and in the "Farm" topic, "Debtor-Creditor/Commercial" and "FSA Credit" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I am thinking about buying a used car.

How to Buy A Used Car

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Cars and Car Problems" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I am thinking about taking out a second mortgage or refinancing my debts.

Think Hard About Refinancing

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Student Loans and Mortgage Loans" subtopic, and in the "Housing" topic, "Contract for Deed/Home Ownership" and "Forclosure Prevention" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I am having trouble paying my student loans.

Help with Student Loan Problems

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Student Loans and Mortgage Loans" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I am worried about someone taking money out of my paycheck or bank account for money I owe.

Garnishments and Your Rights

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Debt Collection and Garnishment" subtopic, and in the "Farm" topic, "Debtor-Creditor/Commercial" and "FSA Credit" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I may want to file a claim against someone/Someone has filed a claim against me in small claims court.

Conciliation Court

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Representing Yourself In Small Claims Court" subtopic and in the "Housing" topic, "Contract for Deed/Home Ownership," "Mobile Homes and Manufactured Homes," "Other Housing Issues," "Other Landlord and Tenant Issues," "Repairs" and "Security Deposits"

Note: the "Representing Yourself In Small Claims Court" subtopic can also be found in the "The Legal System" topic

If You Are Sued

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Consumer and Debt" topic, "Representing Yourself In Small Claims Court" subtopic

Note: the "Representing Yourself In Small Claims Court" subtopic can also be found in the "The Legal System" topic

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I didn't get any tax refunds this year.

Tax Refunds for People with Low Incomes

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Farm" topic, "Bankruptcy or Tax" subtopic, and in the "Taxes" topic, "Low Income Tax Credits/Refunds" subtopic, and in the "Migrant Workers" topic, "Taxes (Migrants)" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to consumer list)

 


 

I am raising a child alone, but I don't have a child support order.

Getting Child Support

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Family Law" topic, "Child Support" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

My child support order isn't being enforced.

Now That I Have Child Support

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Family Law" topic, "Child Support" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

I am not happy with my visitation plan.

Parenting Time (Visitation)

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Family Law" topic, "Custody and Visitation" and "Grandparent Visitation Rights" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

My child's father has never been named in a paternity order.

Paternity and Child Custody

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Family Law" topic, "Custody and Visitation" and "Paternity" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

Someone I know is a victim of family violence or harassment.

Orders for Protection and Harrassment Orders

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Family Law" topic, "Domestic Violence/Spousal Abuse" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

I have a teenager who is living away from home without my permission.

What Parents Should Know About Runaways

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Youth Rights" topic, "Juvenile Delinquency" subtopic

Youth Living Away From Home

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Youth Rights" topic, "Emancipation" and "Juvenile Delinquency" subtopics, and in the "Education" topic, "Truancy/Compulsory Attendance" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

I want to know what rights kids have with parents.

Your Rights with Your Parents or Guardians

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Youth Rights" topic, "Emancipation" and "Juvenile Delinquency" subtopics

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

I am wondering if I should have a will.

Common Questions About Wills

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Seniors" topic, "Wills, Probate, and Trusts" subtopic

(back to top)     (back to family list)

 


 

I am concerned about health care decisions that will be made if I am no longer able to make my wishes clear.

Health Care Directives

(PDF Version)               (HTML Version)

This resource is located in the "Seniors" topic, "Health Care Directives/Living Wills" subtopic

Note: the "Health Care Directives/Living Wills" subtopic can also be found in the "Health Care" topic

(back to top)     (back to family list)



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