John Sours of the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection.
ATLANTA -
Georgia consumers sometimes just need a little expert advice on their finances, their home, or their car.
Twice a month the I-Team will bring you a new segment called Ask Consumer Ed. You ask the questions and the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection will give you an answer.
Consumer Ed received a letter about an apartment that was flooded -- soaked from a plumbing issue. She says her landlord was good about it for a few days. Then, he said she'd have to find a new place to stay for a while on her own dime.
According to the state, you have an option called repair and deduct. You make reasonable repairs on your own with a plumber, then deduct it from your rent. Remember don't go overboard with repairs - just the basics and keep your receipts.
If you think you're living in dangerous conditions and nothing is being done - call the city or county code inspector. If you're right, he can pressure your landlord to fix the problem quickly.
If you simply can't live in the apartment in this condition, Consumer Ed says you have the right to "constructive eviction." This relieves you of paying rent if ordinary repairs keep your apartment unfit to live. And don't forget to gather repair estimates from legitimate professional contractors.
Then, if all else fails, you can sue your landlord.
"People should be aware, however, that if the damage is less than $15,000, they can go straight into a magistrate's court in the county of their residence and they don't need an attorney there, although it's still a good idea to have advice before you go to court," said John Sours with the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:13:04 GMT
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the FTC has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off on its strong health claims.
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the Federal Trade Commission has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off some pretty strong health claims.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Thursday, June 13 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-06-13 19:29:22 GMT
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:36:50 GMT
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:07:42 GMT
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-06-12 10:59:03 GMT
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list.
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list. According to the I-Team, the list are schemes that have been around as long as the BBB, 100 years. The only thing different is the technology.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:56 AM EDT2013-06-18 09:56:03 GMT
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Here's how!
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Good Day Atlanta goes to the pros for answers!
Monday, June 17 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:08:03 GMT
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
John Sours of the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection.
