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Consumer Ed

Who is responsible for an order lost in transit?

Dear Consumer Ed: I ordered an item from an online company in Georgia, but the item was never delivered because it was apparently either lost or stolen in transit. Is the company legally required to replace or refund the item? Does it matter if the company has a “store policy” that indicates that the buyer…

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Do I have to finance a car through the dealership’s preferred lender?

Dear Consumer Ed: Do I have the choice to finance a car independent of a dealership’s choice of financing? If I sign an agreement consenting to dealership financing, am I obligated to honor the agreement? Consumer Ed says:    You have the choice to finance a car independent of a dealership’s choice of financing.  The…

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When is a landlord permitted to enter an apartment unit?

Dear Consumer Ed: Does a landlord have the right to enter an apartment unit at any time on any specified day, even if it’s a national holiday? Consumer Ed says: Landlords may need to enter a tenant’s rental unit at any time to make necessary repairs, respond to emergencies, or to investigate damages to the…

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How can I verify that a contractor is licensed and insured?

Dear Consumer Ed: How can I verify online that a home improvement contractor in Georgia is licensed and insured? Consumer Ed says:   Contractors who offer or perform residential or general contractor services for compensation in Georgia must be licensed in accordance with the laws and rules that regulate this profession. To verify that a contractor is licensed, go…

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Cancelling custom-ordered merchandise

Dear Consumer Ed: Can I back out of purchasing custom-ordered goods? Can I get my deposit back? Consumer Ed says: Custom-ordered products are typically agreed to and purchased by contract; so, your rights are going to be determined by what is stated in the contract. Since manufacturers of made-to-order goods can often incur significant costs…

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Contractor accepted deposit but never did work

Dear Consumer Ed: I paid a $15,000 deposit to have a swimming pool installed. I have receipts and a written contract. The contractor was supposed to start three weeks ago. The permit has not been applied for, and the contractor will not respond to my messages. I have since discovered that he is a repeat…

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Private seller sold me a car without a title

Dear Consumer Ed: I recently bought a car from a private citizen, but the seller said he had lost the title. So, I have a bill of sale, but no title. What can I do to obtain a tag and title? Consumer Ed says:                                                                                 In Georgia, titles are required for all 1986 and newer year…

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Can landlord forbid smoking in apartment?

Dear Consumer Ed: Can a landlord forbid smoking in an apartment? Consumer Ed says: Yes, landlords have the right to restrict or prohibit smoking the same way they can prohibit things like waterbeds or excessive noise. Generally, a no-smoking policy would be part of the lease agreement. When tenants sign a lease agreement, they agree…

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Getting notified following a data breach

Dear Consumer Ed: If a store scans my driver’s license and its computer system is subsequently hacked, resulting in my information being compromised, does the store have to notify me of the breach? Consumer Ed says: Georgia Law O.C.G.A. § 10-1-912 requires businesses who collect, transmit or maintain unencrypted digital records of an individual’s personal…

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