Consumer Ed
Valet trash fee increase
Dear Consumer Ed: I just got my monthly statement from the apartment complex where I live, and they have increased the charge for my valet trash from $25 to $35. Can they legally raise the fee in the middle of my lease term and without prior notice? The $25 fee already seemed excessive, given…
Read MoreFrame damage discovered on vehicle with clean title
Dear Consumer Ed: I bought a used vehicle from a local dealer about nine months ago. At the time of sale, the paperwork I signed showed that the vehicle had a clean title. After the purchase, I found frame damage on the vehicle. I ran a vehicle history report and discovered that an auction had…
Read MoreWho 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…
Read MoreAre car dealers allowed to charge more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a new vehicle?
Dear Consumer Ed: Is it legal for car dealers to charge more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a brand-new vehicle? I went to one dealership that had tacked on $5,000 to the MSRP, and another added $9,000. They said it was based on demand. Consumer Ed says: Generally, most car dealers are legally allowed…
Read MoreDo 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…
Read MoreWhen 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreCancelling 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…
Read MoreContractor 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…
Read MorePrivate 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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