About Oni Harton, Esq.
Oni Harton is an experienced estate planning and litigation attorney. She has been writing and researching for more than two decades and enjoys contributing to efforts that connect people with critical legal services. Oni contributes to Super Lawyers by creating content and verifying the legal accuracy of articles. Oni is an Indiana University School of Law graduate. She is licensed in Indiana.
Articles written by Oni Harton, Esq.
Can I Break My Lease if My Apartment Building Converts Into Airbnbs?
Whether you can break a lease if your apartment building converts into Airbnbs depends on several factors, including the terms of your individual lease, the state and local landlord-tenant law, and the circumstances surrounding any disruption to your living situation. While converting an apartment into short-term rentals does not automatically give you the right to break your lease, particular circumstances could strengthen your case. If you need help understanding your rights when your …
Can You Pay Rent With Services Instead of Money?
Most tenants pay rent from a checking account, via bank transfer, or through property management software or an online portal. However, in certain circumstances, you can make rent payments with services instead of money. That's called bartering for rent. Understand how the law views these arrangements, what protections exist, and how to structure an agreement to protect your rights. If you need help with an agreement to pay rent with services instead of money, contact a local landlord-tenant …
Rooming House and SRO Tenant Rights: What You Need To Know
Living in a rooming house or a single room occupancy (SRO) comes with distinct rights and challenges. There may be a common area where you share a kitchen or bathroom, and you may have different rights than those included in a standard lease agreement, but you still have protections under the law. It's critical to know your rights and how to protect them if you need to resolve a dispute involving rent, privacy, proper notice, or any other issue that may arise. If you need legal help protecting …
Can You Sue a Landlord for Toxic Mold Exposure and Property Damage?
If you or a loved one lives in a rental unit and has been exposed to toxic black mold or other toxic mold, and has symptoms or has experienced property damage, there are legal protections under the law. If a landlord refuses to address the issue after you report it, you may file a claim for mold exposure to recover money you spent on medical bills, damaged belongings, and other related costs. If you need help determining whether you have a claim against your landlord (or other responsible …
Tenant Rights and Second-Hand Smoke: What To Do if Your Non-Smoking Building Fails To Enforce Rules
If you or a loved one experiences secondhand smoke in your condominium or apartment complex and your non-smoking building fails to enforce the rules, there are steps you can take. Document the occurrences, notify your landlord or property manager, and request enforcement. If the problem continues, you can escalate it, even to the point of taking legal action. A local landlord-tenant lawyer can help you address an unwanted smoke infiltration problem and determine the right next steps for your …
What Does a Preliminary Injunction Do in a Lawsuit?
A preliminary injunction is an order from a court that prevents a party from performing specified acts during the litigation. It is considered an extraordinary remedy to preserve the status quo until a trial on the merits can be held. A preliminary injunction is usually granted early in the case, before a final decision is reached. Preliminary injunctions are common in trade secret cases, certain business litigation disputes, and intellectual property cases. For example, a court may stop a …
How To File a Mold Exposure Lawsuit: Step-by-Step Guide
A toxic mold lawsuit is a legal claim seeking compensation for toxic mold exposure caused by someone else's negligence. Toxic mold exposure can be extremely harmful to you and your family. Large mold growth can be found in homes and other enclosed areas, such as HVAC systems, vents, and windows. It can be seen or smelled. If you or a loved one has been exposed to black mold or other toxic mold and has symptoms or experienced property damage, you may consider filing a mold exposure lawsuit. For …
Are Conversion Therapy Bans Constitutional? LGBTQ+ Rights and SCOTUS Ruling
In Chiles v. Salazar (2026), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Colorado could not enforce its ban on conversion therapy as applied to a counselor whose practice involves providing only talk therapy to minors. The ruling requires the lower court to reconsider Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy under a more rigorous standard of First Amendment scrutiny. The decision will likely cause other states with similar bans to reevaluate how they regulate what licensed professionals say. To get legal …
Can You Use AI to Draft a Business Contract? Legal Risks and Best Practices
Artificial intelligence can help with many tasks, including contract drafting, which can save time and money. There is generally no law prohibiting you from using AI to draft a contract. However, it may not always be the best option. Relying on AI alone, without legal professionals, can create serious legal risks. Don't risk your business success. Read on to see when AI can help draft a business contract and when it's best to get a legal review. Use the Super Lawyers Directory to find an …
Can the President Fire Agency Officials? Executive vs. Independent Power
On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision on the president’s power to fire independent agency officials. The decision in Trump v. Slaughter held that the “for cause” removal requirement for Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioners is contrary to the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. Slaughter overruled longstanding precedent from Humphrey’s Executor v. United States (1935), which had protected commissioners and board members of …
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