Landlord-tenant relationships are built on contracts, statutes, and local regulations. But many disputes start with simple misunderstandings. Whether you own a rental property or rent a home, misinformation can escalate a manageable issue into a legal conflict.

Below, we break down some of the most common myths we see on both sides-and what the law actually says.

Myth #1: “If there’s no written lease, there are no rules.”

False.

Even without a written lease a rental agreement can exist. Verbal agreements and month-to-month tenancies are still legally binding. State landlord-tenant laws govern notice requirements, habitability standards, rent increases, and eviction procedures-whether or not the agreement is on paper.

Why it matters: Assuming “nothing applies” often leads to improper notices, withheld rent, or premature move-outs.

Myth #2: “A landlord can enter the property anytime-they own it.”

False.

Ownership does not eliminate a tenant’s right to privacy. Most states require reasonable notice before entry, except in emergencies. Lease agreements often outline specific entry procedures.

Why it matters: Improper entry can expose landlords to liability and escalate tensions quickly.

Myth #3: “Tenants can withhold rent if repairs aren’t made.”

It depends.

Tenants generally have the right to habitable living space. However, simply stopping rent payments without following legal procedures can backfire. Many states require written notice and allow specific remedies (such as repair-and deduct or court involvement), but these must be handled carefully.

Why it matters: Withholding rent improperly can result in eviction, even if the repair issue was legitimate.

Myth #4: “A security deposit automatically covers any damage.”

False.

Security deposits typically cover:

• Unpaid rent
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Lease violations (in some cases)

They do not cover routine aging, minor scuffs, or unexpected wear.

Why it matters: Improper deductions can result in penalties for landlords and disputes for tenants.

Myth #5: “If rent is late, eviction can happen immediately.”

False.

Eviction is a legal process-not a reaction. It requires:

1. Proper written notice
2. Statutory warning periods
3. Court involvement
4. A formal judgment

DIY evictions (like changing locks or shutting off utilities) are illegal in most jurisdictions.

Why it matters: Shortcuts in the eviction process often lead to larger legal problems.

Myth #6: “Everything is controlled by the lease.”

False.

A lease is powerful-but it cannot override state or local law. Provisions that contradict landlord-tenant statutes may be unenforceable.

For example:

• Waiving habitability rights
• Eliminating required notice periods
• Avoiding mandated disclosures

Why it matters: A well-drafted lease should align with current legal requirements, not attempt to bypass them.

Practical Steps for Landlords

• Review and update lease agreements regularly
• Document repairs, notices, and communications
• Understand local eviction timelines before acting
• Avoid informal “handshake” modifications without documentation

Practical Steps for Tenants

• Provide written notice for repair issues
• Keep copies of communications
• Understand your lease terms before withholding rent
• Seek guidance before escalating a dispute

How WFJ Can Help

Landlord-tenant disputes don’t have to become drawn-out legal battles. Whether you’re a property owner trying to protect your investment or a tenant working to protect your housing rights, having clear, practical legal guidance makes all the difference.

At Wagner, Falconer & Judd, we support both landlords and tenants with:

• Lease drafting and review
• Eviction and defense proceedings
• Security deposit disputes
• Habitability and repair issues
• Real estate transactions and related matters

Our approach is straightforward and solutions-focused. We help clients understand their rights, assess their options, and move forward strategically-whether that means preventing a dispute, resolving one efficiently, or protecting your interests in court.

When a a large portion of your accounts receivable is tied up with just one or two customers, your business is exposed to client concentration risk. It’s common-especially for growing companies- but it can quietly strain cash flow and increase vulnerability if a major customer delays payment, disputes an invoice, or experiences financial trouble of their own.

Strong sales don’t always equal strong cash flow. If your largest customers pay slowly, pay inconsistently, or negotiate one-sided terms, your business can end up financing their operations as your expense.

Why Client Concentration in A/R is Risky

Client concentration risk occurs when a significant percentage of your outstanding invoices are tied to a limited number of customers. The risk isn’t just lost revenue-it’s timing and reliability of payment.

When a large customer delays payment, it can impact:

• payroll and staffing decisions
• vendor and supplier relationships
• expansion plans and reinvestment
• Your ability to weather unexpected expenses

Over time, informal payment practices like flexible payment timelines, loosely written contracts, or inconsistent follow-up can create long-term financial pressure.

How Contracts & Collections Affect Cash Flow

Your contracts and collections process are the foundation of predictable revenue. Weak payment terms, unclear enforcement language, or outdated agreements make it harder to address late payments without damaging relationships.

A trusted law firm can help you:

• Clarify payment terms (due dates, acceptable payment methods, and invoicing requirements)
• Add protections such as late fees, and reimbursement of collection costs
• Establish dispute resolution timelines so invoices don’t remain in limbo
• Create consistent collections workflows that support firm but professional follow-up
• Identify red flags in contracts with your largest customers that increase financial risk

The goal is not to escalate conflicts-but to avoid them by setting clear expectations upfront.

Action Steps: Reduce A/R Risk & Stabilize Cash Flow

Business owners can take proactive steps to reduce client concentration risk and improve cash flow:

1. Review Your A/R Concentration
   • Identify what percentage of your outstanding receivables comes from your top one to three customers. If one client represents a large share, your cash flow may be overly exposed.
2. Audit Your Payment Terms
   • Look for unclear language, long payment windows, missing late fee provisions, or informal side agreements that weaken your leverage.
3. Standardize Your Collections Process
   • Create a consistent timeline for reminders, follow-ups, and escalation so late payments are addressed early-before they become chronic.
4. Update Contracts Before Problems Arise
   • Renegotiate outdated agreements and tighten payment provisions before a dispute or delay occurs
5. Consult Legal Counsel Strategically
   • A law firm can help you restructure contracts, improve enforcement language, and design collections strategies that protect cash flow while maintaining professional relationships.

A More Predictable Path Forward

Strong revenue doesn’t automatically mean strong financial health. Businesses thrive when payments are reliable, expectations are clear, and risks are managed intentionally. Addressing client concentration in A/R isn’t about preparing for conflict-it’s about creating stability.

Wagner, Falconer & Judd works with businesses to assess accounts receivable risk, strengthen contracts, and build smarter collections strategies- helping keep your cash flow steady so you can focus on growth, not chasing payments. 

Legal issues rarely show up at a “good time”. Whether it’s a contract dispute, employment concern, real estate issue, collections matter, or even a personal legal challenge, uncertainty can make it hard to know what step to take next. That’s where having the right legal partner makes all the difference.

At Wagner, Falconer & Judd, we believe business and personal challenges deserve informed decisions-not rushed reactions. Our role is to help you slow the moment down, assess risk, understand your options, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Clear Guidance When It Matters Most

When problems arise, complexity can quickly become overwhelming. Our attorneys break down your situation in plain language so you can:

• Understand what’s at stake
• Explore practical options
• Make decisions aligned with your goals

You don’t need to navigate legal gray areas on your own.

Strategic Support for Businesses & Individuals

From employment law and commercial collections to real estate, construction, estate planning, and personal injury matters, WFJ provides guidance designed to support both long-term strategy and immediate next steps. We focus on helping you avoid unnecessary risk while protecting what you’ve built.

Calm, Informed Advocacy

A steady, informed approach can change the outcome of a stressful situation. With nearly a century of experience, WFJ brings perspective, practical solutions, and trusted counsel when you need it most.

When challenges arise, you don’t have to go it alone. 

Wagner, Falconer & Judd is here to help you move forward-strategically, confidently, and with a clear plan.

Missed deadlines are one of the most common-and costly-reasons lien and bond claims fail. Many businesses assume their enforcement window is tied to the last day they worked on a project. While that’s often true, it’s far from universal. In many situations, your deadline can start earlier (or be triggered by a different event entirely), putting otherwise valid claims at risk.

Below is a practical breakdown of how deadlines are triggered, where the pitfalls are, and how to protect your payment rights before time runs out.

The General Rule: “Last Date of Substantial Performance”

As a baseline, claim enforcement deadlines are commonly tied to your last date of substantial performance on the project. Substantial performance means the last day you provided labor or equipment that materially contributed to the improvement under your contract or an approved change order.

What doesn’t count as your “last date”:

• Punch list work
• Warranty work
• Minor or de minimis contributions

Relying on these types of activities to extend your deadline is a risky move-and one we see backfire frequently.

The Exceptions That Catch Companies Off Guard

The general rule has many exceptions, and they vary state by state and by project type. In some jurisdictions, your deadline may be triggered by events that have little to do with your final day on site. Common triggers include:

• Project substantial completion or beneficial use
• Project acceptance by the owner
• Cessation or suppression of work
• Contract termination (at any tier)
• Change orders (including gaps in performance or unapproved change orders)
• Bankruptcy (at any tier of the project)
• The date claim notice is provided
• The last date anyone furnished labor or materials (in certain states)

The takeaway: your clock may start earlier than you think-and it may start based on someone else’s actions, not yours.

Practice Tips: How to Protect Your Deadlines in the Real World

A few habits can dramatically reduce deadline risk:

• Use contract-tier changes conservatively. When the GC or ownership changes, treat that transition as a potential deadline trigger.
• Be cautious with unapproved change orders. Unapproved work may not extend your enforcement window.
• Track objective project milestones. Reliable sources include:
  • Public records
  • Written notice from the owner or GC
  • Confirmation that project funds have been paid in full to the GC

These data points often determine when courts say your clock actually started.

Case Snapshots: How Timing Errors Happen

Change Orders & Project Acceptance

In one matter, a claim was timed based on a series of change orders-two of which were not approved. The project was accepted by the public owner earlier than the company realized, shortening the window to file suit. The result: a missed enforced deadline.

General Contractor Termination

In another case, the original GC was terminated and a completing contractor took over. This created two separate claim paths with different notice and suit requirements. Because suit wasn’t timely filed under the original bond-and new notices weren’t properly served under the completing GC’s bond-the claims were denied.

Lesson: Changes in the contract chain can reset deadlines and create new procedural requirements.

State-By-State Reality Check

Not all states tie suit deadlines to your last date of work. For example:

• Lien deadlines not triggered by your last date in: CA, CO, HI, TN, VA
• Bond suit deadlines are not triggered by your last date in: AL, AK, AR, CO, DE, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NE, NM, NY, NJ, NC, ND, OH, RI, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WY
• Canada: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec

State specific rules can flip the script on timing. Always confirm the trigger before relying on your internal project close-out date.

Bottom Line

Lien and bond rights are deadline-driven. Substantial completion may start the clock-but it’s not often not the only trigger, and sometimes it’s not the trigger at all. Project acceptance, contract terminations, and changes in the contract chain can move deadlines up and quietly eliminate enforcement rights.

Pro tip: If payment issues appear likely, involve counsel early. A short timing review at the first sign of trouble is far cheaper than trying to fix a missed deadline after the fact.

Need help protecting your lien and bond rights?

Wagner, Falconer & Judd with contractors, suppliers, and business teams nationwide to track deadlines, preserve claims, and enforce payment rights before leverage is lost.

Renting-whether you’re a tenant trying to understand a lease or a landlord managing property-comes with legal questions and potential disputes. Traditional legal help can be expensive and intimidating. That’s where LegalShield and its provider law firm Wagner, Falconer & Judd step in to give you accessible, affordable legal support whenever you need it.

What LegalShield Does for Renters and Landlords

LegalShield is a membership-based legal plan that connects you with experienced attorneys for low monthly fee. Instead of paying high hourly rates, members get legal help when they need it-including for rental-related matters.

Lease Help & Review

Before signing a lease, members can get:

• Consultation on lease terms to make sure they’re fair
• Document review to identify hidden risks in rental agreement
• Negotiation assistance if a term seems problematic

Landlord-Tenant Disputes

If you’re dealing with issues like this:

• Repairs not being made
• Lease violations
• Security deposit withholding

LegalShield members can get legal advice and consultation to understand rights and next steps.

Ending a Lease or Renewal Questions

Whether you’re ending a lease early or negotiating a renewal, having a lawyer’s input can protect your interests and avoid future problems.

Discrimination & Other Tenant Rights

Members have access to legal advice if a landlord refuses to rent based on protected characteristics like religion or race, helping ensure fair treatment under the law.

Pet & Other Miscellaneous Issues

Even issues like pet-policy disputes or exceptions for pet deposits can be handled with legal guidance-often securing better outcomes than going it alone.

LegalShield Membership Benefits You Should Know

LegalShield isn’t just about rental and lease advice-its membership package delivers a wide range of legal advantages:

• Unlimited legal consultation for personal matters (including housing issues).
• Document review so contracts and letters are vetted by a lawyer before you sign.
• Letters of phone calls on your behalf to resolve disputes or clarify terms.
• Discounts on additional services if your situation goes beyond what’s covered in your plan.
• MemberPerks savings on everyday purchases and services include with your plan.
• 24/7 emergency access if your rights are threatened or you’re facing urgent legal issues.

LegalShield offers three levels of plans-Basic, Advanced, and Premium-each with increasing coverage and benefits you can choose based on your needs.

Wagner, Falconer & Judd: Your Provider Law Firm

When you become a LegalShield member, you legal support is delivered through its provider law firms. For members in much of the Midwest and Canada-including regions like Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and beyond-WFJ is that firm.

Here’s how we help:

• Quick attorney response: Members can call WFJ or use the LegalShield app to ask legal questions, with a promise of follow-up within a few business hours.
• Document reviews: WFJ attorneys will review contracts and provide feedback-including lease agreements-to make sure you are legally protected.
• Dispute assistance: If you’re in a legal disagreement with a landlord or tenant, WFJ lawyers can write letters or make calls on your behalf to often resolve matters faster.
• Affordable deeper support: If you need work beyond your membership’s included services, WFJ offers discounted rates on additional legal help.

With decades of experience serving LegalShield members, WFJ makes legal help approachable and practical-especially for housing situations that can feel complex or stressful.

Final Thoughts

For renters and landlords alike, legal issues don’t always announce themselves-they just happen. with a LegalShield membership backed by the expertise of Wagner, Falconer & Judd, you get peace of mind, professional support, and a legal safety net that’s affordable and easy to access. Whether you’re signing a lease, facing a dispute, or simply want clarity before making a housing decision, this team is on your side.

Late payments are more than an inconvenience-they disrupt cash flow, strain vendor relationships, and pull focus away from running your business. For companies in construction, manufacturing, professional services, and beyond, payment delays can quickly become a recurring operational risk rather than one-off frustration.

At Wagner, Falconer & Judd, we regularly work with businesses facing the same question: At what point does a late payment become a legal issue? The answer isn’t just about timelines-it’s about protecting your business interests strategically.

Why Payment Delays Hurt More Than You Think

Payment delays create ripple effects that can impact your entire operation. When receivables slow down, businesses may struggle to cover payroll, pay vendors, invest in growth, or take on new projects. Over time, consistent delays can turn into bad debt, forcing companies to write off revenue they already earned.

There’s also the hidden cost of time Chasing unpaid invoices diverts leadership and accounting teams from higher-value work. When delays become habitual, they can signal deeper issues with a client’s financial stability-or their respect for your terms.

When Late Payments Become Legal Risk

Not every late invoice requires legal intervention. However, there are clear signs that payment delays have crossed from “business as usual” into “business risk”, including:

• Repeated missed deadlines despite reminders
• Broken promises to pay by a certain date
• Partial payments without explanation
• Disputes raised only after payment is due
• Silence or avoidance from the debtor

These patterns may indicate cash flow problems, internal disorganization, or intentional delay tactics. Left unaddressed, they increase the likelihood that payment may never come.

Legal Action as a Business Tool-Not a Last Resort

Legal action is often viewed as confrontational, but in reality, it is a business tool designed to protect your financial interests. Strategic legal intervention can:

• Signal that your company takes payment obligations seriously
• Prompt faster resolution when informal efforts stall
• Preserve documentation and evidence if litigation becomes necessary
• Help enforce contract rights, lien rights, or bond claims
• Improve long-term payment behavior across your client base

In many cases, a well-timed attorney demand letter or structured collections approach results in payment without the need for litigation. The key is acting early-before unpaid balances grow or deadlines to enforce your rights to expire.

Timing Matters: Don’t Wait Too Long

Delaying legal action can limit your options. Certain rights-such as mechanic’s liens, bond claims, and statutory remedies-are time sensitive. Missing these deadlines can mean losing leverage or the ability to recover payment entirely.

Proactive legal guidance allows businesses to evaluate:

• The strength of their contract and documentation
• Whether lien or bond rights apply
• The cost-benefit of pursuing formal collections or litigation
• How to structure future contracts to reduce risk

How WFJ Helps Businesses Navigate Payment Delays

Wagner, Falconer and Judd works with businesses across industries to manage payment risk before it becomes a crisis. Our attorneys assist with:

• Contract review and drafting to strengthen payment protections
• Strategic collections and demand letters
• Preserving and enforcing lien and bond rights
• Litigation when informal efforts fail
• Developing internal payment policies and escalation processes

Our goal is to help clients recover what they are owed while minimizing disruption to their operations and relationships.

Proactive Steps You Can Take Today

If payment delays are becoming a pattern, consider these immediate steps:

• Review your contracts and payment terms for enforceability
• Track payment behavior by client and identify repeat issues
• Establish clear internal escalation timelines
• Consult legal counsel early to preserve your options
• Strengthen upfront documentation and invoicing practices

Bottom Line

Payment delays aren’t just an accounting problem-they are a business risk that requires strategic decision-making. Knowing when to escalate from internal follow-up to legal action can protect your cash flow, your team’s time, and your long-term stability.

If your business is experiencing recurring payment delays or growing unpaid balances, Wagner, Falconer & Judd can help you evaluate your options and take action before the problem grows.

Need help protecting you right to get paid?

Our Commercial Collections and Construction law team work with businesses to enforce payment rights and protect cash flow. Reach out to Wagner, Falconer & Judd to discuss proactive strategies and next steps.

Accidents don’t come with a warning label. A car crash, a slip and fall, a workplace injury, or an unsafe property condition can change your life in seconds. While no one plans to be injured, understanding your rights and responsibilities before an incident occurs can make a significant difference in protecting your health, finances, and legal options.

At Wagner, Falconer & Judd, we help individuals and families navigate personal injury claims with clarity and confidence. Below is what you should know before an accident happens-and the critical steps to take immediately after.

What to Know Before an Accident Happens

Understand What a Personal Injury Claim Is

A personal injury claim arises when someone is injured due to another party’s negligence or unsafe conduct.

Common examples include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall injuries
• Dog bites
• Construction site accidents
• Unsafe premises or defective products

If another party failed to act reasonably and caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Know That Insurance Companies are Not Neutral

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. While they may appear helpful, their goal is often to minimize payouts. Early statements, recorded calls, or quick settlement offers can work against you if you don’t fully understand your rights.

Documentation Matters More Than You Think

Strong personal injury claims are built on evidence. Photos, medical records, witness information, and timely reports can make or break a claim. Knowing this ahead of time helps you take the right steps when emotions and stress are high.

Time Limits Apply

Every state has statutes of limitations that imit how long you have to bring a claim. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to recover compensation, even if your case is strong.

Legal Guidance Early Can Protect Your Case

Talking with a personal injury attorney early can help preserve evidence, avoid costly mistakes, and position your claim for a stronger outcome-even before you decide whether to move forward with a lawsuit.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident or Injury

Get Medical Care First

Your health comes first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records provide critical documentation of your condition.

Document the Scene (If You Are Able)

Take photos or videos of:

• The accident scene
• Property conditions
• Vehicles involved
• Visible injuries

If there are witnesses, collect names and contact information.

Report the Incident

• Car accidents: call law enforcement
• Workplace injuries: report to your employer
• Slip and falls or premises injuries: notify the property owner or manager

Request copies of any reports made.

Be Careful What You Say

Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident. Statements made in the moment can be taken out of context later.

Do Not Rush Into a Settlement

Quick settlement offers may not reflect the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs. Once you accept a settlement, you often waive your right to pursue additional compensation later.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced attorney can:

• Evaluate whether you have a claim
• Communicate with insurers on your behalf
• Help preserve evidence
• Protect your rights from the start

Why Working with Wagner, Falconer & Judd Matters

Personal injury claims are about more than compensation-they’re about accountability and recovery. At WFJ, our personal injury attorneys work closely with clients to:

• Evaluate claims honestly and clearly
• Navigate insurance company tactics
• Pursue fair compensation
• Reduce stress during an already difficult time

We understand that injuries affect more than just finances-they disrupt your work, family life, and sense of security. Our role is to handle the legal complexity so you can focus on healing.

Proactive Protection Starts With Knowing Your Rights

You can’t predict accidents- but you can prepare for them. Knowing what to do before and after an injury can protect your health, your financial future, and your legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured, or if you want to understand your options before something happens, Wagner, Falconer & Judd is here to help.

Need guidance? Contact WFJ to speak to a member of our personal injury team and learn how we can support you through every step of the process.