Megha Goel, Author at unremot.com

Hold harmless agreement | A comprehensive guide

Want to learn what is a hold harmless agreement is and how it works? In this post, we take a deep dive into hold harmless agreements with types & examples. Read on!

Hold harmless agreement

Hold harmless agreement is a legal contract stating that a company or a person will not be held liable in case of injury, risk, or damage caused to the other party. This agreement is a decision between two people or groups. It may either protect one party or both.

What is a hold harmless agreement?

Hold harmless agreements protect a business or a person from getting sued in case the other party suffers damages, financial losses, or physical injuries on the business premises or while using a service. Hold harmless meaning states that one party will not hold the other party liable for risk. The hold harmless agreement can either be unilateral (one-sided indemnification clause) agreements or it can be a reciprocal (mutual indemnity clause) agreement.

Also read: Legal consulting | Top 7 types of legal consulting firms

Hold harmless clause example

A good hold harmless clause example is when a sports club prevents its members from suing in case of injury during the course of participating in any sport. In such a case, the hold harmless agreement will state that the signing party has accepted all kinds of risks associated with the activity, including the risk of death. The owner of the sports club or any of the staff involved will not be held responsible if the signing party suffers injuries during their participation in sports activities.

Indemnify and hold harmless

Indemnify clause or agreement is often used interchangeably with the hold harmless agreement or clause as they both help your business to reduce liability in case of accidents. While they both are practically the same, some experts suggest that “hold harmless” protects the party from both loss and liability whereas indemnify agreement only gives protection against losses. Indemnify and hold harmless are often seen together in the contract language.

Hold harmless vs indemnify

The difference between indemnify and hold harmless may vary from state to state. Many experts treat both indemnify and hold harmless agreements as to the same. The main difference is that “hold harmless” majorly protects a party against actual losses and potential losses while indemnification protects only against actual losses.

Sample indemnification clause

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the seller agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the purchaser and his insurers, successors, representatives, attorneys and assigns from and against any and all expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees), losses, costs, deficiencies, liabilities, and damages arising out of or due to

Breach of any of the representations, warranties or covenants of Seller contained in this Agreement
Default in the performance of any of the covenants or agreements made by Seller in this Agreement

Also read: Purchase and sale agreement | Everything you need to know

How does the hold harmless clause work

The hold harmless clause or agreement works as a release of liability that provides protection to one party from the damage or injury caused by the second party. Businesses who have a hold harmless agreement clause have more chances of escaping unnecessary lawsuits and saving their business reputation.

For example, if an independent contractor is working at your property, the contractor company might have you sign the hold harmless agreement to avoid being liable for any accidents that may occur due to the construction work. It means you can not sue the contractor in case of damages.

When to use waiver of liability

The most significant use of a waiver of liability for business users is to save themselves from damages claims and lawsuits associated with high-risk activities. Waiver of liability or hold harmless agreement is a protection cover that shields a company’s profitability along with its business reputation. These are also used to save a business from unnecessary legal disputes.

There are several situations where an individual or a party may require the need of having a waiver of liability in place. In the below section, we have tried to cover five such scenarios where a waiver of liability can be put to good use.

Also read: Estate planning attorney | Top things know before hiring an estate planning attorney

Personal injury waiver

A personal injury waiver is used by businesses that offer high-risk activities. Waiver of liability is a legal contract that is used by parties to protect themselves and their businesses. It states that the provider is not to be held liable in case of personal injuries while using the owner’s facilities.

Contractor liability waiver

A contractor liability waiver is a legal contract that is used by contractors and subcontractors to release their clients from liabilities in the event of damages, injuries, accidents, or losses. This waiver of liability or hold harmless agreement sets clients free from any legal responsibilities and claims.

Homeowner liability waiver

A homeowner liability waiver is a legal contract where a homeowner agrees not to sue the party working on their premises in case of accidents, damages, and losses. Such kind of waiver of liability protects the working party from getting involved in legal complications.

Several liability clause

Under several liability clause, each person or party involved is responsible for their portion or obligations as specified in the agreement or based on the nature of their dealings. If one member of the party fails to meet its obligations the others will not be held liable.

Property liability waiver

The property liability waiver is used where the property owner is allowing other people or parties to use their facilities. The waiver of liability states that the owner is not to be held responsible in case of any injuries suffered during the use of the owner’s facilities or property.

Types of hold harmless agreements

There are a few basic types of hold harmless agreements, including:

General: General hold harmless agreements protects a party from being held liable in specific situations that are clearly mentioned in the agreement description.
Property Use: If an owner of the property rents their space to the other party, they will often ask the renting party to sign a hold harmless agreement to release themselves from any liability in case of accidents.
Services: This type of hold harmless agreements come into the picture when a service is being provided to protect the offering party from any liability.

Also read: How to write a will | All you need to know about preparing a will

What does the hold harmless provision include?

Hold harmless provision requires certain types of hold harmless clauses based on the extent of liabilities transferred. There are three most commonly used types of clauses:

Broad form

When a Party A holds Party B harmless for suits against Party B based on sole negligence of either Party A or Party B, and joint negligence of both Party A and B.

Intermediate form

When party A holds Party B harmless for suits against Party B based on sole negligence of Party A or joint negligence of both the parties.

Limited form

When Party A holds Party B harmless for suits against Party B based on sole negligence of Party A.

Hold Harmless agreement for businesses

Hold harmless agreement for business is a legal contract that releases the business owner from any liability such as damage, injury, loss, etc. Business owners especially involved in high-risk activities must consider getting a hold harmless clause in place to protect their business and avoid lawsuits. Hold harmless agreement can save businesses from getting sued by a third party, or getting involved in expensive litigation. Business owners must ensure that they hold harmless agreement is specific, and clear so that it is accepted by the judge in the court of law.

Which types of business use hold harmless agreements?

There are several businesses that can make use of hold harmless agreements but it is often used in service industries where subcontractors come into the picture. The indemnification hold harmless clause is also highly useful when a service provider is offering a service with high risks involved.

Hold harmless agreement real estate

Hold harmless agreement in business of real estate means that the liability is removed from the seller and is passed on to the buyer. After transferring the responsibility to the buyer, a seller is free from any property claims or related issues that may arise.

Also read: How to get out of a lease fast | All your options

Contractor hold harmless agreement

Hold harmless agreement for business as a contractor can be highly beneficial. As a contractor who often hires subcontractors, a hold harmless agreement releases you from the liability for the injuries, losses, or work accidents caused during the contract period. It saves contractors from unnecessary claims.

Benefits of hold harmless agreements

There are several benefits of a hold harmless agreement for business:

Reduce the liability of the requesting party
Makes your business insurable
It leads to fewer lawsuits and legal battles
With fewer lawsuits, your business reputation will soar high
Helps you get more business opportunities

The sample hold harmless agreement

Let us take a look at a sample hold harmless agreement below:

Purchaser shall fully defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Seller from any and all claims, lawsuits, demands, causes of action, liability, loss, damage and/or injury, of any kind whatsoever, whether brought by an individual or other entity, or imposed by a court of law or by administrative action of any federal, state, or local governmental body or agency, arising out of, in any way whatsoever, any acts, omissions, negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of Purchaser, its officers, owners, personnel, employees, agents, contractors, invitees, or volunteers.

Hold harmless language

Generally, a hold harmless agreement will use a specific language. You can take the help of an attorney or a reviewer to help draft the specific language. Before finalizing your hold harmless agreement template be sure to verify the validity of your clause and contract language.

Each country has their own guidelines in terms of hold harmless language. Hold harmless indemnification clauses are often mentioned under broader clauses such as expenses, payment, liability, notices, jurisdiction, general provisions, etc. In terms of wording, each clause is almost similar.

Also read: What is Contingent Beneficiary | Everything you need to know

Information needed to make a hold harmless agreement

If you are planning to make a hold harmless agreement, here is what you would need:

The name and address of the party who will not be held liable in case of risk.
The name of the person or the party who will be providing protection.
The date upon which the hold harmless agreement will be signed and go into effect.
The name of the state whose laws will be governing.
The type of protection being provided under the hold harmless agreement.

Common questions on hold harmless agreement

In the below section, we have answered some of the common questions on hold harmless agreement for better clarity. If you are thinking of signing or getting signed a hold harmless agreement then these questions will help you gain more information about the entire process.

1. What does hold mean in real estate?

Putting a property on “hold” in real estate means that the house is still available but for several reasons, the agent or the house owner are unable to cooperate with showings for a short duration of time. A property on “hold” is still available for sale.

2. Can hold harmless agreements cause legal problems?

Hold harmless agreements are legal tools that most judges find acceptable. However, if your hold harmless agreement is improperly written or is in violation of public property, it will be rejected by the judge and expose you to legal problems.

3. Should I sign a hold harmless agreement?

While signing a hold harmless agreement, the signing party accepts the risks involved in the services they are availing and are agreeing to not sue the provider in case of any injuries, damages, or losses. You should sign a hold harmless agreement if you accept the risks involved.

4. Does a Hold Harmless Agreement stand up in court?

A Hold Harmless Agreement is a legally binding contract that states that one party cannot hold the other party accountable for the risk of physical or property damage. However, there are several rules and regulations one must follow in order for the agreement to stand up in court.

Megha Goel

Megha is a content writer with sharp technical skills, owing to her past experience in networking and telecom domains. She focuses on various topics including productivity, remote work, people management, technology, market trends, and workspace collaboration.

Purchase and sale agreement | Everything you need to know

Legal

Find out all you need to known about Purchase and sale agreement. What is it? What to include in it? fo you need a lawyer to make it and more questions are answerd in this post. Read on!

Purchase and sale agreement

A purchase and sale agreement is a legal contract that binds a seller to sell and a buyer to buy the said service or product. These are typically common in real estate transactions but can be found in all areas of business. In this blog, we will learn more about the different aspects of purchase and sale agreements.

What is a purchase agreement?

A purchase agreement is a legal contract that contains the terms and conditions related to the sale of a product. A purchase agreement covers transactions of multiple types of products. Usually, a purchase agreement comes into the picture when the purchase price is higher than $500 but it can also be used for smaller transaction values. While purchase agreements can be used in a variety of industries, they are more commonly found in real estate and telecommunications.

Also read: Estate planning attorney | Things know before hiring an estate planning attorney

Examples of Sales and purchase agreement

Sales and purchase agreements are usually seen in real estate and business transactions. There are several other industries where having a SPA can prove beneficial but these are the two examples that find the most extensive use of purchase and sale agreement.

What is a PSA in real estate?

Purchase and sale agreement in real estate is essential when a buyer is buying a property from a seller. Using a PSA contract ensures that the rights of both the buyer and seller are secured. It also gives both parties a sense of security.

SPA in business

A purchase and sale agreement in business is required when a company is being sold by an owner or a group of owners to a buyer. The transfer of company rights is legally binding when a SPA is signed by both the parties involved in the business transaction.

Also read: How to write a will | All you need to know about preparing a will

What does a sale and purchase agreement include?

If you are ready to draft a purchase and sale agreement, let us tell you what does a purchase and sale agreement include in order to protect both the buyer and the seller.

1. Purchase price and terms

A purchase and sale agreement should include the offered price by the seller along with the mention of the mode of payment.

2. Closing date

The closing date marks the transfer of property from the seller to the buyer. This transfer may eventually be recorded in a bill of sales.

3. Addendum

An Addendum is an additional document that gets added to the purchase and sale agreement. It includes additional requests or information that the buyer hasn’t mentioned in the actual agreement.

4. Contingencies

Sellers and buyers can agree upon certain conditions that must be met before the property is sold. A few of the common contingencies may include product inspection, appraisal, necessary funding, etc.

Also read: How long does it take to build credit? | Build credit fast

Common provisions of a SPA for a business

Common provisions of a SPA for a business are:

Agreement to sales and purchase

The shortest, smallest, and most important provision in the SPA, as it ensures that the full ownership of the business is properly transferred to the buyer.

Restrictive covenants

Restrictive covenants restrict the seller from establishing any new competitive business that may hamper the value of the company being sold.

Agreement parties

There are only two parties to the agreement if the business is wholly owned by the seller and bought by a single buyer. In case, there are multiple shareholders involved, each of them must enter into the SPA to sell the shares.

Completion

When legal ownership of the business is transferred to the buyer

Asset purchase agreement template

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This Asset Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated as of [DATE] is entered into between [SELLER NAME], a _____________ (“Seller”), and [BUYER NAME], a ______________ (“Buyer”).

WHEREAS, the Seller desires to sell to the Buyer a comprehensive collection of ___________________ (“Collection”), which is more particularly described in the attached inventory, Attachment A, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings given to such terms herein and are identified by the cross-references set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.

Also read: How much money should I save before buying a house? | A financial guide

PSA in real estate – Provisions and FAQ

PSA can be intimidating with a lot of information, contingencies, disclosures all rolled up in one contract. Purchasing a real estate property involves a huge amount of money and can be quite confusing for a first-timer. There are several questions that a buyer or a seller faces while signing a purchase and sale agreement.

Below, we have tried to answer some of the frequently asked questions that are common while signing a PSA in real estate to help your journey slightly easier.

1. Who orders the survey when buying a house?

Once the buyer’s offer is accepted by the seller, the buyer will order the survey of the house to ensure that the property is a worthy investment. The seller may recommend an independent surveyor but they will not be the one arranging it.

2. Can the seller sue the buyer for backing out?

There might be several circumstances under which a buyer has to back out of the deal. For e.g., If a buyer is unable to arrange for a down payment or if the bank rejects the home loan application. Under such scenarios, the seller can forfeit the buyer token money, but he can not sue the buyer.

3. Is the closing conducted by the seller’s agent?

No, the closing is not conducted by the seller’s agent. The closing is conducted by a closing agent who usually is an attorney or official from a title or mortgage company. During closing, all the participants review, authorize and date several legal documents.

4. How long after the closing date will the seller receive money?

In wet funding states, the seller receives money on the day of the closing. Whereas, in dry funding states it may take up to 4 days for a seller to receive money from the day of closing.

5. How to get out of a realtor contract?

If you are unhappy with your realtor’s services you may want to get out of the contract. If talking to your realtor and broker is not working out, read the entire contract thoroughly to understand the terms of breaking the contract.

Also read: 25 Essential questions to ask a financial advisor | Know your advisor

6. Can I sue my lender for not closing on time?

Lender liability gives borrowers the right to sue lenders in case of breach of contract. As a borrower, you can sue the lender for not closing on time if the lender has guaranteed you a loan commitment within a certain timeframe in writing and fails to do.

7. When to get a real estate lawyer?

It is a good idea to get an expert opinion while making huge life-changing financial transactions. A real estate lawyer is a licensed practitioner who is familiar with all aspects of the real estate purchase process and is eligible to represent buyers, sellers, or lenders.

8. Can the seller back out if the closing date is not met?

When the buyer misses out the closing date, the seller has the right to back out of the agreement and re-list the house for sale. However, this is only possible if the closing date was determined beforehand and the contract was signed by both parties.

9. Does a contract have to be notarized?

Under contract law, a contract does not need to be notarized in order to be legally binding. But a notarized contract can help a great deal if either of the two parties who signed the agreement decides to dispute that agreement in court.

10. Do you get due diligence money back?

The due diligence money is non-refundable. If a buyer decides not to go ahead with the purchase, the due diligence money is forfeited. Otherwise, it will be used as a buyer’s closing cost or down payment at the time of the purchase.

Also read: How can you reduce your total loan cost | Paths to debt-free life

11. How to write a purchase agreement for land?

Identify the address of the property being purchased
Identify the name of both buyer and seller
Detail the price and terms of purchase
Set the closing date and closing cost
Detail taxes and additional charges, and determine which party will be paying these costs along with the mode of payment
Include any mandatory disclosure related to the property
Detail out the sale contingencies, such as pending inspections, appraisals.

Megha Goel

50+ High income skills | Most profitable skills to learn in 2022

Career

Ready to give your career a boost in the right direction? Let’s take a look at some of the top high income skills that will make you a lot of money as well as complement your inherent skills.

High income skills

Learning a high income skill is the best way to propel your career and earn a large income. High income skills are usually the skills that have the potential to help you earn an income of $10,000 or more per month. There are several skill sets that are in huge demand and are not that commonly found. So today in this article we will discuss the most conventional and non-conventional high income skills and how you can learn them.

What are high income skills?

There are certain skills that pay better remuneration than others and these skills are popularly known as high-income skills. Developing these high income skills is a great way of increasing your monthly earnings and improving your financial situation. These skill sets are highly in demand and attract a handsome payout from employers and clients.

Learning high income skills is like taking a step to give a boost to your career. It has the power to uplift so many underpaid employees and students. A high income skill is capable of making you a 5 to 6 figure a month. It means having the ability to take care of your family, afford professional help for household chores, and stop worrying about little luxuries in life.

Soft skill vs Hard skill

Hard skills are the skills that you learn from trainers, teachers in the classroom, through books, or on the job. These skills are quantifiable and are listed in your cover letter or resume.

Soft skills are skills that are much harder to measure. These are interpersonal skills that generally shape the way you work.

Top skills to learn to make money in 2022

There are several skills that you can learn to earn yourself a good income. These high income skills can be attained while you are on the job or return to school for training. Let’s get ahead and look at a few of these options.

Most profitable skills to learn

Bookkeeping: Anyone with some basic accounting skills can work as a bookkeeper.
Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is also one of the most profitable skills that you can opt to learn.
Public speaking: There is a high possibility of turning this into a full time earning career.
Transcription: Transcription is a skill where professionals have to turn texts from one form to another.
Video editing and production: It is one of the trending profitable skills you should learn.

Easiest trade to learn

HVAC technician: HVAC technicians are trained to repair large industrial units and small residential units.
Plumber: This high income skill requires professionals to install and repair water and gas pipelines.
Electrician: Critical thinking skills are essential for this high-income skill.
Landscape designer: These professionals are trained to work on outdoor residential or garden design projects.
Dental hygienist: As a dental hygienist you will be educating people about oral health practices.

Also read: 25 Highest paying remote jobs in 2022 | Best work from home jobs

Quick certifications that pay well 2022

Web Development: Web developers are the most sought after professionals who are experts in creating and developing websites.
Emergency Medical Technician(EMT) and Paramedic: One of the best jobs for people who enjoy helping people and can handle stress.
Surgical Technology: These professionals assist in operating rooms in hospitals.
Flight Attendant: A high income skill that comes with travel benefits.
Carpentry: This high-paying job requires a lot of physical stamina and strength.

Things to learn in free time

Learn to take photographs: Learn the basics of photography and turn it into a full-time career.
Become fluent in sign language: Learning sign language can open doors to several high paying job opportunities.
Gain expertise in public speaking: Refine your public speaking skills and become a professional speaker.
Learn how to code: Learning how to code is a skill that will lead you to many high paying jobs.
How to program an actual mobile game: Brush your programming skills by creating an actual mobile game.

Skills to learn online

Online course creation: Learn how to create online courses and teach skills to other professionals.
Content creation: Learn how to create content online and turn it into a full-time career.
Copywriting: Copywriting is a skill that can be learnt online and used to get high paying clients.
Web Designer: Teach yourself how to design a website and earn well.
Graphic Designer: For creative professionals, this is one of the most profitable skills to learn online.

Easiest college degrees that pay well

Marketing: Receiving a marketing degree ensures a plethora of diverse and unique career paths.
Business Administration: This is one of the most versatile and flexible fields that pay well.
Human Resources: As an HR you will be responsible for recruitment, onboarding, training, paying, and disciplining employees.
Communications: A degree in communications will lead to several different career roles.
Healthcare Administration: This high paying skill will fulfil your desire of helping others.

Online jobs without degrees

Telemarketer: As a Telemarketer your job will be to call potential customers to advertise products and set appointments.
Social Media Manager: Social media manager is a profession that needs professionals to supervise a company’s social media presence and help them connect with customers.
Interpreter: An Interpreter converts one language into another to facilitate communication between two parties.
Fitness Trainer: People with a passion for fitness are perfect for this profession.
Virtual Assistant: Virtual assistants help clients manage their day-to-day tasks.

Read: Top 11 jobs for people with social anxiety

Unique jobs that pay well

Bingo manager: In such a job the person will be responsible for managing everything in a casino.
Art therapist: This unique high income skill requires you to combine therapy with the creativity of art.
Podiatrist: A medical professional with this degree examines feet, lower legs, and ankles.
Voice-over artist: As a voice-over artist you will be narrating text for television, film, theatre, etc.
Periodontist: A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.

Cool skills to learn at home

Microsoft Excel: Master Excel at home and find yourself a high-paying job.
Podcasting: Podcasting is a cool skill to learn by yourself. One can open their own podcast channel and build an audience.
Youtube: Explore your creative side by learning how to make engaging videos for brands.
Technical Writing: Another cool skill to learn at home is technical writing. You can work as a writer for B2B SaaS companies.
Photoshop: Learn how to photoshop at home and become an expert.

Best skills to learn for the future

SEO professional: Another high income skill that helps a company rate higher online.
Artificial Intelligence: One of the best skills for the future that will transform the way businesses function.
Blockchain: Blockchain is a desirable skill for professionals to have in the coming future.
UX design: User experience design is extremely essential to keep users on a website. One of the most high-income skills for the future.
Cloud computing: This skill is popular across companies to safely store data.

Also read: How to find the best remote graphic design jobs? salaries, qualifications & skills needed!

How long does it take to learn a skill?

Learning a new skill might seem time-consuming but with constant hard work, it doesn’t have to be. You can easily learn a new skill in a span of 6 months to 1 year if you practice regularly. The amount of time taken to learn a skill may depend on the kind of high income skill you are planning to learn. There is a popular opinion that says it takes close to 10,000 hours to learn a new skill but many people claim that it takes no more than 20 hours to gain knowledge.

If you spend 45 minutes per day for a month to learn a skill you will go from knowing nothing to being pretty good at it. Post that regular practice is the key to honing your skills further and accelerating your career by getting yourself a high-paying job.

How to learn high income skills

Dreaming of getting yourself a high paying job but don’t know how to learn these high-income skills? We will teach you how to learn these skills and fast-track your career.

If you have no time or money to pursue a college degree and attend a professional course do not fret. Most of the skills we have mentioned in this article can be learnt sitting at home. Take advantage of online courses, podcasts, online books, training materials, blogs, youtube videos, etc, to explore new skills and gain experience.
Another popular way of learning high income skills is by attending school or college in person and gaining the desired degree. Go for a part-time or full-time course at your convenience.

Megha Goel

How to get out of a lease fast | All your options

Finance

Bound by a lease you don’t want anymore? In this post, we will help you understand how leases work, legal reasons to break a lease and how to get out of a lease fast.

How to get out of a lease

A lease is a binding legal contract between the landlord and the tenant. If for some reason you wish to terminate your lease earlier, there is proper planning and care required. Let’s understand what’s a leases. before we talk about how to get out of a lease.

What is a lease

Let us first understand what is a lease. A lease is a binding legal contract that gives a tenant the right to use the owner’s asset for a given duration of time. It typically covers a 6-month to 12-months rental period. The lease document protects both parties’ best interests.

How do leases work

A lease is a legally binding document between the renter and the owner where the renter is authorized to utilize the owner’s property and assets for the given duration of time. It is beneficial in case you are not willing to make a purchase but are in need of an apartment or a car for a long period of time. A lease usually lasts for a year post which it can be renewed.

Leasing vs renting

Although leasing and renting are used interchangeably, leasing a property is not the same as renting it. There is a considerable between the two. Renting usually expires after a one-month duration post which gets automatically renewed unless the landlord objects. Leasing is where a tenant gets the right to use the asset for a set duration of time.

Apartment lease

An apartment lease is a binding legal contract between the two parties – the landlord and the tenant. The tenant has the right to use the apartment for a given duration of time specified in the lease contract without buying it. At the end of the lease period, it can either be renewed or terminated.

Car leasing

Leasing a car essentially means that you rent the vehicle for an agreed period of time at an agreed fixed fee. When you are leasing the car you are using it without actually purchasing it. Unless your contractor gives you an option to purchase the car at the end of the lease period, you must return it to the lessor.

Also read: How much money should I save before buying a house? | A financial guide

How to get out of an apartment lease

Getting out of an apartment lease before completing the lease tenure can lead to certain repercussions and penalties. However, it is always advisable to have an amicable discussion with your landlord before taking any further steps involving the law.

Legal reasons to break a lease

If you are wondering how to get out of a lease without breaking any laws. Here are certain cases in which you are allowed to get out of a lease legally:

If the leased property is in violation of habitability standards
The landlord is found violating the rules of entry or harassing the tenant repeatedly.
Many states allow tenants who have been victims of domestic violence in the recent past to terminate their lease if needed.
If it turns out that the leased apartment is not a legal rental unit
Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, active-duty military members are allowed to break a lease in case they have to change stations as per orders.

Penalty for breaking a lease

Are you looking to break your rental lease early? Most leases require their tenants to give a one month notice in advance if they plan to leave the rental. If the tenant plans to leave the rental before the lease period then they may have to discuss terms with the landlord. These terms could be agreed upon between the two parties beforehand or as and when the situation occurs.

How to get out of a lease early

If you are wondering how to get out of a lease early, the answer lies in the lease contract document. We recommend you read the agreement carefully and understand the terms. You may have to pay a penalty in case of early lease termination. Also, check your local laws and state laws to see if the landlord has violated any rules during the lease duration. This could help you break your lease without incurring any penalties.

Grace period after signing a lease

Most leases do not provide a grace period to change your mind and let you get out of the lease. Once the contract has been signed by both parties, it is binding on both of them, until both parties voluntarily agree to terminate it. In case any of the two parties is found violating the terms of the lease, appropriate action may be taken as per the law.

What happens if I break my lease and don’t pay

The laws regarding this vary from state to state but in most cases, you will be required to pay the rest of the lease amount immediately. If you do not pay willingly, there are high chances that your landlord will sue you in court. As per law, you will be required to pay your dues to the landlord as mentioned in the lease contract.

Also read: How to double your money | 20+ ways to double your money that work

The average cost to break an apartment lease

The average cost to break an apartment lease could vary from nothing to several thousand dollars. There are multiple factors that come into consideration here, whether you have an early termination clause in your lease agreement, what local laws may apply to your area, the kind of connection you have with your landlord, and the amount of time left on your lease period. On average, it includes two to three months’ rental as a penalty.

Early termination of lease clause

The early termination of lease clause is included to allow both the parties to terminate the agreement without violating the law in case of early termination or mutually agreed on termination. A disagreement between parties can be avoided by including such a clause in the lease agreement. It might require the tenant to pay a penalty amount and find a replacement before terminating the lease. The interest of both parties is kept in mind.

Lawyer for lease-breaking

If you are planning to break a lease and are unable to understand the terms of the agreement mentioned in your contract, we recommend hiring a lawyer. A lawyer will help you understand the local laws and go through the agreement on your behalf to help you pay a fair amount. In case of violation, a lawyer can also help you file a formal complaint in the small claim court.

Also read: Estate planning attorney | Things know before hiring an estate planning attorney

Apartment leasing FAQ

While leasing an apartment it is natural to have several questions in mind. Below we have tried to address the most frequently asked question on how to get out of a lease. This will help you guide through the leasing process and get answers to important questions.

Can you cancel a lease before it starts

A lease is a binding legal contract and cannot be broken once both parties have signed it without attracting repercussions and penalties.

Can a landlord cancel a lease before it starts

A landlord cannot cancel a lease before it starts as it is a legally binding contract. They should have a clause stating such an event in the contract.

Can you remove someone from a lease without their consent

A tenant can only be removed from a lease without their consent if they are found violating the terms of the agreement.

Can I sue my roommate for breaking a lease?

You can definitely sue your roommate if they choose to break the lease and walk out before the agreed lease period.

What are my rights if my landlord decides to sell the property

The rights of a tenant depend on what is mentioned in the lease agreement. Else, it will vary based on your local and state laws.

What happens if my landlord does not renew my lease

The landlord has complete rights to not renew the lease and the tenant will have to vacate the premises in such a case.

How to get a broken lease off your rental history

The best way to avoid trouble is by paying your dues to the previous owner or having a solid legal reason explaining your actions.

Can you break a lease if you feel unsafe?

Since a lease is a legally binding agreement, you cannot simply break it. If you feel unsafe in your leased apartment, you must file a formal complaint with the landlord and/or your leasing complex.

Can you break a lease if you buy a house?

It depends on whether your contract has a home buying clause. If yes, you will be able to terminate your lease early.

How long can you hold an apartment before moving in

You can hold an apartment for a maximum of 15 days before moving in by paying a deposit amount.

Can a landlord keep a security deposit for breaking the lease

Your lease agreement and local laws will decide if your landlord is eligible to keep a partial or full security deposit in case of breaking the lease.

Can you add someone to your apartment lease after signing

Landlords can refuse to add someone to the signed lease. Additionally, they may be open to the idea of adding another tenant.

Also read: How to become financially independent? | 10 Best ways to gain financial freedom

Does breaking a lease hurt your credit

Breaking a lease will not hurt your credit if you clear all your dues before moving out and your landlord agrees that you have paid everything you owe. Any penalties as per the lease contract should be paid by the tenant in case they decide to break the lease. However, if your dues remain unpaid while you choose to break a lease, it would result in damaging your credit.

Early lease termination letter sample

Name of Tenant

Address of Tenant (leased apartment)

City,

State,

Zip Code

DATE

Name of Apartment Manager

Address of Apartment Manager

City,

State,

Zip Code

Dear <Apartment Manager>,

I am writing to inform you that I will be vacating the premises that I’m currently occupying. My lease expires on [date], but due to job relocation, I will have to vacate early. I intend to vacate on [date].

I look forward to your call in order to schedule the walk-through and to turn in my apartment keys.

Sincerely,

Signature

Name of Tenant

How to get out of a lease car

Have you leased a car and now do not want to continue? There are several ways by which you can get out of a lease car. We will discuss each of these methods in the below section to help you understand how to get out of a lease.

How to get out of a car lease early

For those who cannot figure out how to get out of a lease early, transferring a lease is the least expensive and highly overlooked choice. There are also websites that can make this transfer easy for you and connect you with interested parties.

How to get out of a lease car without penalty

Several ways on how to get out of a lease car without penalty:

Try to find someone who can take over the rest of your lease
Trade it for a different and better model
Purchase the vehicle you are leasing

Penalty for breaking car lease

The penalty amount for breaking the car lease will include an early termination fee as mentioned in the agreement plus any costs, fees, and penalties associated with early termination of the car. It may also depend on the area you are residing in at the time of lease.

Car lease early termination fee

The easiest way to determine your car lease early termination fee is by calling up your leasing company and asking them about the due amount. It could easily be around thousands of dollars depending on the lease terms and the time left in your lease agreement.

Megha Goel

Educational goals – How to set your academic goals? | Education goals examples & types

Education

Do you want to start setting smarter educational goals for yourself or some you know? In this article, we explain in detail how to set educational goals with examples.

Educational goals

Educational goals are an individual’s aspirations that consist of the skills, competencies, and qualities that you should acquire after completing a course or a program. In this article, we will discuss the different educational goals, how to set your academic goals and the various educational goal examples.

What are academic goals?

Academic goals are the educational objectives that an individual set for themselves. It will keep on evolving over time based on an individual’s changing interests, education level, financial feasibility, etc.

Academic goals that remain common for most people fall under the category of completing a certain course or program, reaching a certain grade point average, working in research projects to gain specialized knowledge, and attaining honours could also be significant academic goals.

Also read: Why career counseling is important and 15 types of career coaches

Purpose of education – Why you should set smart educational goals?

Setting goals is important for an individual to stay motivated. If you are able to identify educational goals that are most relevant to you, you begin to figure out the different ways in which you can make them come true. You begin to reconsider previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to achieving your dreams.

Smart educational goals not only will help you set some discipline in life but also keep you inspired and encouraged. It helps you know where you stand in your learning destination and stay motivated to embark on the journey.

How to set educational goals for yourself?

Let us have a look at some great ways to help you set educational goals for yourself and achieve them.

Set both long-term and short-term goals. Short-term goals will help you achieve the otherwise daunting long-term goals in an easier manner.
Set a measurable goal that will help you stay focused and motivated while preparing for the exam. For example, I will score an A in mathematics.
Push yourself to work harder by setting goals outside of your comfort zone.
Set reasonable goals that are doable but difficult
Map out a strategy to achieve these goals

Also read: Personal Development | Guide to setting personal development goals in 2021

Types of educational goals

There are different types of educational goals that can help you stay motivated. These goals can be set based on your objectives, intent, interest, etc. We will discuss different types of educational goals in the below section to understand when and how to set them.

1. Short term goals for students

Short term educational goals are small milestones that can help you pave the path for accomplishing goals over the long term. They are a great way to get the ball rolling and put things in perspective. Short term educational goals can provide instant gratification.

2. Long term academic goals

If the educational goal is more complex, you need to create a long-term strategy to achieve it. Sometimes checking off short term educational goals along the way will eventually lead you to a long-term goal. Put reminders and checkpoints to keep track of your journey towards the goal.

3. Time-based goals for school

Every educational goal needs a deadline so that you have a timeframe to focus on and something to keep you motivated. A time-bound goal will usually help you stay on track. It is important to have a realistic time frame for accomplishing the set educational goals.

4. Work-habit high school goals

Work-habit educational goals focus less on what the work is and more on how the work is being done. Improving work habits in order to bring more discipline and structure is essential. Analyzing work habits will help in identifying areas of improvement resulting in a better quality of work.

Also read: How to find the best remote education jobs in 2021?

5. SMART goals for college students

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. A SMART goal incorporates all the mentioned criteria to ensure that you stay focused and improves your chances of achieving goals. It is useful in guiding goal setting by having criteria for measuring success.

6. Quantitative career goals

Quantitative educational goals are the educational goals that are evaluated based on numbers and statistics like next year I will complete 3 additional certifications relevant to my profile. It creates clear and easily measurable targets that can be tracked without a hitch. This approach is easier than setting qualitative goals.

7. Vocational goals

Vocational goals are set to acquire skills needed to find a job, maintain a job, or perform specific tasks required to maintain that job. Vocational goals must be measurable and age-appropriate. Setting a vocational goal is a way to enhance the experience of “what you do”. These are based on interests, abilities, etc.

Also read: How to start an online tutoring business

Educational goal examples

Educational goals are the statements that describe what skills, competencies, and qualities you aim for after a certain period of time. It usually involves identifying objectives, creating short-term goals, and putting a plan in place to achieve those goals. Let us have a look at a few examples.

1. Short term goals examples for students

Below are some of the short term educational goal examples for students:

Enhance your note-taking capabilities
Submit all your class requirements including noters, assignments, reports, etc
Read more books and expand your knowledge horizon
Improve your overall academic performance by getting good grades on weekly and monthly tests

2. Long term goals examples

Here are a few long term goals that can be added to your list:

Obtaining another degree or a certification
Gain experience in a leadership role
Acquire new skills by gaining additional work experience
Make a career switch
Reach a higher position in your current organization

Also read: Find how to switch a tiring career as you hit your 30s

3. Smart goals for college students examples

Dedicate two to three hours per week to career development
Limit your unnecessary screen time
Find an internship to acquire work experience and try out different career paths
Get accepted into a Graduate program
Publish an academic paper before graduation
Learn a new language

4. Program goals examples

Program goals are the broad learning statements that tell what is a student trying to achieve from a particular program.

Completion of the program with good scores/grades
Landing dream job after the program is completed
Skills one should acquire post-program completion such as communication skills, problem-solving skills

5. Career goals statement examples

Let us have a look at the career goal statement examples that you can use as inspiration for writing your own:

I will complete a career change from graphic designer to a web designer
I will land a job as a Data Analyst at a large financial institution by year-end

Also read: 10 Best ways to explain gaps in your resume effectively!

6. Learning goals examples

Take a look at some learning goals examples:

Learn and develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills
Give your memory a boost by learning to memorize and recall
Improve your analytical thinking capabilities by reading books, playing board games, etc
Learn to be open-minded and to work as a team

7. Intellectual goals examples

There are several examples of intellectual goals. Let us take a look at a few of them here:

Take one night class for a year to get one step closer to your dream job
Read one book per month for an entire year
Enrol for online classes and certification

8. Vocational goals examples

Vocational goals help you excel at your job:

Finding and applying for multiple jobs by using a computer and search engine
Call and ask for a job interview after submitting a job application
To land a dream job in one of the biggest and best companies in the world

9. Research goals examples

The research goal should be clear, specific, and provide direction to the research study. Examples of research goals are:

Define the focus of your study
Establish the limits of the study
Indicate the various steps to be involved
Clearly identify variables to be measured
Aspiration of study

10. List of realistic goals example

This is a list of realistic goals example:

One of the most common educational goals throughout a student’s career is to improve GPA
Building a portfolio to land good jobs
Accomplish a project ahead of time
Get up an hour earlier on weekdays
Join an extracurricular activity

Also read: Best resume software | Give the finest first impression

Educational goals for teachers

The world of a teacher has so many dimensions that it is possible to get lost. To manage and keep everything organized, one should set realistic educational goals for themselves. Below, we have discussed some of the educational goals that will help in your development:

1. Strengthening teaching skills can be one of the teaching goals

There is always room for improvement when it comes to any profession. Keep enhancing your skills by keeping yourself up to date with the latest technologies and enrolling for certifications. Online courses are a great way to enhance your knowledge.

2. Classroom goals such as classroom management

Another area that a teacher can improve upon is classroom management. It gets pretty easy if your class is run well and your students stay focused on what is being taught. It also keeps students engaged and communicates in a better way with teachers.

3. Teacher goal examples

Teacher goals examples can be many depending on your objectives and current skills. For example: read a teacher mindset book, organize your time, organize your digital files, improve the way you differentiate instructions, acquire new technical skills. A teacher can set goals for themselves and help students set goals as well.

Also read: How to set up an awe-inspiring educational consulting business in 5 steps?

4. The professional development goal for teachers

Keep developing professionally by brushing up on your pedagogy. Learn new theories, brush up on your basics, or add a new technique to your toolkit. Improve the way you teach by learning from people around you and constantly improving. Learn more about learning.

Conclusion

Educational goals are not only meant for your student life but also for the real world. Creating educational goals will help you achieve your future goals and that is one of the major reasons why you should carefully set them. Keep yourself motivated and on track by setting relevant educational goals.

Megha Goel

Career change at 30 – Find how to switch a tiring career as you hit your 30s!

Education, Productivity

Are you considering switching career your career in your 30s? In this article, we take a closer look at how to make a career change at 30.

Career change at 30

By age 30, many of us are no more interested in the career path we chose in our 20s. This may cause you to consider a career change before you get caught up in too many responsibilities. The good news is that you can change your career at 30. In this article, we will learn how to switch a tiring career as you hit your 30s.

Also read: Career Gaps | 10 Best ways to explain gaps in your resume effectively!

Why do some do a career change at 30?

There are several reasons why someone might feel the need to re-evaluate their career choices as they hit their 30s. Let us take a look at some of the more common reasons:

Certain life events such as getting married, raising a family, taking care of old parents, etc might change people’s perspective towards the current job
Feeling that life has been on autopilot for so long and there are times when people are making decisions unconsciously
Some people feel they are stressed and overworked and constantly trying to meet imposed expectations.

Challenges with a midlife career change

Changing careers at 30 or at any age is something that you should consider deeply. Making a career change could come at a cost regardless of your age. Here are possible challenges of a midlife career change:

May likely lead to a lower paycheck and status as you might be starting from scratch
Based on your career, you might need to get acquainted with an entirety new skill-set
You will be starting from zero and your previous achievements might not carry any weight in the new career
You’re likely to meet younger colleagues or bosses

Also read: Career counseling | why career counseling is important & 15 types of career coaches

How to change careers at 30?

Once you have made the decision to change careers at 30, the first thing is to do extensive research to make the transition as rewarding as possible. Here are a few steps that will help you go through a career change at 20:

1. Acquire new skills

There is a possibility that you do not possess the skills that are required for your new career. In such a case, gain all the information and skills that will help you with the transition.

2. Gain relevant experience

Gaining relevant experience through volunteering, freelancing, etc is a great way to not only earn additional income along with your current full-time job but also gain experience.

3. Reach out to your personal and professional network

Use your existing network to find work opportunities instead of starting from scratch.

4. Go for higher studies

If the career you are eyeing needs additional qualifications, it may be helpful to go for relevant certifications and degrees.

5. Persevere

Be patient and courageous during your job search. A new career may not automatically come to you but with the right approach and mindset, you will be able to successfully make a career change at 30.

Also read: 8 step process for the best career moves across any vertical

Best careers to start at 30 years old

1. Switching careers at 30 as a school counsellor

Make a career change at 30 to become a school counsellor. In this profession, you will be providing career guidance, academic support, and guidance to children who are filling college applications. This is a fulfilling career that promises faster than average growth.

2. Teacher assistant – best midlife career changes

If you are someone who loves children and possess skills like empathy, dependability, and communication then this will be a suitable profession for you. This job involves helping certified teachers perform their duties with ease. Anyone with at least two years of a college degree can get this job.

3. Change careers at 35 as a kindergarten and elementary school teacher

This job can be rewarding for anyone who has a bachelor’s degree and skills like empathy, leadership, organization. To perform this job, you will need a license or a certification from your state but you are unlikely to have to work in summers.

4. Event planner – jobs for 30-year-olds with no experience

Even if you have no prior experience but love hosting events in your personal life, you can make a career change at 30 as an event planner. All you need is strong organizational and people skills and contacts in different areas.

5. Midlife career change as a fundraiser

All non-profit organizations, including many schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations are dependent on public donations for their functioning. Raising this donation is not an easy or quick process. If you are looking for something meaningful to do in your life, this could be a perfect career change at 30.

6. A new career at 30 as a psychologist

As a psychologist, you can either work in a research setting or with patients. While there is a need to have a master’s degree in psychology and a license to pursue this career, the life experience of 30 years can prove to be quite valuable as a professional psychologist.

Also read: What is remote work? | 5 effective tips to make life easier while at remote work!

7. Changing careers at 30 as a registered nurse

If you wish to change careers at 30 in the healthcare sector, a registered nurse can be a good career option. First, get a diploma, then work in the industry to gain some experience and then decide whether you would like to pursue a degree in this field to facilitate career development.

8. Best career changes at 35 to a computer programmer

A computer programmer can be a good career change at 30 options that you can pursue. While generally, you will need a bachelor’s degree for this job, you can also get hired with a relevant associate’s degree and work experience in computer programming.

9. Career changes at 35 to a web developer

A web developer builds websites that operate on the internet. You need certain hard skills such as HTML to pursue a career in this field. Being organized, detail-oriented are a few of the soft skills that are important for this job.

10. Starting over at 35 as a market researcher

Market research is an in-demand growing field that will appeal to plenty of people coming from diverse backgrounds including sales, marketing, data analytics, and product development. This is a good career change at 30 options as the earning potential can be high once you establish yourself in the field.

11. Feeling lost in your 30s, become a patient advocate

People who find satisfaction in helping others will find this as a very lucrative option for a career change at 30. Usually, the work revolves around doing things on behalf of patients such as dealing with insurance and claim issues, following their healthcare plans, etc.

12. The best career to start at 30 is to be an entrepreneur

Making a career change at 30 by starting your business as an entrepreneur can be a lucrative option. It might be challenging and time-consuming but prove to be quite rewarding in the long term. There are no essential educational qualifications required for this job.

Also read: How to start a business with no money and make it super successful in 3 years?

13. 30 years old and no career, become a sales representative

If you are 30 years old and have no career, do not fret. It is never too late to start doing something in life. Starting your career as a sales representative can be a lucrative option. Sales representatives also earn bonuses on top of their base salaries.

14. Starting over at 32 as a dental assistant

To become a dental assistant, you need an associate degree or Diploma. As an assistant, you will be responsible for preparing patients for dental procedures, helping dentists during the procedure, and handling the front-office work. There is no age restriction for this job.

15. Best midlife career change as a massage therapist

If you are facing a midlife crisis and looking for a career change at 30, a massage therapist can be one of the options. As a massage therapist, you will have the capability to help patients recover from illness, deal with painful injuries, and overcome stress.

16. Middle-aged jobs like Personal Trainer

If you are someone who enjoys helping others reach their fitness goals and keep them motivated, becoming a personal trainer is an apt middle-aged job. There are several ways including online certifications and courses that can help you become a personal trainer.

17. Jobs for the middle-aged women as a cosmetologist

Are you someone who has a natural sense of style and beauty? Cosmetology is a great second career option for middle-aged women. Your main responsibilities will include giving clients a new look with different hairstyles, colouring, etc. This is a career where you can work for yourself.

18. A new career at 30 no degree, become a travel consultant

Travel consultants help coordinate and arrange travel for individual travellers and group travellers. You can either work for an agency or open your own agency depending on your skills and expertise. Once established, there is a scope of earning handsomely as a travel consultant.

Also read: What is a virtual office | Best virtual office software in 2021

19. Making a career change at 30, become a real estate broker

While making a career change at 30, a real estate broker can be an interesting option. To gain on-field experience, you need to be above 18 years and pass the real estate license examination. Real estate agents need to have good communication skills along with basic computer knowledge.

20. Starting a career at 30 as a recruiter

Hiring and locating talent is difficult and time-intensive, which is why companies often delegate this work to external recruiters. You may either work independently or on behalf of other recruiting firms. Your experience in your previous field will serve you well in establishing a niche.

Megha Goel