PRACTICAL VIEW : Callers Ask About Landlords, Cars

What are the biggest worries for Los Angeles consumers?

After operating its Recorded Consumer Information service for a year, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs’ computer records show that about 170,000 consumers dialed (213) 974-1452. Their biggest worries were landlords and cars.

The Top 10 questions:

1. What is a security deposit, and does the landlord have to return it? (12,000 calls).

2. Under what conditions can my landlord serve me with a three-day or 30-day notice? (6,800 calls).

3. How can a tenant be evicted? (6,580 calls).

4. How can I return a used car? (4,992 calls)

5. How do I know if a company that called me with a telemarketing offer is legitimate? (4,000 calls).

6. How can I return a new car? (3,844 calls).

7. What repairs is my landlord responsible for? (3,750 calls).

8. Can a store refuse to give me a refund? (3,432 calls).

9. Do I have three days to cancel any contract? (2,808).

10. How can I get out of my lease? (2,800).