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Q.    I leased a small storefront when I started my art business three years ago.  I rented what I could afford realizing that I would not be there long and just needed something to get started.  I paid the $1000 security deposit and was always timely with my lease payments.  When I moved in the carpet was very old and had a few small stains.  Now that I am moving out, the landlord wants to keep my security deposit because the carpet is stained?  I told him that it was already stained and frankly was so old, it should have been replaced before I even moved in.  Can he keep my security deposit?

A:  Texas law specifically states that a landlord is not allowed to retain a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear associated with the tenant’s use of the premises.  I would argue that the carpet needed to be replaced regardless of the stains and that the landlord is not entitled to the security deposit.  Alternatively, if the carpet can be cleaned and the carpet is usable but for your stains, the landlord may be able to keep the security deposit.  In addition, review the terms of your lease to see if any of the fine print addresses this situation.  The lease should contain a section about normal wear and tear.

Q.  I am a freelance writer and am wondering how can I get extra protection in my authored works?  Specifically, I want to register for a copyright so that no third party can copy my personal stories?  As of now, I put a “©” symbol on all my creations and advertise that I reserve all my rights.  I am wondering if that is enough?

A:  Declaring that you have a copyright in your works and reserve all rights puts the average person on notice that you are claiming an interest in your works.  Of course, if someone should copy your writings, you may have a possible suit against them for damages.  In addition, you may want to specifically register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office.  For more information, go to www.copyright.gov.  It costs $45 to register each literary work.  By registering you are afforded protections and strengthens your case when you must enforce a copyright issue.

As I take my early morning bike ride, I have noticed a distinct change in the temperature.  Fall is definitely in the air, even if the South Texas afternoons don’t yet reflect the transition.  That means one thing to me – I’m ready for some football.  Pro football, to be exact.

Since this is a business column I will do my level best to make connections on how football relates to business, specifically, and to life, in general.  I’ll work not to get off track and make a salient connection or two along the way.

Anyone reading this, I believe, will fall into one of four general categories.  One, you love or at least have some passing interest in professional football.  Two, you believe football to be the game many of us in the USA know as soccer.  You care more about the MLS than the NFL.  Three, you are downright antagonized by the media attention, tax breaks, and fan antics that pro football enjoys.  Or four, you simply don’t care about football at all.

Q.    My business partner and I have a good business and don’t use a lawyer too often.  We want to execute simple wills on our own.  Can we handwrite them and notarize them?  Is that valid?

Holographic wills, or handwritten wills, in Texas are valid so long as they are signed and wholly in your handwriting.  If you type a section or include some section that is not in your handwriting, it may not be valid.  Even though you may write a handwritten will, there are several items that you will likely need to include in that will which are too lengthy to list here.  For example, you need to discuss your business and any assets related to it, stocks, bonds, real estate and any specific bequests to various individuals.  Since you have your own business, it may be a good idea to consult a lawyer to do some more extensive estate planning.  I usually only recommend holographic wills to those people who have limited income and/or assets or who must write something in an emergency and don’t have time to do a more extensive will.  You may end up saving money initially writing your own will, but you might cost your heirs significant sums after your death with the ambiguities and defects. 

Q.  Is it legal to put in my will what happens to my business stock after I die? And, can I put in my will who I want to run my company?

Your will is intended to describe your wishes for your assets and property after your death.  Some of those assets include money, stocks, bonds, real estate and specific personal items.  So, you can certainly bequeath stock to anyone in your will.  If you have stock in Exxon, you can bequeath that stock to someone.  The more complicated problem is running your company immediately after your death.  To illustrate, your executor will step into your shoes after your death and appointment by the Court.  That may take some time depending on what county you live in. 

There's no question that webinars are taking the market by storm.  With soaring gas prices, skyrocketing airfares, and business owners under pressure to trim costs, webinars and online meetings are fast replacing face-to-face meetings. And costly travel.

But not all webinars are successful.

Here are 10 top reasons webinars fail: