DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a question. My dad passed away in March. Rent was paid every month while he was in the hospital for three months. The landlord decided that because my dad didn’t give notice of moving, the landlord only gave back half of my dad’s deposit.

Is this right for landlords to keep half of the deposit for failure to give notice he was dying? Thank you for any answers you can find out. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots turned to housing specialist John Darling in Lewiston. He said there are many factors to consider in assessing your situation and whether withholding the deposit was legal, and that he would need more information to offer an informed opinion. He said that you could call him at 753-9400, ext. 237, and he would try to help you further. He said any conversation would be completely confidential.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In September 2007, my wife and I purchased a condo from Randall Road Associates LLC. This was new construction, and we assumed it was built to the Lewiston building code.

We have mentioned this to the builder’s agent, and they have not responded. Are they required to bring the condo up to the building code? — Alex Holman, alexholman2@gmail.com

ANSWER: Do you think your condo was not built to the building code in force at the time? (This is required.) Are other condo owners concerned? Your first step should be to approach the condo association. If there are others with concerns, the company that manages the condo complex would be the first line of offense in dealing with the builders.

Contractor issues have been addressed in recent columns (June 14 and 29). You might find the information in those columns helpful. If you still have concerns after taking the steps mentioned, you can contact the Consumer Protection Service of the Maine Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-436-2131.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Relay For Life, Ride For Life event will take place Saturday, July 24, at the Hosmer Field Complex in Rumford.

There is a participation donation of $25 per person. Each participant will receive a barbecue lunch, a bandanna, a bracelet and a kickstand plate for his or her bike.

Registration for the bike ride will be at L-A Harley from 9 to 10:45 a.m. (preregister by calling Debi Hutchins at 597-3071). A brief bikers’ meeting will be held before the bikes leave L-A-Harley at 11 p.m., arriving at the field at around noon. The event is open to the public.

A pork loin barbecue will be served to the bikers. The public can also purchase barbecue, pork or chicken, with beans, summer salads, or hamburgers and hot dogs, and brownie sundaes.

We will have raffle items, music and a 50/50 raffle at the event. Come join us and check out the bikes and enjoy a fun day! All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society, River Valley Relay For Life.

For more information, please call Diane at 357-8621 or Peggy at 562-5688. — Diane Mitchell, dianemitchell02@gmail.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.