As-salamu alaykum Ustadh what if someone is in a tight situation, where they need an immediate answer but they don’t wanna commit haram. If they can’t get an answer yet what do they do & go with? One way may cause them hardship and another may be easier. Do they always go with the stricter option?

No, a person is not obliged to always take the strictest option. The religion is built upon ease and the lifting of hardship, for Allah says, the meaning of which is: Allah intends for you ease (al-Baqarah 185). Leaving a doubtful matter for one that is not doubtful is good, and it is stronger where the difference of opinion is strong and hard to weigh, until you reach the ruling.