Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Water And Gas Bill Issue | Case#**-*361
BRIGHAM CITY,
UT -
84302 3202
We’ve lived in this house for a over a year, have paid on time every time have followed the rules in our lease to the best of our abilities. Found out from the renter downstairs that I have been paying for the gas for the whole house because there is only one gas meter even though I was told there is two. The property manager came out and measured the house to have the square footage calculated so the gas can be divided up between both of us renters (upstairs and downstairs). Just recently found out I am having the same problem with the water even though I was told by the property manager that there is two meters (which is incorrect there is only one), meaning I’ve been paying for the water for the renter downstairs because there is only one water meter. In my lease it states I pay for all the utilities for the main level, and I expect to pay for the utilities for the main level and only the main level. When I tried reaching out to figure out how to fix this the problem was ignored and looked past, and now we haven’t been able to contact the property manager at all. Im just wanting to have this issue fixed, I would like the gas and water taken out of my name also because the renter downstairs is using unnecessary amounts of water for the lawn (which is also in my lease to take care of).
Bed Bugs Since January | Case#**-*205
Houston,
Texas -
77096
I\\\'ve complained about bed bugs in my unit since January 2017. My unit was treated once for bed bugs however I still have bed bugs in my unit. Its been close to 3 weeks now from the initial complaint and my unit still has not been treated. I can not purchase furniture nor live in my dwelling since February because of this health hazard? I\\\'ve lost weight due to the bed bugs and have bites on me.
Breach Of Agree8 | Case#**-*408
GAHANNA,
OH -
43230 3267
She refused to install heat pump and furnance that went out. The company that installed it got her permission via phone to have it installed. She refuses to pay us for it. It is her house not ours. She has harassed me since i told her i was moving. She raised out rent without notice, tried to say she didn\\\'t know we had dogs and that was disclosed at the time of move in on April 5, 2012. She had roofers put a skid of shingles in front of door so we couldn\\\'t get our stuff. The roof has leaked since we lived there and she refused to fix it always saying she had no money.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*149
Houston,
Texas -
77077
I have lived at the Abbey at Eldridge for 8 months. About a week ago I noticed a tiny bug crawling in my bed and I knew right away it was a bed bug. Within the last week they have tremendously multiplied and in the middle of the night my entire mattress is covered with bed bugs. Due to the fact that I have a 2 year old child who I do not want to risk getting bit by a bed bug I'll have to find another place to stay until the problem is solved. Therefore, not only will I be paying my monthly rent for an apartment that I can't live in comfortably but I'll have to spend extra money for a temporary place that is bed bug free! When I contacted management they were not concerned about the issue at all. They told me that it's probably flees and they'll try to send someone out to spray in a couple days. After expressing my frustration they finally agreed to try and have the exterminator come out the same day but of course no one showed. When I called the complex later in the afternoon to inquire they stated that they would contact the service immediately and have them call to inform me on what steps needed to be taken before they arrived to rid the bugs.....of course no call. So the next day when, again, my apartment was not sprayed I called the office to speak with a manager and no one was available to talk to me about the issue. It is very obvious that the management company does not care and I'm sure other units around me have had the same issue because my neighbors next door tossed their mattresses no more than two weeks ago. I do not want to live in a complex were management does not care about the well-being or the living environment of their tenants!
Stalking / Harassments And Lack Of A/C | Case#**-*435
CALERA,
OK -
74730 2541
The landlord and several Tenants have persistently invaded my Privacy Rights, followed, harassed, and interfered in my Pursuit of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness. I reported my A/C as inoperable, so he had a Repairman show to the Apartment where the Drunk Tenant (His friend) a few Units over persisted to interfere in the Repair. The A/C then worked for a few days and stopped. I checked on the A/C unit a few weeks later to see what the issue was and the electrical power wire had been cut, likely from the mentally unstable Drunk who belongs in a home, but in this complex who knows who did it will a malicious Narcissist as a landlord. There was a Cop living in the Unit across from me, but he moved due to the Landlord\'s insanity.
Bed Bug Infestation Landlord Evicting Me For Her Pre-existing Problem | Case#**-*459
OWENSBORO,
KY -
42303 6256
I moved into this unit in September 2016 at which time the landlord was actively having the apartment sprayed for bed bugs, and stated that the tenant before me moved out because of bed bugs. Landlord also assured me that the bed bugs were indeed gone. There is still a problem with bed bugs here and now the landlord is evicting me for the bed bugs. I am on section 8 housing assistance. And all my new furniture is gonna have to be thrown out and I am being made to move for a pre-existing problem that was here when I moved in. My neighbors have told me that they have been fighting bed bugs in this building for quite some time... please help.
Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*164
FT LAUDERDALE,
FL -
33308 3749
I have recently have been getting higher charges of fees then stated on my lease agreements and when I called to talk to the manager she simply told me to pay the fees or get out with no explanation as to why I received the additional fees to begin with there is no written agreement to the additional fees on my lease at all. I’ve been getting different amounts of fees since I moved in for water trash and utilities I pay for my own light bill
Repair Issues | Case#**-*556
RUSHVILLE,
OH -
43150 9730
Missing under skirting, no heat, Mold though out bathroom, missing Windows, hot water tank falling through floor, stove outlet hooked up with orange extension chord fire hazard, toilet leaking no water unable to flush.
We Just Found Out We Have Bed Bugs | Case#**-*249 We found out we had bed bugs November 24th 2014. We notified office they confirmed bed bugs, then said we are financially responsible for them to be treated. Not sure who's responsible just want this problem resolved. I contacted 2 exterminaters 1 said bed bugs where in walls other charged me $400 to spray some chemical that didn't work.
Breach of Lease | Case#**-*674
Portland ,
Maine -
4103
Informed me on 7/1/10 that I have to leave the premises because he sold the property to another individual even though I had already signed a year lease in early May stating that I would be allowed to rent the property until 6/1/11.
Complaint Process in 3 Simple Steps:
File Apartment Complaint: Fill out complaint form with your proposed resolution. Instantly recieve your case number.
Check Status: See the current status, respond, upload files or images, accept fair solution or purpose alternative solutions.
Landlord Public Record: Positive or Negative record is attached to landlord based upon their responses. Your (tenant) information is not made public.
Complaints Tips:
Uploading pictures / files is helpful
Try to request fair solutions
Focus on major issue, not on many
Check your status every 3 days
Avoid accusations or hostile tones
Be willing to accept alternate solution
How Does the RPA Help Resolve Rental Problems?
Once you file a complaint, the RPA will contact your landlord or property manager to mediate a prompt resolution. The RPA online mediation system provides an effective complaint resolution process that helps solve problems quickly. Complaints filed through the RPA are documented and help protect tenants' rights by providing a program that protects against landlord retaliation and unfair practices. Agreements reached through the RPA Apartment Complaint Center are legally binding and enforceable. When required the complaint can be used as evidence in court.
The RPA requires a $35 one-time processing fee to cover the cost associated with contacting the landlord, online mediation, paperwork, and public record filing. Prior to 2006 the RPA complaint program had no fee. However, due to abuse by tenants that were filing bogus complaints; the RPA found it necessary to charge of fee to eliminate fake complaints and to cover costs associated with complaint handling. If you are looking to report the problem only and not seeking a resolution, you can use our free Report Landlord option. (The report landlord option will only document the problem and will not provide any assistance in resolving disputes.)
Tip: On your complaint form you can request that management reimburse you for RPA filing fees.
How long does the process take?
The RPA is able to resolve complaints fairly quickly, unlike court or other legal options. Cases are normally assigned in the order received; however, you can upgrade your case to be rushed if you need your case escalated. (option available immediately after filing)For fastest processing try to submit your complaint before the next processing deadline. (Count down shown next to "File Complaint" button.) Once the mediation process begins, your landlord will have 3 business days to respond to the mailed notice. If a landlord email address is provided the RPA will send out both a written notice and email notice which can provide an immediate resolution. Many times cases are resolved immediately after receiving the RPA® notice, however depending on the complaint, it can take longer if both parties are unable to reach an agreement quickly.
Tip: To speed up the process... On the complaint form request reasonable and fair solutions.
Does the RPA Guarantee to Resolve Every Complaint?
Each complaint is guaranteed to be worked by the RPA complaint system. The RPA mediation system will work to resolve every complaint regardless of how big or small the complaint. However, the RPA can't guarantee the end results of any complaint. While we work to solve each complaint, the guarantee is limited to our processing of your complaint. All fees associated with the complaint are non-refundable dispute the outcome of the complaint. Each complaint is Guaranteed to be worked by our complaint system and will be documented against the landlord should they fail to cooperate.
Tip: To get positive resolutions to your complaint; try providing resolutions that are fair.
What Happens After I file a Complaint?
Upon filing your landlord / property manager complaint you will instantly receive a case number. Your complaint case number can be used to immediately access your complaint status page. The RPA will process your complaint and contact your landlord for an immediate resolution. On your status page you can view case status, upload files or images, respond to the complaint, update/ change resolutions, accept or close complaint. The RPA complaint center updates your case status in real time and provides you with tracking to see exactly what is happening with your complaint. Once the case is closed, the complaint will be attached to your landlords public record which is quickly indexed by all major search engines. (Your information is never made public)
Tip: Check your case status at least every 3 days. (Respond / update your case as required)
Protection Against Landlord Retaliation
Its unlawful for your landlord to retaliate against you because you filed a complaint. Your landlord cannot evict, harass, limit access, raise rent, or treat you unfairly because you filed a complaint. As a tenant, you must still pay rent and comply with rent terms stated within your contract. Filing a complaint does not eliminate your responsibilities.
Tip: Check your case status at least every 3 days. (Respond / update your case as required)
Who Can File a Complaint with the RPA?
Any renter located in the United States of America has the right to file a complaint with the RPA. The RPA does not accept complaints outside of the USA. In general, the RPA will accept every complaint regardless of how big or small the problem may be.
Tip: When possible, try resolving your problem with your landlord before filing a complaint.
