Filing New Complaint

• Who can file and complaint and how?
  Anyone can file a complaint on their landlord or apartment complex. The RPA® handles rental complaints for all 50 States. Click here to file your complaint.
• What’s needed to file a complaint?
  In order to file a complaint you will need to provide basic contact information, details about the complaint, and your proposed resolution. You’ll immediately receive your case number at time of filing which will allow you to check your case status, add additional details, respond , contact your agent, upload images or files.
• What if I can’t afford the $35 filing fee?
  If you can't afford the filing fee, you can use the free alternative to report your landlord. However, the "Report Landlord" option only documents the problem and doesn't get assigned to an RPA Mediator.
• Who can file and complaint and how?
  The complaint processing fee is designed to be affordable regardless of financial ability. However, if you still can’t afford the minimal filing fee; you can at no cost report your landlord to the RPA® (Reporting a landlord to the RPA® does not provide any legal help to resolve your complaint, but will document the problem)
• Are there any other fees?
  You are required to pay a one-time filing fee of $35, that’s it. However, the RPA® does provide several upgrade options if you need additional services. Upgrade options include: Rush, Certified Mailing, Phone Consultation, Bonded Copy, Guaranteed Close. (Upgrades are completely optional and not required)
• What’s the difference: “File Complaintâ€� vs “Report Landlordâ€�?
  File Complaint: (Requires $35 Fee) This option provides you with a dedicated RPA® Agent to mediate to resolve your complaint. A highly trained agent will review your complaint, provide regular updates and work to find a prompt solution. Report Landlord: (No fee) This option allows you to report your landlord or property manager to the RPA® An agent will eventually review the report to determine whether the record should also be attached to the landlords public record. The Agent will not work to resolve the complaint, or provide any updates.
• After Filing Complaint (Open Case) What happens after I file?
  Once you file your complaint you will immediately receive a case number. Your case then gets assigned to an RPA® Agent whom will review your case, prepare legal paperwork which is mailed to your landlord for response. At anytime (24/7) you can check the status by entering your case # on the RPA® website. You can upload files, images, contact your agent or add additional information. Your agent will update your case with the most recent updates.
• What do I need to do after filing?
  Most of the work will be handled by your Agent assigned to your case. However, it’s still your responsibility to frequently check your case status for updates. (at least every 3 days) You can add additional documents, images, responses by pulling up your case status online. You will need to keep the agent informed about any updates to your case.
• How long does the process take?
  If you need your case rushed, the RPA® provides a “Rush� option for a minimal fee. Rushed cases are assigned to the next available agent, where standard cases are assigned in the order received. Rush cases are normally assigned within 24 hours. Cases can be resolved in as little as a couple of days; however, they can take a several weeks if your case requires a lot of negotiations. Standard mediation allows 3 business days for responses or rebuttals.
• Can I upload files, letters, pictures, or other supporting documents?
  Yes! It’s easy to upload files, or images to your case. Simple click on the button shown at the top or bottom of your case status page. You are suggested to upload any files that may help your case.

Assigned RPA® Agent

• What qualifications do they have?
  RPA® Agents are highly trained professional mediators that will be experienced in resolving landlord tenant complaints. A typical Agent will have at least 4 years of Landlord / Property Management experience and have a vast knowledge of rental laws. RPA® Agents handle more cases in one year than an attorney does in their entire career.
• How do they get resolutions?
  gents are trained experts that know how to best approach landlords to get solutions to complaints. The agent assigned to your complaint has probably dealt with numerous cases that are similar to your complaint. Their experience is key to solving rent problems. RPA® Agents are so effective at resolving rent disputes that even attorneys will use them to mediate fair resolutions for them.
• Can they fine or force landlords to comply?
  The RPA® is effective at getting landlords to comply; however we do not use force or levy fines. The complaint process is designed to find fast solutions by creating an environment that is conducive to finding fair solutions to complaints. All complaints are documented and attached to the landlord public record database, thus landlords are further compelled to cooperate
• How can I contact my agent?
  Once you pull up your case status you will be able to contact your agent directly via email. The RPA® also provides an upgrade phone option for an additional fee if you need to talk via phone.
• Resolved Complaint (Closed Case)
  Complaints can have a positive or negative impact on your landlord’s public record based upon final results. The agent will close the case by stating the final disposition of the case and landlord’s response pattern. The case is then attached to the landlord’s public record and scored accordingly.
• How will the complaint impact my landlord’s public record?
  Can I get an official copy of my case? You can print or email your current case status at anytime. If you wish to receive an official bonded copy of the completed case, you can add this upgrade at the time of filing. Officially bonded copies should be used in court cases. All bonded copies are embossed by the RPA® Seal.
• Can I remove a complaint from public record?
  Yes, it’s possible to have a complaint record removed from the public record database. However, this is normally only accomplished by a request made by the tenant.
• Am I guaranteed a fair solution?
  The RPA® cannot guarantee end results as many variables can impact the final outcome. The RPA® guarantees to assign an agent to your case whom will work to resolve your complaint.
• How am I protected against landlord retaliation?
  It’s unlawful for landlords to retaliate against tenants that have filed complaints. If your landlord has retaliated against you simply because you filed a complaint, you can take them to court to sue for damages. For landlord retaliation suits it’s advised that you consult with an attorney in your area to determine specifically what can be done.