Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*113
Ft Mill,
South Carolina -
29708
Moved into the unit 03/26/13 and within 5 days had unexplained bites on our bodies. At 9 days went to the doctor to obtain treatment and diagnosis. DR. advised severe case of bed bug bites. So severe it required a shot of steriod and 3 oral medications! Began to investigate the apartment and found a filty, disgusting infestation of bed bug carcasses and dropping under the carpets and in the corners of all rooms of the apartment. We had been in the apartment 9 days at this point. The landlord is trying to blame us for the bed bugs saying we brought them into the apartment with us. We provided photos and actual dead bug skeletons that were located UNDER the carpets.
Non-receipt of security deposit within 21 days of end of lease. | Case#**-*485
Antelope,
California -
95843
Omovie & Marcie Okpakpor
2370 Missouri Way
Elverta, CA 95626
530-354-3085
916-678-8444
November 6, 2012
Richard Prieto
1415 Bellevue Avenue #8
Burlingame, CA 94010
650-430-4062
Re: Certified Letter – Statement of Request of Full Return of Deposit
8020 Walerga Road 1163
Antelope, CA 95843
Dear Mr. Richard Prieto:
As per our 30 day written termination of our lease and request for ‘Walk-through’, we have not received any itemized statement of deductions over $125 within the 21 calendar days of October 13, 2012, as stipulated in the California Civil Code 1950.5.
By October 13, 2012, Mr. Omovie Okpakpor (previous tenant) had met with Mr. Lloyd Firchau from PCH Property Management to perform a final ‘Walk-through’ as per our request. Mr. Firchau stated the condo was in good condition and only need the carpets cleaned. He did not bring along the original ‘Condition of Premises’ to the ‘Walk-through’. Mr. Firchau verbally noted that only the cleaning of the carpets would be deducted from the security deposit.
Under the California Civil Code 1950.5, we as the tenants have the right to be informed of any and all repairs and/or cleaning in an itemized statement over $125 with the 21 calendar days’ period and given the opportunity to repair and/or clean such items. These repairs and/or cleaning may not be due to reasonable wear and tear and/or due to previously noted items on the original ‘Condition of Premises’.
Since the above has not taken place within the 21 days’ period we are legally obligated to a full refund of the original $825 security deposit due to YOU, the Landlord, acting in ‘bad faith’.
Therefore if we do not receive the full refund with 14 calendar days of this notice we have the right to file a claim in small claims court for the full deposit plus damages.
Sincerely,
Omovie & Marcie Okpakpor
Cc; Lloyd Firchau PCH Property Management
LFirchau@pchpm.com
My Apartment is Infested with Bed Bugs!! | Case#**-*866 I recently transfered within the same apartment complex from across the street. I have lived in my new aparment since the end of May 2013. Since I've lived in my new apartment, I have become more and more sick with headaches, cold sweats, fever, sore throat, coughing, light headedness, trouble sleeping, rashing, nose bleeds and running nose. These problems have gradually gotten worse as I have lived there. I have had to replace my sheets 3 times with new ones because blood splatters would mysteriously appear all over them and I could not wash out the stains. One morning I woke up and saw a small bug on my bathroom floor. When I reached down to kill it, blood splattered on the floor. I thought it was a tick at first. A couple of days later I noticed the same type of bug on my bed. Once again, when I smashed it, my hand was smeared with blood.I pulled off the sheets and found several more bugs running away. I couldn't kill them all. They were all full of blood when I smashed them. As I examined closer I found bugs in every crevous of by bed with eggs and fical matter where they have been living there for some time now. I realized my bed was infested with bed bugs. After further examination I also discovered my couch was also infested with bed bugs.
I have not traveled or stayed in any hotels in the 3 months since I have lived in this new apartment. So I know for a fact that I did not bring these insects into this apartment. They were already here when I moved in. I suggest looking at the file from the previous tenant to varify that he did not have this problem before he moved out. I have his contact information and will be varifing this with him personally.
Dfggga | Case#**-*053
SALT LAKE CTY,
UT -
84121 5004
asdfsd
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*130
LEOMINSTER,
0 -
01453 4310
My 2 children and I just moved into this apartment March 2012. Before moving here we did not have bed bugs. I know this because my daughter is highly allergic. I can no longer let her stay at my house, because every morning she is waking up with 5 or more HUGE bug bites. She is only 7, and I have been letting her stay between my fathers house and my mothers because of this whole situation. I have spend well over $500 trying to get rid of them myself because since I told my landlord, they will no longer return my phone calls. I have bought a washer, and dryer, a steamer, DE powder, sprays, bed covers, new pillows and pillowcases (for bed bugs, which are all very expensive items), and spacebags, which we are currently living out of. Everything I own is in big black contractor bags. I am 24 and a single mom, I can barely afford to pay my bills- this put me completely under with money. The entire apartment is carpeted, which I think is a big reason why I cannot get rid of them. Me and my youngest daughter are apparently not allergic because the bites do not show on us. I work full-time from 9-5:30 M-F and everyday when I get out of work I do laundry, and steam as many rooms as I can before I am too tired, and have to go to sleep. I have no time to do anything else and this is just getting so tiring for me. I really dont know what to do, I cry almost every night because of the stress of constant cleaning everyday after work and all weekend, not being able to have my daughter home with me, and going completely broke, I literally counted out $3 in change to get to work this morning, and my boss offered to pay for the application fee to file a complaint. I know if my previous landlord is contacted, he will verify that there are no bed bugs in his building, also I brought my daughter to her doctor once I started noticing the bites, because they are HUGE, red, painful, and extremely itchy.. I brought her a little over a month ago- and they will verify that she has never been brought in for bites before this. My landlord wants to blame this on me, but she had the carpets cleaned before we moved in and I was thinking that if they did not clean out the vacuum they used before doing my carpets, then that is where they may have come from. But regardless, this is their responsibilty as a landlord. At this point I wish I never moved. I am absolutely misersable, this is ruining my life. My daughter is going to be covered in scars by the time she is 8-- do the math.
Repair Issue | Case#**-*478
San Antonio,
Texas -
78247
Landlord failed to properly correct or fix on its entirety a leak on the roof. The leak on the roof cause the vents in the rooms to grow mold. Issue was first noticed on February 2015 and by October 2015 the issue had not been fixed. Landlord retaliated by claiming to be moving back in the house to avoid fixing the problem after complaining to him that it was taking a ridiculous amount of time to get it fixed.
Owner Dosnt Had Permisson Make Room In Grage But She Charge To Me To Much | Case#**-*154
SAN JOSE,
CA -
95133 1259
she come in night time like 9 o clock and take off own shoes and thro to me and abusing to me or my family we are eating after 3day put note to my door she wrote to paper give me 3 days rent and get out to even she don\'t get permission to $2000 I am looking for other place for rent she want more money to me
Repair Issues and Breach of Agreement | Case#**-*516
New York ,
New York -
10029
It has now been two weeks since I created a repair request for the second bedroom closet doors to be fixed properly. Also the is no proper ventilation for the second bedroom. When I spoke with Asha Gandasarran it came to my attention that The Hub Gracie North (The Leasing Company) does not considered my apartment a two bedroom but a one bedroom with office, however I am paying two bedroom rental pricing. Also my apartment is being entered into on several occasions without my permission or notice by her staff and it must end. If Asha has changed her mind and the apartment is now a two bedroom then there must be proper ventilation i.e. heating and cooling system in the second bedroom. If not the price for the lease has to reflect a one bedroom. Also the heating system in the second bedroom is missing the proper temperature handle. The handle was never given when the heating unit was installed.
Breach Agreement, Property Managers Spreading Rumors About Tenants | Case#**-*617
Milledgeville,
Georgia -
31061
There recent was a rumor spread about myself and maintenance guy that we were having sex which was a lie then there was missing money and also a letter put on my door about being evicted before my renewal I asked Alyssa she said Corporate can and will put you out for no reason I have five kids and 30 day short period to evict but I have witnesses and also the property is not upkept my kids has been sick because of the amount of mold and mildew and there is no working refrigerator the rail on step is messed and the furnace sounds like it’s going to catch a fire any moment that is not right to force someone to move with out an explanation I’m not the only one they done like this this not fair this is not right
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.
