Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Infested with mice and landlord wants me to set traps and deal with it! | Case#**-*934
Billings,
Montana -
59102
My house and the adjoining neighbors house are infested with mice. I've asked the landlord to take care of this issue immediately and he is telling me to take care of it on my own by cleaning the garage and setting traps! This is not my problem and he needs to get this issue fixed immediately. This is a health issue and he should not be able to continue to act like a slum lord and get away with it!
Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*532
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania -
19139
The apartment that my daughter (5 Months Old) and i are currently living in is uninhabitable. Apt 3R has been infested with cockroaches & mice since I\\\\\\\'ve moved in on June 30th 2017. I\\\\\\\'ve made numerous complaints since. The landlord claims to treat the building every month but nothing has changed it just has gotten worse. There are constant mice droppings everywhere in this apartment on my stove, dishes, under my cabinets, my laundry(??). Over these months I had to constantly replace clothing items because the mice were eating my clothes. The mice run around at all hours of the day whether I\'m in the kitchen or not. There is an opening in the back of my fridge that mice are running from. Mice are breeding inside of my oven. I know this because at any hour i can hear the mice inside the oven, they\'re very loud. When i cut the oven on it smells of very strong urine. the roaches are constantly crawling on my countertops from the kitchen drawers & walls. What drove me to file this complaint is this apartment is now infested with bed bugs as well. On February 5th, 2018 I saw a bed bug crawling on my covers the following days after that i started to get small bites then my daughter started getting bit a few days after i seen my first bite. It has been exactly 10 days now, I have spent over $700 trying to rid the apartment of bed bugs, I threw away all of my belongings & switched to an air mattress with a bed bug cover since I first seen a bed bug in here. The bed bugs are getting worse day by day. The landlord has been prompt with extermination but it has not changed anything. I still see them & we are still getting bit. I requested for the carpet to be ripped and replaced with a hardwood but that has not been honored. My 5-month-old daughter is constantly waking out of her sleep crying and screaming because she is extremely uncomfortable. As of right now, she has bites all over her body including her face, eyelids, nose, the bites are everywhere its the same for me. This is a one bedroom kitchenette style apartment! It is way to small to live with this many pests. I paid $735 on February 13th (2 days ago) because i thought the extermination would work and i am asking for that to be refunded as well as my security deposit for damages. I threw away everything i own and have to repurchase new items as well as find a new place to live. I am sincerely concerned for my daughters well being, i can not continue every part of my daughters body is covered in bites
Unfair deposit return | Case#**-*115
Delray Beach,
Florida -
33445
Is not responsible for front and back screening because he never hired a professional to do it initially but is now holding me responsible for replacing it. He hired a guy off the streets to replace it and of course cannot produce a receipt for the services the guy provided.
The screen would constantly come apart because the elastic ribbing wasn't the correct size so anytime the wind would blow, the screens would come apart. Other than that, there was nothing wrong with them.
Failure To Repair Leaky Tub | Case#**-*210 Since moving in back in Aug 2012, I've called numerous times to get the repairs made. They either don't return my calls or give me the run around. A plumber did come to the house and said it would all need to be replaced. But no repairs were made. I can never get a straight answer from the landlord except an oh ok we will look into it. Now winter is here and with the windows closed my apt is just a festering breeding ground for mold. I have trouble breathing and sleeping as well as my 2 yr old does. I'm poor and can't afford to move right now. I just want this on going problem fixed already!!
Balance Due after Move out | Case#**-*573
MILFORD,
IN -
46542 9270
I received move out paperwork the end of March. Included in the paperwork was how much I was being told that I owed. It stated that owed $1460.00 for carpet and $239.00 for extermination. It also listed other items which I was responsible for and those are all correct. The day I received this paperwork, I called Deardorf Property Management and told them before I would pay $1460 for carpet, I wanted to see pictures proving that it needed replaced being as it was replaced right before we moved in. We did not smoke, had no pets, and no mold problems. We did have 3 young children so yes, the carpets did have some stains but it was nothing that would require it all to be recarpeted, specially since it said in our lease agreement that they would have it professionally cleaned. The woman said she would email me pictures. I also told her that I would not pay for the exterminations because they ordered 3 of them after I ordered the 1st one. I was also under the impression that they were in charge of payment so I was not told otherwise. I told them I would pay for the rest once they took off the sprays and sent pictures with the carpet. I never heard back. In October, I received word that this was now in collections. I called the debt collector and told him the same thing. Show me pictures and I will pay. I never received pictures. I called again in Novemeber after I checked and noticed that this was now on my credit report. This was the 1st time I was told there were actually pictures. However, they could not show them to me. I asked for these back in MARCH. That is before any of this would have been in collection and hurting my credit report and making me pay for attorney fees. Now, I am scheduled to speak with an attorney Jan 11. I was told without a supoena I am unable to even get a copy of my lease. Like I have said before, I will pay for all the fee's that I am responsible for but until I see a receipt from the professional carpet cleaner and pictures taken AFTER it was cleaned, I do not feel like I should have to pay for carpet! Also, since the apartments are combined and my apartment was not filthy, I am not sure why I should be paying for roach control, specially after speaking to maintance and him telling me that the apartment would take care of it. The landlord refused to even give me the name of the pest control place they used. I feel as though I am being taken advantage of. I do not have the money for this complain or the attorney fees.
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*910 Security deposit and fee for occupancy inspection was not returned to me. I never
Moved in to unit and landlord will not refund money.
Malicious Retaliation | Case#**-*494
Jamestown ,
North Carolina -
27282
Mike Teer maliciously retaliated against me because after refusing to fix a significant mold problem in the crawlspace of the house due to a downspout drainage issue due to gross negligence, I proceeded to invest over $3000 into the property before a lease was even signed. I took possession of the home when his previous tenant vacated with Mike Teers verbal okay. In the two months it took for Mike to even sign my rental agreement and after numerous messages about the Stachybotrys, I went ahead and had it remediated, insulation replaced and a new downspout drainage system installed. I did not even ask it to be removed from my rent nor did I ask for reimbursement. In September Mike said that I needed to pay him a deposit. Despite having always paid my rent and invested in his property, I told Mike that I could give him a deposit but that I would then ask for my $3000 back. After an argument which he clearly lost on a legal basis, Mike had my water turned off as retaliation on a Friday, knowing that I would be out of town until past 5pm and would be without water all weekend. The \\\"Town of Jamestown,\\\" informed me that they could not turn on my water until Monday when I set up an account with them after 8:30am, UNLESS I had Mike turn it back on. Clearly Mike Teer has vastly underestimated Robert Key Jr and thus has began a legal battle, one in which he is sure to lose considering he denied water access to an American with a Disability and whose survival depends upon water. He is so connected with the crooked town of Jamestown that I was denied water because he has pull in city hall.
Repair Issues | Case#**-*011
OMAHA,
NE -
68144 2809
We have been reporting our air conditioning for 3 1/2 years and owners refuse to fix it. We have been told they would call us back and never do and the electric Bills have been over $300 due to faulty air conditioning
Complaint On Standard Living Noises Against Us. | Case#**-*676
Sierra Vista Az ,
Arizona -
85635
There was a noise complaint from the down stairs tenants that we there was a lot of “bouncing” around coming from us upstairs, this was the first week we moved in. Though this was true, I have two kids an 8 year old and a 3 year old, though after I told them that they couldn’t jump around no more or they wouldn’t have a nice place to live they calmed down, and if they are being loud I quickly tell them to chill. Today at 7:30 pm a cop showed up to my apartment and asked if I was having a party cause there was a noise complaint from the down stairs tenants. It was only my kids and I in the apartment and I was cleaning around so I was walking around. I told the officer it was me and my kids, the officer asked if they had been running around and I told him yes, they had been running around but since it was early I let them, but they mostly watched tv and relaxed in there room with snacks. He got my name, looked unconcerned and left. This happened at 7:30 pm. I haven’t had any loud music not even the TVs are loud, these tenants are complaining of standard living, me and my family are out asleep by 10 pm most nights. 10:30 pm being the latest. It’s not like the “noise” happened late after the hours of no disturbance, which is at 10pm, and before 9am. Please help me resolve this issue since these tenants have already called the cops on us and are probably trying to get us kicked out. We are just trying to get on our feet and live comfortable. Thank you.
Sincerely
Cynthia Martinez
Bed Bugs Infestation /Uninhabitable Premises | Case#**-*714
Empire,
California -
95319
On Thursday April 11th, I found a bedbug in my room. I have told her several times that she has to remedy the issue
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.
