Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Insufficient notice of rent increase | Case#**-*182
DENVER,
CO -
80222 5916
I reside at Boulevard Park Apartments on South Colorado Blvd. My lease was up for renewal on or around June 5. I was never given a written notice informing me that my lease was up for renewal as well as any rent increases. Finally, within about 3 weeks prior to my lease expiring when I went to discuss my renewal the landlord said that it was going up. I asked if there was room for negotiation. She basically said probably not. I said I would have to think about it. Seeing as I had no option to leave in such a short notice and there was no room to discuss my options I found another apartment down the street at Buchtel Park. Then after I found this apartment I finally get a notice informing me of the rent increase and option to renew. My renewal date had been pushed back. By this time, I had already filled out an application and wrote the check for the application fee and down deposit which were in total well over $300. When I broached my current landlord about my decision to leave she said was willing to negotiate and didn't want me to leave. I really wanted to stay because of the hassle of moving and there was more storage where I presently am. By this point, it was well past the 7 days to get my deposit back from Buchtel Park understandably. However, $300 is a lot of money to lose over miscommunication. I feel that Boulevard Park owes me for the money that I lost because of their negligence. Further, they didn't give me sufficient notice concerning my lease unti it was too late.
Retaliatory Eviction, Harassment , Refusal To Make Good On Their Settlement | Case#**-*220
REDONDO BEACH,
CA -
90277 2717
My story is very long, but after 8 years of living in Ocean Club Apartments, and always paying my rent on time, I was to love into a remodeled unit, I put down my deposit, was approved on a new lease, and packed up and ready to go. The night before my move at 6pm, I was contacted by \"Jennifer from legal\" who informed me they were rescinding my lease and want me out of the building, mind you, I had been in and out of the leasing office all day, plans had been in the works for 2 weeks, movers scheduled etc.
They then tried to bully me into signing our of the current lease I had to which I refused, then they said they would not accept my rent anymore and put a 3 day notice to vacate on my door. This notice was riddled with lies and more lies that I could easily prove. I hired lawyers obviously, then they didn\'t serve me correctly but claimed they did (I was out of town)
After a long 3 months of feeling under siege, I finally told my attorneys to try and settle, we came to an agreement, ultimately I am to receive all my ent waived, no judgement, nothing on my credit and they are to pay me $4,250 (very measly for all the emotional distress I have had to endure on top of being treated like an animal after having such a long tenancy.
I have since moved as of 2 weeks ago and Lyon Living has now found me and CALLED my new landlord and slandered me. (One more agreement they have broken - this now makes 3 breached contracts) They are now refusing to live up to their end of the deal AGAIN. I know I am not the only one this company has done this to and I want to get these people checked. They consistently break laws.
Return $1500 Security Deposit+ $3000 For Breach Of Contract | Case#**-*187
WALNUT CREEK,
CA -
94595 1114
I’m seeking payment of my security deposit of $1500, plus $3000 for breach of contract and emotional distress caused by the defendant\\\'s behavior during and after my stay at his rental unit. Sequence of events: 1. In April of 2022, I was in the process of relocation to California from Illinois. 2. In looking at rental units, I came across Mr. Jon Hendricks cottage on Craigslist, located at 2547 Lucy Lane, Walnut Creek Ca, behind his main house 3. After having my girlfriend’s parents take a look at the cottage, I entered into a contract for a short term rental of Jon’s cottage on April 10th, 2022 4. The term or length on the contract was between April 17th to June 30th 2022
4. Nearing the conclusion of my stay, I messaged Jon on Tuesday June 21st, asking him if he could meet on June 28th, for the final run through and check out from the unit, as I was intending to check out by the 30th
Jon messaged me ‘I have no 30 day notice on the 1st of the month per contract… the only indication I have of a departure date is on this thread that indicates through July’ Confused, I called Jon asking him what he was talking about, as the contract clearly states the check in and check out from the unit and that any extension needed to be mutually agreed upon. He disagreed with me on this and we did not come to an amicable resolution via this conversation. 5. Despite this I checked out of the unit, on June 28th, messaging him I had done so, leaving the keys in the unit. 6. Fast forward to July 21st, 2022, I received a security deposit in the amount of $250 in the mail, well short of the $1500 I am owed. In his explanation Jon outlines that I put him in a position of loss due to not giving him a 30 day notice, when there was a clear check out date on our rental contract as well as defined terms for mutually agreeing upon any extension. In his reasoning, he believes I owe him $800 (a figure he arrives at by calculating $2300 of lost rent minus my security deposit of $1500 equaling $800 owed to him)- Despite this formula that he created, he is offering me a $250 return of my security deposit. None of this reasoning makes sense to me- why would someone offer a settlement of $250 to me when they believe that I owe them $800
-I believe I am owed the initial $1500 security deposit, plus $3,000 due to the defendant\\\'s breach of contract and emotional distress caused during and after my stay.
Furnace Fumes / Plumbing Under Kitchen Sink . | Case#**-*347 landlord had carroll oil co. inspect furnace they shut it down/ brewer pluming came n inspected n said it was not broken n left on fumes r very bad landlord said she would fix it but not till after xmas . inspector for new rental permit joel said it would not pass with furnace the way it was.have not heard from landlord since / I left message. cannot stay here much longer with the heavy diesel smell its making our eyes water n giving us headaches. please contact soon .
Black Mold,insect infestation, rotten floors, no insulation, | Case#**-*432
Ashland city,
Tennessee -
37015
We have informed the Landlord numerous amounts of time of Black mold and insect infestation, busted pipes and etc. She has stated every time if I dont like it I can Leave and she will sue me for all I have. She has threatened us with eviction every ime we asked if we could use rent money to fix theses problems, My daughter has upper respiratory problems due to the black mold and my wife has been severely ill with "allergy" type problems.
REPAIRS ISSUES, DOUBLE BILLING FOR UTILITIES | Case#**-*340
LAYTON,
UT -
84041 4242
I was doubled billed for June 2022 water bill. I called 7 times, emailed 3 times - got respond saying it was a bill for July - August 2022. Then got another bill for July & August. I paid to be not charged for late fee. It took me 6 weeks trying to get help - no resolution at all. Therefore I request credit of $53.20.
We moved on May 31, 2022. 4 days later we realized all screens in windows were old, full of holes and old...They refused to fix it. We fixed that by ourselves as kids could not open their windows. Cost was $50. The 3 days after move in the bathtub was clogged - after my first usage. They again refused to fix it. I paid $50 to fix it. Carpet in the entire house was smelly, full of stains, We called for service as we could not start living in the house like that. Cost $175. The sprinklers system did not work at all. They refused to fix it 4 times. I called the service and paid $75 for that. They refused to fix anything in the house. We have been forced to terminate lease agreement and leave as the house due to upcoming winter and possibility of additional issues. With lack of help, we could not afford there with 2 kids and disabled mother.
I have proof of all issues.
Dangerous And Unhealthy | Case#**-*283
Bridgeport ,
Connecticut -
06604
My landlord rent out apartment in the basement, where 3 people live, including me. It\'s very dangerous here; Heated sockets, the problem with sewerage, insects, low air, high humidity, gas balon, etc. Please help us !!! Thanks
Refusal To Fix Issues/refusal To Give Contact Info/harrassment | Case#**-*019
Springfield,
Missouri -
65804
Ongoing safety issues including holes in sidewalks rotting and deteriorating balconies landlord leaving the doors open to public in what is supposed to be a secure building gang violence and vandalism gun shots. A few days ago there was a gang fight outside my door involving 15 men. People thrown thru windows and windows not repaired. Police were involved. Have reported gunshots in courtyard to police. Drug problems in the building and they refuse to address. The pool and hottub are not maintained full of leaves and green water. Sidewalks with holes measuring 2 feet diameter. Washers and dryers broken for more than 6 months with refusal to repair or replace. This leave 1 working appliance for 287 units. Maintenance regularly firing fireworks at geese. Fountains unkempt and full of slime and mosquitoes. Doors frequently broken and left that way for weeks. Refusal to do anything about problematic tenants. Carpeting throughout building being held together with duct tape. Maintenance starting repair jobs and then refusing to finish leaving the tenant to do repair in order to use basic things like showers. Ongoing water damage from upstairs apartment leaking and refusal to fix the problem. Water is dirty. Water often smells like sewage or is brown when filling a sink or tub. Overall this place is unsafe and unkempt. I have asked many times for a corporate number and name and they refused everytime. As I am no longer under lease as of January 1 I want to leave and receive my deposit back.
unresolved pest problem involving 7 month old baby | Case#**-*090
freeland,
Pennsylvania -
18224
this has been ongoing for over a year now and the worst part of it all is that my seven month old son is getting bites all over him and also my four year old daughter. it got so bad the babies eye was swollen shut.
The landlord agreed only to spray two apartments even after the man from Oreck (bedbug spraying company) informed us that it is not likely the bugs will leave unless he agreed to exterminate the whole building due to the fact that he said they were most likely in the walls. the extermination has finished but we are repeatedly showing up with bites. We believe that this problem arose from a prior tenant who had lived downstairs and moved moved out often bringing furniture off the street into his complex. His walls are
directly leading to ours. i have lived in this apartment for almost three years now and never had a problem up until now. The landlord is being very unfair and unjust especially knowing that this is involving a baby and my four year old daughter. We are hoping to move because of lack of space for us and the children but are afraid to do so knowing that the bugs will most likely follow us to wherever we go. I have also discarded many things such as the babies brand new crib, my daughters bed,
my mattess that was only 1 year old and cost about 600.00 many comforters and pillows also. We
are still getting bit and he told me that there is nothing else he can do for us that he does not have money for another extermination. We have records of pictures of bedbug bites and actual bedbugs we had found.
Failure to Return Holding Deposit | Case#**-*620
LOMBARD,
IL -
60148 3346
1). Landlord failed to provide a receipt and a written statement outlining the conditions under which that money is or is not refundable. 2). Landlord fail to respond in writing within 45 days in accordance with the Illinois tenant rights statues to provide written statement of conditions in which trust funds have been forfeited based on conditions furnished to the prospective tenant (myself) at the time the fee was charged. 3). Landlord fail to list trust account that deposit was being held in (escrow account) in accordance of landlord statues and non-commingling guidelines in safe keeping of tenants funds. 4). Landlord fail to sign written offer presented or provide written counter offer making a 'binding contract' between the tenant and landlord, transferring possession and use of the rental property. 4). 'Time is of essence' was 'not' presented in offer in terms of reasonable time being granted for performance.
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.
