Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Landlord Harassment | Case#**-*626
SAINT CHARLES,
IL -
60175 1006
Landlord has repeatedly asked to enter the property of the tenant, despite the tenant\'s best efforts to reschedule. There is NO immediate repairs needed. Landlord failed to give notice to tenant for taking off outer door of property, resulting in a loss of security of the property. Landlord demanded to come certain days that do not work for tenant and has denied her right to be present with the on-going disputes and removal of outer door, tenant does not feel comfortable with landlord coming without being present. Landlord has tried to raise the rent illegally, has asked to remove ourselves from the lease without any indication we could be causing harm to the property or surrounding area. Landlord has contacted non-parties of the lease and demanded to know personal information in regards to the tenants. Landlord has come onto the property, banging on windows and doors, disrupting sleeping, sick kids.
Noise Violation | Case#**-*532
FORT COLLINS,
CO -
80526 1771
I have received a noise complaint on November 11, 2015 for excessive noise in which I have been falsely accused. I, as a tenant, have the right to file a complaint with the RPA and am following through to make sure my fine of $100 is dismissed. I was never given a warning by my landlord or the property management company. Instead, I was mailed a letter saying I was fined $100 with little explanation. We have been falsely accused and need the assistance from the RPA to get this settled. I have been harassed by my neighbors in F102 on multiple occasions where it has solely taken the enjoyment out of living in my own home. According to the Home Owners Association Rules and Regulations, I have the right to freely enjoy my own home in which I am able to walk, talk, shower, etc. without complaint. My roommate and I both have been told we are “too loud” when in fact we are only abiding by normal living conditions. We do not have friends over and we do not stay up late either. Our neighbors have come over and aggressively informed me that us that we need to keep it down because they go to bed at 9pm. Their antagonistic actions made us feel attacked and left us entirely uncomfortable. After this incident we have been worried to even talk on the phone at night or even watch TV. My roommate and I both have felt extremely uncomfortable living at our home that we have actually been staying at family members houses every chance we can. The distress and lack of humanity that has been put on us has left us in a difficult position.
Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*754
Oyster Bay,
New York -
11771
I received a 3 day notice dated 8/9/2017 for the sum of 1600$ for rent for August. This is erroneous. I sent you a money order for 300$ on the 11th. Now the sum is 1300$. All notices are wrong.
Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*962
Durham,
North Carolina -
27713
I moved in October 15, 2011. Soon After I was having bites which I brushed off as mosquito bites. I began spraying regular bug spray and vaccumming and dusting constantly. It preceded to get worse, to the point I started researching the internet. I then called the leasing office and she had someone to come in. Later she called and stated that I had spiders. This was in January. She said that he would come out on February 8 and treat my apartment for spiders. So in between this time I went to the doctor because my arm was so swollen and I thought I got bit by a posionous spider. I end up going to home depot and getting spray for spider because I was still getting bit on my feet and legs. It would swell up to the point that I could barely walk. Then I got another letter in my door saying they would do a routine pesticide treatment on February the 28th, I was hoping maybe this time it will work. I took me and my infant to reside elsewhere, because she had gotten sick and was having respiratory issues. So I did not know if this was due to the bites. I came home Wednesday, February 29 and layed in the bed. I got up itching and caught the bed bug put it in a zip lock bag. Leasing Office sent out an exterminator and confirmed there was bed bugs. She stated they can do a chemical treatment. I told her after receiving some medical advice it would not be an good idea. Lisa later email me back and said that I could do an heat treatment or chemical treatment but I would somewhat be financially responsible. In an earlier telephone conversation I ask her did my apartment have an previos problem, she said that one of my neigbors did and the apartment had beein treated. After talking with someone who works there, they explain that there have been chemical and unsuccessful heat treatments in two apartments in my building and one may have benen one. I have not slept good in five months, my daughter have been sick, and I have been driving 45 min to stay elsewhere just to sleep, my daughter have been sick and i have been crying a lot due to emotional and psychological stress. Please help
extreme infestation of bed bugs. | Case#**-*880
LOS ANGELES,
CA -
90006 3619
Fumigation has already been tried in various occasions and nothing has worked, the infestation has been going on for about 3 years and ever since nobody ever has had the will to complain, nothing major has been done to eliminate these pests. But my family rarely even gets enough sleep due to this infestation now, every night we end up finding about 10 bed bugs crawling around and we are fed up.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*861
DENVER,
CO -
80237 3420
We found bed bugs in our apartment. The bugs did not originate from us, yet the complex is claiming that it is our responsibility to pay for the extermination. One of us have already been bitten by one of the bugs. Long term presence of these bugs will lead to a health code violation and the issue should be resolved ASAP by the landlord before this becomes a bigger issue than it already is.
Repair Issues,uninhabitable,retaliatory Eviction, Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*551 my lease begin on 06/27/2012 during my near 3 years AT PARC GROVE commons my family endured multiple acts of retaliation by management and staff and multiple units whom reside at PARC grove commons my first incident accrued on 06-01-12 when i put my money order of $100.00 in to hold unit i handed a 3 page packet from my homeless assistant program for management to fill out and return to i so they could release a check to parc grove commons for $400.00 witch was the remain
Manager Using Their Position To Blame Tenant For Property Issues | Case#**-*492
BOWLING GREEN,
KY -
42101 9179
Manager was alerted to pests in unit 12 days after move in. Manager told me that I had brought roaches on the phone and the day pest control came. Even though I had only been in apartment 12 days. A nest of roaches doesn\'t show up in 12 days nor did I bring them. I felt like I was being threatened. I do not believe any resolution other than my vacating the premise will be satisfactory. If she will threaten me in that manner for alerting her of this serious issue then she will do the same for any issue. I have contacted a lawyer to ensure resolution but would like to make sure the owner is aware of what is going on in his properties.
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.
