Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Repair Issue, entering my apartment w/o my permission, and discrimination. | Case#**-*026
TALLAHASSEE,
FL -
32308 5441
There are several different complaints about repairs that I can make. The first thing is that they never really repaired my washer like they were supposed to and did not care at all. The first washer they replaced leaks everywhere. When the maintenance tech came over the only thing he said is it's leaking from somewhere but they did not know where it was coming from. Put in the second request, same problem the washer leaking. Finally they replaced it with a washer that if I do not close the lid down it will not work. Then on top of that it so loud and the agitator do not work properly. The last thing I will like to discuss is I needed a blind replaced and I was told that it would cause $30.00 or I can go to Wal mart and buy one. Almost two months later they enter in my apartment without my permission and replace the blind. The Florida Statue states that they cannot enter into your dwelling unless it's an emergency or they give you permission within 12 hours of before they enter. I feel like I was discriminated against by not getting my repairs done when they said they were completed. Also I think that I am being evicted for the wrong reason. I know that my rent was unpaid at the time for just April, but any other time the manager would have worked with me. I guess I was complaining about the repairs too much, so she just wanted a reason to get rid of me.
Assigning A Criminal To Be My Roommate | Case#**-*091
LEXINGTON,
KY -
40503 1514
I filled an application for a bedroom in a 2-bedroom apartment in Red Mile Village apartments. (Address: 1051 Red Mile Road, Lexington, Ky,40504)
After passing through their background check process, they assigned me an apartment, but they did not let me know which apartment it was or who was living in the other room.
After signing the lease, they told me the apartment number and the roommate\'s name. I looked up the roommate name online and I quickly realized that he is a criminal.
Please see this link: http://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Kentucky/Montgomery-County-KY/Luke-Leatherbee.71713019.html
I immediately complained about this issue, but the management ignored me and said you cannot break the lease. They told me the person in the other room is a nice and quiet man! I moved in to the apartment and soon realized that the roommate is a drug addict and has no job. He had mental disorders and everyday tried to bother me and disturb my sleep and daily life. So I discussed the issue again with the complex management but they did not help me. Finally, I moved out of the apartment, but they still have not canceled my contract and want me to pay the rent.
Landlord fails to honor terms of lease nor response to email/ phone calls | Case#**-*586
Elkins Park,
Pennsylvania -
19027
I signed a lease at the above address 7/22/2011. Contingent on signing the lease was the availability of a washer and dryer, so my landlord wrote that it would be available within one month (which would be 8/22/2011). I wrote a few e-mail and voicemails/ actually spoke o Patty twice for an update because there still was no working washer and dryer, giving her a week or more to respond. The last communication I had with her September 23, 2011, she stated, " If you aren't happy, move the fuck out.", when I asked for reimbursement for the extra cost of going to the laundromat ( keep in mind she was paying for our downstairs neighbors for a service that picks up their laundry, washes, drys and folds it- they told me it was about $65-/ week). On September 11 or 12, 2011, prior to this statement to "move the fuck out", she said, "you know what I will give you all your money back, and you can just move out" when I pointed out my maintenance requests from when I moved in and the lack of a washer and dryer issue were not addressed. I have been nothing be professional and courteous, I am not sure why she is reacting the way she is.
BED BUGS | Case#**-*957
LARGO,
FL -
33771 1904
We have lived here about 4 months, first discovered bites about 3 weeks ago, on July 6 we finally figured out that they were bed bugs and immediately we to office and made them aware of the situation. Since that time they refuse to pay for treatment even though in the state of Florida it is the law that the landlord has to. They will not treat our apartment till we sign a paper that requires us to pay. I am having an allergic reaction to the bites that is made worse because I have lupus. We have had to remove our daughters from the home as well as ourselves. We have offered to have our home treated by an outside company and that is not allowed. Even if their company treats the issue we can not stay at home for at least two weeks because the bugs could possibly live through the treatment. The Florida Statues in this are clear. Until this point the office has never had issue with us we abide by the rules, pay rent on time and have only had maintenance out one time.
Raising Rent $100, Landlord Refusing Repairs, Won\\\'t Renew Lease | Case#**-*298
PALM HARBOR,
FL -
34683 4418
Requesting reasonable rent increase to which Landlord refuses to agree. Landlord was asking for $100 extra per month, making total $800 per month for rent, which is unreasonable as there are minimal (and still incomplete) upgrade to property (i.e. painting outside of building).
Requesting month-to-month rent renewal as agreed upon in original lease agreement.
Tried to compropmise at $750, which is still unreasonable for a paint job, but I was trying to compromise. Landlord refused.
Asked for repairs to property in exchange for $800 per month and landlord refused conter offer. Landlord is now also refusing to renew lease.
Asking for repairs to property is not requesting upgrades. It is requesting a reasonable living condition which should have been the case when paying $700 per month as most of these repairs have been requested in the past should have already been completed.
Requesting repairs to property. Air conditioning has been non-functional since 12/10/2017 (requested repair 12/10/2017). Smoke detector non funcional for months (requested repair several months ago). Dryer dysfunctional and takes approximately 5 hours to dry a large load 3X 100 min cycles (requested repair 6 months ago). Shower has low water pressure: pipes may need cleaning or new shower head (requested repair 12/20).
Also requesting microwave for dwelling and closet door (requested 12/20). Landlord agreed during move in to add closet door. Microwave has not yet been discussed, but neighbor in larger dwelling next door has microwave and pays $800 per month.
Unauthorized Addition To Rent. | Case#**-*811
Indpls,
Indiana -
46226
Except the agreed-upon rent, or show invoice and show cars for the additional monies added to December’s rent.
Repairs, house is falling apart | Case#**-*521
Sebring,
Ohio -
44672
Home located at 166 E Oregon Ave Sebring OH 44672 has broken foundation, faulty electricity, windows that have missing/broken frames, bowing floors, siding falling off, stray animals access basement, cardboard on one basement window, possible mold in master bedroom (something is destroying wall from the inside of the wall), exposed wires, back porch is bowing and being held up by concrete bricks, upstairs to home is leaning, roof leaked so long there is damage to inside of all the closets and the plaster walls are soft, wall paper is peeling upstairs. the breakers blow constantly as they are overloaded. Everything except the 220 outlets and furnace are one breaker. There is also a light in the basement that throws sparks, the resolution for that was to install another light but not disconnect the light that threw sparks. We were advised to not use the light that threw sparks by his unlicensed electrician Steve. I reported all of these things many times verbally and gave 3 written requests for repair all of which were ignored. I was told the house wasn't profitable enough to repair any longer. I moved out and he is now going to continue to rent it out in this condition. My fear is that someone will be hurt. He owns over 30 properties in Sebring and from my understanding none are kept in proper order. Home at 225 E Oregon Ave has a bee's nest that he refused to get exterminator for. All of his properties need to be inspected in my opinion. I have several pictures of the inside and outside of the home that I can provide if needed that I took while living there, as well as letters requesting repairs. I don't want anything in return from him or anyone else I just don't want to see anyone get hurt because he won't take care of his rental properties.
Brech Of Agreement,repairs, Water Turned Off | Case#**-*045
Indianapolis,
Indiana -
46203
The landlord has refused to return calls, and has changed her phone number.The landlord lost the property without out our knowlege and still collected rent.The water has been turned off now my two girls ages 8 & 13 is unable to wash flush toilets and force to go to relatives home for assistance.We are lookin for a New home and not paying next months rent and want to file a civil claim.t
Receiving Apartment With Bed Bugs (Mutual Termination) | Case#**-*866
W VALLEY CITY,
UT -
84120 6872
My daughter & I moved into Tuscany Cove Apts 01/30/2016. Upon moving in the same day I discovered the apartment had a bed bug problem. I immediately captured about 14 bedbugs (diff stages in life) & reported it to the staff Monday morning Feb 29th. I have done all in my part to avoid/ridding our apartment of these pests also avoid getting bitten (my daughter as well). Constantly cleaning bagging all clothes, putting mattress protectors on my bed ect. They Sprayed my apartment once Feb 3rd (basically just the bottom of my couch & my mattress) They did not inspect the surrounding neighbors which I think the problem may be coming from. 2days later my daughter & I got bit. Management told me the bugs may have came with the new carpet or new flooring they put in but I suspect the problem was already there & they are aware. I emailed them notifying that I am continuing to find bedbugs & are getting bitten. To this day March 3rd they have not sprayed nor have inspected my surrounding neighbors to see the source of the problem. I have been very patient & complaint with Management but it seems they are not satisfying my needs. I am a single mother with no child support just my job income, I work hard for my money & my daughter deserves to live in a pest free environment. My 3year old & I are traumatized & horrified by the situation we are experiencing. I will involve the health department & small claims court if my problem is not solved. Thank you for you time, Candy & Aurianna Piche
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.
