tenants have rights, solving security deposit problems is your right...
Every day, tenants like you, turn to the RPA to quickly get deposits refunded & unfair charges dropped.Filing a Complaint with the RPA is the fastest and most effective way to get your deposit refunded and unfair deductions dropped. - even attorneys rely on the RPA to help solve dispute problems for their clients. As a tenant you have rights to fight for your every penny of your deposit. Yes, the RPA fight to get your deposit back.
What Security Deposit Problems Can the RPA solve?
Did you know... the RPA accepts all deposit complaints, but these are the most common complaints resolved by our organization:
Security Deposit Refunds
Getting your security deposit back promptly.
Charges to Security Deposit
Unfair, False, Unreasonable, or other types of deductions
TIP: On the complaint form you can request that your landlord reimburse you for the $35 complaint filing fee. (that's the only required fee to file a complaint)
Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Collection Issues | Case#**-*626 I moved out of these apartments in 200123rd they were sending mail to their apartment after I gave them my forwarding address I am now in collections and I cannot get them to give me an itemized list of charges so that I can dispute them if needed. i have tried calling and emailing but they will not give you a corporate phone number or address. I feel I may have been charged for things they are responsible for. I am not able to move from my current residence because of this issue. I have letter for problems we had living there that caused damage due to their neglect. Just want to be treated fairly.
Terrible Resident Experience With Staff, Continues Throughout 6 Months | Case#**-*672 Pre Move In:
- 3 times was given deadlines for having information
o Each time I had to call the day after the deadline to receive another deadline that wasn’t met
- Move in weekend I left a message on the maintenance voicemail in regards to the washer and dryer, and two weeks later it still wasn’t addressed
- Took a week and a half to get a signed copy of the lease as well as two separate phone calls
- Initial list for items to be fixed wasn’t ever input into the system for maintenance
- After calling to discuss and emphasize it still wasn’t input after being told it would be taken care of.
- Then went to speak with Resident Manager and when not able to get a hold of was told that a message would be passed onto him to call me, which he never received.
- Finally met with Resident Manager to find nothing had been entered into the system for the initial maintenance request
o Light bulbs, defective blinds, loose shelving in kitchen, etc.
- After sending emails to Resident Manager for additional items assuming this was how to get results, after a week and a half of nothing being accomplished I called again.
- After not having my message delivered again, I scheduled a meeting with the Property Manager to discuss the “worst rental experience I’ve ever had”, and was convinced things were changing.
After not calling or having to deal with the staff things seemed to get better:
- 8/3/14: E-mailed Property Manager per her request to get results as a fluid was found on the hallway side of my door which has soaked into the door frame. (was urine and spit on the top of the door)
- After not hearing back all week I called and left a message for her to schedule an appointment with me Thursday, 8/7. As of Tuesday, 8/12 I still haven’t heard anything back
Additional Issues:
- Hallway has maintained a large stain ever since move in
o After being told carpets would be changed, I didn’t view it needed to be addressed
- Since moving in 2 new stains have become present, one right by my door and additional in the center of the hall way
- After finally receiving a call about fixing the door way, while talking to maintenance the individual thought it was humorous that someone had urinated on the door. I was forced to verbally alert them to the fact that it was neither humorous nor acceptable.
- Please contact me for full listing as my most recent experience is not included.
Lanloard Uses Garage On Property As Public Storage | Case#**-*923
LOUISVILLE,
KY -
40299 2822
Frequent text messages for her to come and pick up items out of garage, used instead of public storage. Then she reschedules. Last time I parked down the street and found the neighbor looking over the fence to see if I was parked in driveway. then she called to say it was picked up. she never showed, items in garage were exchanged at some previous time. I was lied to, apparently several times. Sent test to Linda immediately that I was watching down the street as events took place. Told her she needed reported for what happened. She said I would not get my deposit back if I did.
Second item was with neighbors, they had a key to house. I didn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t think about things being moved about over time because I have a dog. Then I found the cable wireless internet was slowing. The neighbors had the router password, discovered on router.. I changed the house locks and password on the router. Since I am recently divorced, I am not absolutely certain anything else is missing.
People need to know if renting from this person.
I don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t think phone records or text messages ever go away?!
TENANTS ARE LIVING WITH RAT ISSUE AND NO HEAT FOR WEEKS | Case#**-*686
BENSALEM,
Pennsylvania -
19020
TENANTS ARE LIVING WITH RAT ISSUE AND NO HEAT FOR WEEKS. MECHANIC HAS COME BY SEVERAL TIMES AND STIL HAS NOT REPAIRED ANYTHING. THE MANAGEMENT TEAM HAS SAID ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT WILL BE FIXED AND HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING EVEN AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS. I AM A RETIRED VETERAN OF THE US ARMY AND A DISABLED VETERAN WHO NEEDS THIS RESOLVED ASAP
Breach Of Warranty Of Habitability, Breach Of Contract | Case#**-*201 I have had a serious bed bug infestation since August. When I notified the landlord, he exclaimed he did not have the money to hire an exterminator and that I would have to figure something else out. On September 7, I fumigated with several bed bug foggers from home depot and laid down diatomaceous earth. The problem did not go away and is getting worse and worse. I have several welts from bites as well as bumps all over. I have made complaints to the health department but they cannot force him to fumigate. I am in the process of moving and cannot bring them with me. He had already claimed that he will not eradicate the problem whatsoever. The premises is not for for human habitation and of not corrected should be deemed condemned.
So Many Issues.. This Place Is Not Enough To Explain | Case#**-*542
COLUMBUS,
OH -
43230 8365
we were promised to give a fully upgraded apartment but were given only normal apartment.. that too not cleaned (not even carpet was cleaned) before given to us.. we are indians and we look for auspicious day.. thats why we preferred a specific date.. on the day of move in ... Erica the person who was incharge mentioned that all these.. since there was not another auspicioius day nearby... we agreed to move in with the promise that they will fix all non functioning stuff, its been 7 months most of them are still not resolved.. moreover... peopl staying above are making more noise nad jumping around the house making us even unable to sleep.. they are running around very early like 5 AM in the morning.. we need our peace and we are paying the lease.. we are not staying here for free.. we are being complaing this to the manager KIM for the last 6 months and nothing seems to be happening... anyone... who is reading this.. will allow them to stay at our place for 2 days.. they will understand what we are going through.. weekdays/ weekends are all the same.. looks like the management / manger of this community are not taking the complaints of the tenatns seriously...
Deposit Problems, Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*362
COLUMBUS,
OH -
43229 7208
I was in the process of buying a house and I requested month to month contract, I was told I can pay $150.00 extra and live any time I want. On the day I surrendered the keys, I requested that we do a final walk through so we are on the same page. They said that there was no need and that I will get back my deposit. A couple of weeks later, they sent me a mail asking me to pay $659.17 for termination of contract, damage fees, paint and carpet shampoo. The house was impeccable when I left, hence why it took me almost a full day to get it clean. I went there to talk about it and the property manager called the police because I was asking more and more questions to try to understand.
They lied to me that I could go month to month and live with no repercusion, they lied about everything. And I need your help please. Thanks.
Bed Bugs Addendum Sign Before Apparment Was Shown | Case#**-*820
Towson,
Maryland -
21234
My Son is college student and first time in his life he rented apartment. He signed bunch a papper and not knowing what it was he sign the bed bug addendum, before he even saw the apartment. His move in started in the middle of the month, but he didn\\\'t move in the place yet. He spent two nights sleeping on the air bad, waithig for the tv cable to be set up. While waiting he discovered
bugs coming out of the walls and crawling on the floor, and immediately report to the landlord. Apartment was practically empty he didn\\\'t move anything in yet. Office landlord told us that he was responsible and he brought bed bugs in the apartment? This same apartment complex has past history of bed bugs, which we discovered to late. Apartment office was rude, but they told my son they will send inspector and setup exterminators plan? My son never lived with any bugs, and he is scared to death. He also has severe anxiety disorder going on over three years. He has been receiving treatment and taking medication. How we can fight this and brake the lease? I signed as grentor on his apartment.
Bedbug Infestation And General Pest Problem | Case#**-*706 In early February, I discovered several bite marks on my arms and legs. On February 8th, I called my apartments front office to have them inspect my bedroom for bedbugs. On the 13th, their pest control tech inspected the bedroom and discovers a bed bug infestation. Though the apartment has agreed to pay the cost of treatment, I no longer feel comfortable living in the complex. From the first day I moved in I have seen roaches and other insects regularly in the apartment and have had the apartment sprayed twice with little improvement. I have proof that I did not have a bed bug problem at my previous residence, and will not be taking any of my furniture from this apartment so I do not invest my next home. I wish to be released from the remainder of my lease immediately and be refunded my security deposit.
Repairs Issues | Case#**-*723
Charleston ,
South Carolina -
29407
I have had issues with anything getting repaired since I\'ve moved in July 2017, I had to complete a move in inspection and those were never completed. I still have no screens for my windows, I still have blinds that are broken that have never been replaced since I\'ve been here even though I was advised that everything on the list would be completed within 30 days, but it\'s been almost 2 years. I put in a order on 04/01/19 because my water was leaking and wouldn\'t stop running, the outlets in both of my bathrooms don\'t work, and my ceiling fan doesn\'t work..NO ONE ever came to fix anything, on 04/25 the leak got worse and the water just kept running to the point I had no Hot water. I called the after hours maintenance number but no one answered or returned my call, the next morning I called just to find out that no one ever printed my request so it was just sitting there? So if I never called no one would have came out!! When they finally came after 5pm that afternoon just to turn the water off and say he didn\'t have the tools to fix my water?? But what about the other items on my request? Nothing, so they came today 04/29 just to fix my water and nothing else. This is a constant issue with Magnolia Downs they don\'t fix or repair like they are suppose too, and they never have the tools or it\'s always something to where they have to come back. And I have been more than patient with the complex, but my only issue and concerns is that they dont repair or they half do it to where someone else has to come do it? And something has to be done because my recourse to not paying my rent is eviction, but what is the recourse for them not repairing and taking care of these apartments? And for that is why I filed a complaint because this is ridiculous and very unprofessional for a business.
every month but don\'t take the time to repair any of the apartments. My front door frame needs to be repaired due to corrosion with the wood, and that\'s been known since they came and did inspection in Nov.2018,and that\'s still not done. As a tenant I dont feel I should have these constant issues with nothing getting fixed correctly or they are not doing it at all. But once again If my rent isn\'t paid I will definitely get a eviction notice, but as a complex you can fix an repair when and however you want too? How is that professional or even acceptable?
Deposit Dispute 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 Me Get My Deposit Back?
As a tenant you have the right to get every penny of your deposit back. When you file a complaint through the Rental Protection Agency this starts a formal dispute resolution process in which the RPA will do everything in our power to see that your landlord promptly resolves your complaint. Landlords know that if they fail to cooperate with the RPA it can result in a negative public record that can make it hard for them to fill vacancies in the future.
Why is there a Filing Fee of $35
The $35 filing fee is the only required fee to process a complaint. The fee is required to help offset the cost of representing your complaint. The RPA complaint center is designed as a low cost legal solution for tenants and in most cases is more affordable than other legal options. Many tenants will compare the cost of filing a complaint to the cost of not filing a complaint. If you file a complaint and the problem is resolved will the solution be worth the cost of filing the complaint?
TIP: Don't forget, on the complaint form you can request that your landlord reimburse you for filing fee.
Most tenants file a complaint with the RPA to solve the problem such as getting a deposit refunded, or to get an unfair charge or deduction removed. However, some tenants file a complaint to report the landlord publicly as a warning to other tenants. When a complaint is filed against a landlord it will show up on their public record which is indexed by all major search engines. Filing a complaint is one way for tenants to stand up against bad landlords to warn future tenants about deposit problems they've had.
Does the RPA Guarantee to Solve My Deposit Refund Complaint?
We do guarantee to do everything in our power to solve each complaint that is filed. However, there are some situations where bad landlords fail to cooperate. The RPA can't force a landlord to comply if they refuse; but we can impact their public record which can make it difficult for them to find new tenants. We guarantee to represent the complaint and to create a public record against landlords that fail to resolve complaints.
Will My Name Show up Publicly?
No. After the complaint is closed and made public; your information (tenant name) is removed. During the complaint process your complaint can only be accessed through your case number and pin number. Both the landlord and tenant are assigned a pin number that is unique. The RPA protects tenant's privacy by blocking your name from the public record database. However, the record does show the landlord name.
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.
All 50 States have regulations that protect security deposits. In most cases the landlord is required to provide a refund within 30 days and must provide proof cost associated with charges or deductions against your deposit. Many states require the landlord to furnish copies of receipts for work completed. If you have a deposit refund dispute or feel your landlord is being unfair with your security deposit; you have rights. Filing a complaint is one of those rights.
