Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Security Deposit | Case#**-*845
SPRING HILL,
FL -
34608 1404
On May 1, 2010 we signed a lease with Mr. Carbone to rent his house for one year. At the time of signing the lease we gave Mr. Carbone two cashierā??s checks for $750 each, one check was for our first monthā??s rent, and the second was for the security deposit. As we neared the end of the lease Mr. Carbone contacted us about staying in the house and signing another lease, we declined his offer and moved out on May 1, 2011. After about a month passed and we still have not heard anything from Mr. Carbone in regards to our security deposit we tried to contact him. We called several times and left messages, we've stopped by his house and left a note on the door asking him to please contact us, but we've heard nothing back from him. He finally answered the other day but was being irrational saying we were not entitled to our deposit but didn't give me any specific reason why not?
Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*915
HONOLULU,
HI -
96817 6401
When I signed lease, it stated laundry is provided and so I was agreeable and did like everything but when I signed and moved in and then wanted to use the washer and dryer was told I had to schedule it and pay a $2 fee per load so to do one load would cost me $4. I replied this was not said upon and was told well things change and I need to pay for the water. So, I really needed to use the laundry so I agreed but she would take beer bottles so I paid her with recycled beer bottles. The she said no more beer bottles i want Venmo and pay my daughter. Then on the third correspondence was told no trade and no Venmo and only cash and it is going up to $3 a load and $3 a dry. So, I am not very happy with the situation because now when I enter the home she yells at me saying I am a cheat and I owe her went I have over paid by $1.65 which I don\'t care because I do my laundry else where now. Now, if I move and find another place I feel, I will not see my $1000 deposit refunded because now they are saying I should move before the six month lease is complete.
Repair Issues, Bed Bugs, Threatening to Disconnect Utilities | Case#**-*370
Mesa,
Arizona -
85207
I moved into rental at the end of December 2011. At that time, I informed landlord of bed bug found. He had it sprayed once. Also upon move in, there were live wires exposed in laundry room and a bathroom did not work. To this day they remain that way. Also locks were to be changed. He finally brought new door knobs in the beginning of October 2012, which I installed. I reminded him that there were still bed bug issues as well as other things but nothing has happened to rectify the situations. When he picked up rent this month, I told him that somthing has to be done. He then tookj my rent and after that he told me that coming the 15th of October 2012, he is going to have all utilities shut off.
Pandemic Lowers Rent Only For New Renters | Case#**-*729
FOUNTAIN VLY,
CA -
92708 4145
While deciding whether to sign a lease again I found on OC Craigslist my very apartment advertised for rent at $200 less than I am being charged. In addition, I was asked to sign a lease that would include a rent hike! At a time when seniors are especially hard-hit by the pandemic, income difficulties, and loneliness, must we also be ravaged by greedy, insensitive, uncaring business people. And when I went to discuss this issue at the rental office, this young man, Mr Jimenez avoided speaking with me Deven though he knew I was waiting 10-15 minutes and then I was told he was in a āmeetingā and could not speak to me after all. Here, after signing the lease, all decency is abandoned! I am living here because my 90 year old mother and my sister live here and they need my assistance as I am a retired nurse. This is not right! I have checked with an attorney and been told that legally there is no recourse. My only option is to publicize and hopefully embarrass them into behaving decently!
Repair Issues | Case#**-*795
ORLANDO,
FL -
32824 5100
I experienced an air conditioning outage on Sunday 5/4/15 and when I called our complex service number the advised me that they are no longer servicing air condition issues the weekend. 5/5/15 I attempted to reach the manager all day on the phone and the secretary advised me numerous times he was not in. 4:30 pm I then called from the parking lot, got the sane response, walked in only to find he was sitting in his office. When apprached by the receptionist I explained who I was and she attempted to brush me off due to having an appointment. Mr. Kemp overheard the conversation and came out without introducing himself and had an aggressive tobe which was extremely alarming. Mr. Kemp spoke to me as if I was a problem, my concerns where not important and I was not a tenant of over 8 years. I have never been spoken to in such a hostile and aggressive tone. I\'m a women that stands 5/4 inches tall and this man towers over me at over 6ft tall. He stated I had 1 complaint on file and he didn\'t understand why I was making it seem like more. He stated he was the manager for over 13 years but I personally have only dealt with him this 1 time. I\'m afraid to speak with him or even rent from the place I have called home for almost a decade. Every person I have reached out to with this company has been rude and made me no guarantees. I\'m sure the issue will be attended to after this issue is brought to light but what of Mr. Kemp, Im afraid he will continue to operate as if he is untouchable due to his tenure and abuse his position of power. Please point me in the right direction to pursue this issue to the fullest extent.
Harassment | Case#**-*914
Dallas,
Texas -
75215
MY MANAGER MISS CHASITY KNOWING AND INTENTIONALLY KNOCKED ON MY MY DOOR WHEN SHE KNEW ME AND MY KIDS WAS AT WORK AND SCHOOL.
MY GIRLFRIEND TOLD ME WHEN I ARRIVED HM. MY MANAGER TOLD HER TO TELL ME TO REMOVED THE FURNITURE OUT IN FRONT OF MY APT AN OFF THE PATIO.IT\\\'S NOT PATIO FURNITURE.OK, ILL DO IT TOMORROW WHEN I GET OFF WORK.THINKING IT WAS NO BIG DEAL.THEN AT 6:20 PM.I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM CHASITY SAYING SHE NEED TO TALK TO ME ABOUT SOME PERSONAL BUSINESS.
I CALLED BACK ,SHE DIDN\\\'T ANSWER SO I STOPPED BY AFTER I GOT MY KIDS FOOD.CHASITY UNLOCKED OFFICE DOOR AND I IMMEDIATELY SAID SORRY ILL REMOVE THE FURNITURE TOMORROW WHEN I GET OFF WORK.SHE SAID, I CALLED YOU ABOUT ANOTHER REASON MR.WASHINGTON.I SAID WHY? SHE SAID A GUEST STAY WITH YOU WHOM NOT ON YOUR LEASE I SAID NO,JUST ME AND MY 3 KIDS STAY THERE.SHE SAID I KNOW YOUR FRIEND GIRL STAY WITH YOU I SAID NO,SHE HAS HER OWN PLACE MAM.SHE SAID MR WASHINGTON I SEEN HER AND HER FRIEND GIRL ON YOUR PATIO TODAY.SHE HAD ON A GOWN,HAIR WAS HALF WAY BRAIDED AS IF SHE WAS TAKING IT DOWN,OR GETTING IT BRAIDED ONE! I SAID WHAT OTHER GIRL.SHE SAID A GIRL WITH A HAIR FRO. I SAID THAT IS MY COUSIN GIRL FRIEND,SHE OVER THERE WITH MY COUSIN TO FIX MY GIRL FRIEND CAR,BECAUSE IT BROKE DOWN ON HER THE NIGHT BEFORE.SO I PULLED HER CAR TO MY APT INSTEAD HER APT DO TO ME HAVING TO BE AT WORK THE NEXT MORNING.SHE DON\\\'T KNOW THAT GIRL.SHE SPENT THE NIGHT TO BE THERE WHEN MY COUSIN STOP BYE TO LOOK AT HERE CAR THEN PULL IT AROUND MY COUSIN HOUSE TO FIX IT.THEN CHASITY SAID,MR WASHINGTON,I KNOW SHE STAY THERE. I SEE HER MORE THEN I SEE YOU. I SEE EVERYTHING WHILE YOU AT WORK..I SAID YOU SURE SHE STAY THERE OR YOU ASSUME SHE DO? SHE HAS HER OWN PLACE .I AM TELLING YOU SHE DON\\\'T , YOU SAYING SHE DO.THEN I SAID I CAN HAVE VISITORS DAILY IF I WANT TO RIGHT,ITS CONVENIENCE FOR HER TO COME SEE ME RATHER THEN ME GOING TO HER HS DAILY.I HAVE TO COME HM COOK FOR MY KIDS.SHE COME IN THE MORNING BEFORE MY KIDS GO TO SCHOOL AND STAY TILL I GET OFF. SHE HAS NO KEY TO LOCK THE DOOR.I ASKED CHASITY, WHY YOU DIDN\\\'T CALL ME LIKE YOU DID 2 DIFFRENT TIMES ABOUT MY CAR.WHEN I CAME BACK AND ASK MY GIRLFRIEND WERE SHE WAS AT WHEN CHASITY CAME.SHE SAID IN YOUR APT.THE MANAGER BEAT AN RUNG THE DOOR BELL SO MANY TIMES.I THOUGHT IT WAS YOUR COUSIN COMING TO LOOK AT MY CAR.CHASITY, NEVER TOLD ME SHE KNOCKED ON MY DOOR.CHASITY SAID I REALLY REALLY LIKE YOU,AND TELL YOUR GIRLFRIEND TO MOVE THE STUFF OFF YOUR PATIO,SHE BE THERE! IAM DONE TALKING!
Smoking | Case#**-*690
Elkton,
Maryland -
21921
My husband and I live in the Meadows building, apartment H and in the apartment below us in apartment F is a smoker. We informed the tenant in apartment F on several occasions that we smell the cigarette smoke in our apartment. In addition, we informed management via emails of the cigarette smoking in apartment F. In the emails, we explained how my husband has asthma because the smoking can cause attack. Also, we explained how the cigarette smoking is preventing us from enjoying our apartment. In addition, we explained how the cigarette smoking is not providing a habitable living space due to the secondhand smoke. Yet, the cigarette smoking continues in a smoke-free apartment complex.
BREACH OF AGREEMENT. UNSAFE PLACE TO LIVE. MGR THREATEN TO SEND COLLECTION. | Case#**-*692
SEATTLE,
Washington -
98133
My roommate and I went on vacation the same time, and I came back a few days before my roommate did. I live in the same unit but in a different room, and my roommate room was locked and I did not have permission to enter her room while she was gone. When I came back from my vacation I did noticed that the carpet in the hallway was a little wet, and there was some kind of moldy smell. I thought maybe we were gone and the heat was not turn on so there were extra moistures in the unit. On June 13, 2010 when my roommate came back from her two week vacation her bathroom ceiling was consumed by molds and mildews due to a leak from the ceiling. Also, her room was wet and smells moldy. On behalf of us my roommate wrote a notice to the manager the same day. We let the manager know that due to the unsafe and serious health risks we have to find alternative way to live. My roommate was able to immediately drive back to Olympia her home town to stay with her parents. Meanwhile, I was not able to find an alternative place to stay. I emailed the manager right away asking for alternative living solution like moving me to a different unit or move me to a hotel, but the manager refused to do so. I was forced to stay in this unit for two nights with all windows and doors open and commercial machines running around the clock in the unit. I had asthmas history. Thus, after being exposed to molds I started having allergy symptoms: skin irritation and rashes, headache, hard to breath, nose and chests congestionsā?¦ I had to leave work early and visited the doctor. The doctor evaluated that I had symptoms suggestive of toxic mold exposure, and recommended that I find other living arrangement until the mold has been officially abated. Meanwhile, the maintenance guys tried to fix the problem by bleaching and painting over the moldy spots. After they bleached and painted over the moldy spots in the unit, the manager wrote an email to me as if the problem is fixed. I returned to the unit after the bleach has gone, the unit smells like mold again. On June 24th I called the American lungs Associations and they sent out and inspector. The inspector concluded that thereā??s still mold in the building materials and the unit is not healthy to life in. I deliver my doctor note to the manager, and told her what the inspector found out, but she keeps saying the problem is fixed. June 30th was the last time I visit this place and there was still a big hole on the bathroom's ceiling.
Breach Of Contract, Neighbor Harassment | Case#**-*216
Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina -
29577
Neighbor has spit on door multiple times, has harassed me, violation of quite and enjoyment, office has failed to enforce lease
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.
