Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Maintenance Very Slow To Respond To High Priority Repairs | Case#**-*731 Called to inform leasing office that front window doesn't lock and that there are no #'s on the oven dials. Both high priority in my eyes. 3 weeks went by. I fixed my own front window. I then Went into leasing office only to be informed that the order was never input. 2/2/14 work order was entered online for a front door that doesn't line up which causes the cold weather into the house, ceiling leaks and once again no #'s on the oven dial. Went into leasing office the week of 2/10/14 spoke to manager and was assured that the maintenance supervisor would be contacted and someone would be in my apartment that week. No one ever came. Now my stove is out and the bath tub and shower run at the same time. I haven't been able to use the stove going on 3 days now. Spoke to the property manager and was told that I would get a call back with a ETA. I then received a call saying maintenance would be here the next day (2/26/14) at noon. No one came so about 10 minutes to 1 I went to the leasing office. Conveniently the property manager was in a meeting and the two leasing agents in the office had no idea about what was transpiring. One of the agent called the maintenance supervisor. He then said he sent someone the night before to fix it. I told her I smell has but the oven is not working. A maintenance worker came over to "fix the oven" he said I will go get your dial and your all set. He puts a new dial on says your all set and walks out. When I get downstairs I turn the oven on for 5 minutes and it's not even warm. It's cold! Called the leasing office back and the agent said she will call maintenance back. As of now nothing is resolved. Extremely unhappy with the service the lack of communication and all the hassle
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*431
MODESTO,
CA -
95356 1672
First few months of experience was great. I did lie on my application, but later explained my situation to my property manager and she was understanding of my predicament. She allowed me to stay. Following this, I was met with forms of harassment. Every few weeks, I would have to submit new forms regarding my income to which the property manager knew did not change. I did not meet the income requirement by myself and asked for child support forms which I did not have yet filed with the court system. I had provided a notarized form stating what I received in child support, at the request of my property manager until I could get her the formal documents, as a placeholder. I was very open about my situation sending updates until August regarding how court was going, but she still persisted for documents I did not have finalized with the court yet. I had resubmitted my income documents 3 different times when asked in a span of 4 months.
On Oct 31, I received notice that I won $300 off my rent which I was eligible to be partake in. Two days later I informally notified my property manager that I may move to which two days after she stated I was disqualified from the raffle. After the seeming income document harassment, this began to cause issue with my relationship and tenancy with the property manager. I disputed the disqualification as it had stipulated you could not be eligible for the raffle if you had a pending 30-day notice. My lease was not over until 12/31/2022the informal notification came on 11/02/2022. I had provided no formal written notice or signed document stating I was vacating the residence at the time of my winnings. I was able to maintain $300 off my rent for December as I had paid my rent early for November in which the credit would have been applied to. Subsequently, the details for eligibility for the raffle changed after my dispute as my property knew they were wrong. After vacating the premises the property manager did not send me the itemized deduction list until after I reached out, 17 days after vacating. She proved to be unprofessional using condescending tones. I told her that it was hard to believe I accrued $1250 in damages and she stated that I did a “number on the apartment.” Now I can agree to the carpet replacement to some degree but I am being charged for wear and tear issues such as full painting of unit, bedroom blind replacement, drip pan and range stove filter replacement as well. I would like these removed or refunded.
Bug Infestation | Case#**-*621 Unit is infested with bed bugs even though pest control is included in my lease. I was first notified by another tenant of the existing issues the day I was moving in and then experienced it first hand. I moved in on May 30th 2014 and to date the issue has not been resolved. I have scars from previous bites as well as new bites all over my legs and feet. The landlord has been fully aware of the issue since day one but has not properly treated the unit. I have photos and documentation to provide upon request as well as letter from other tenants regarding their experience with my unit.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*429 In late December of 2014 I called the office to report that I thought I had ticks of fleas in my apartment. I was told that since it was around the holidays, they did not know when they could have pest control come out but they would have pest control come out. My apartment complex is really good about responding to issues so I didn't worry about it because I knew it would be taken care of. On Sunday January 11, 2015, I was changing my son's sheets on his bed and I saw more of what I thought were ticks. A friend of mine told me that they were not ticks they were bed bugs. So I immediately called the office and left a message for maintenance to call me back to see what I could do. He called me back and told me that I could pretreat my son's room because I asked if I could until they could get pest control out. He informed me that he texted the manager and they will have pest control come out. Monday, January 12, 2015 they inspected my apartment. The next day I went into the office to see what they found and what was going to be done. The other associate in the office told me that is was bed bugs. I was also told that Monica, the manager, was gone for the day but will either call me or have me come in the office to talk about it. Wednesday afternoon Monica still had not contacted me so I called the office. She answered the phone. She informed me that I would be responsible for paying 1700 because my apartment was the only one out of the ones they checked that had them. I really don't think this is fair. I didn't purposely bring bed bugs to my apartment and I have not clue as to how they got there.
Bedbugs | Case#**-*394
LOUISVILLE,
KY -
40241 1892
About 2 weeks ago, my neighbors apartment was bombed for bedbugs. That same week I was taking my girlfriend to the E.R. from a severe allergic reaction to a bedbug bite she had sustained form sleeping in our bed. I have been a resident for three years and have never had problem with bedbugs. I've only had three neighbors since I have lived here and the only time I've had a pest problem is when I get new neighbors. Now I understand that I signed a Bedbugs Addendum when I renewed my lease but clearly this is pest problem that spread from one unit to the next and part 4 of the addendum clearly states that the complex is exempt of charges only "as a result of the negligence of the Resident(s) or any guest occupying or using the premises". It does not state as a result of the negligence of the neighbors. I have never had a problem with bedbugs in my three years living here until my neighbors unit was bombed for bedbugs. That is not a coincidence. I personally would like to know why I was not notified of this pest problem being harbored next door to me and offered an inspection and free extermination. I would like this problem dealt with promptly with no cost being billed to me for pest control. I feel let down by property management for allowing this problem to spread without warning to other tenants.
Breach of Agreement | Case#**-*100
Davenport,
Florida -
33897
Monthly rent was agreed to include utilities but our Landlord has been charging utilities that were suppose to be included in monthly rent. Water was shut-off after 1 month in rental unit due to account delinquency from non-payment of landlord, which was/is breach of contract. Water has been shut-off 3 times, we went without water for 10 days, and electric has also been shut-off. Landlord has been harassing and threatening us on a weekly if not almost daily basis.
Deposit Problem | Case#**-*008
JACKSONVILLE,
FL -
32256 8003
I recently moved out of my apartment. During the move out inspection, which was completed with a representative from maintenance, I received a copy. There were no notations of damages noted on the form. I was billed for the replacement of a refrigerator door in the amount of $200. On my form it was noted that the condition at move out was the same as move in. The landlords copy of the documents on file has been altered and differs from mine. There was also a $90 charge for painting repairs for cabinets and walls. These were also noted in the same condition at move out as it was upon moving in. This has also been changed on the landlord's copy. I've attempted to contact someone in charge, and I've been told the person is unavailable and they will call me back. I'm still waiting. Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
Non Return Of $200 Deposit | Case#**-*961
BRADENTON,
FL -
34205 9177
I gave a $200 money order to application fee for apt. I was told if i get approved, it will go towards rent, if i dont get apt, i will get my $200 back. i got a call saying i didnt get the apt because an eviction showed on the report they ran, saying my current landlord was evicting me. this was not true. i was current on my rent. I even offered to get a letter from my current landlord stating this, i also called the courthouse, and they had nothing on my record of this. i again offered a letter from the court, and they said no.. The next day i went to another apartment complex ,they ran my credit, and said it was excellent ,and only had to put $200 down, because of my outstanding credit and rental history..When i asked for my deposit back, they said no, because if i cleared up THE NON EXISTANT eviction, i Mite have gotten apartment. EITHER you are approved or you are denied. they create a GREY area to keep your money..WHICH $200 is very high for application,its usually $40. ANy help you can give will be appreciate because the complaint i put in with the attorney general said these apartment complexes area not regulated by their office. My question is WHO regulates them? or to they run their shady business like this in florida all the time. THANK you in advance,
Breach Of Agreement / Harassment | Case#**-*541
WESTLAKE VLG,
CA -
91361 3814
I moved into a home and signed a one year lease on April 1, 2021. Two weeks later the owner torn down the kitchen/living area. Everything has been removed... The sink, stove, oven dishwasher, cabinets, countertops, drawers and the refrigerator and pantry moved to the living room. It has been 5 months and the is still nothing. It is exactly the way it looked in April, bare. I pay a premium. for rent and each month I receive assurances that it will be finished that month. Now I am being blamed for the hold-up even thoughI literally have nothing to do with any of it. Also, I was supposed to have a home gym in the garage included but it is impossible to work-out due to the clutter, rodent feces and smell. This isn\'t a small, cheap rental either. I am at close to $2,000.00mo for a home in Westlake Village right on the Lake. He is simply taking advantage of me at this point and I would love some assistance please..
Breach Of Agreement/Contract | Case#**-*425
CLERMONT,
FL -
34711 5297
January 2022, the company offered a Fresh Start program for tenants still behind because of Covid, if successfully completed it would give a zero balance, if not they would be immediately evicted without recourse. Both parties signed the agreement/contract on January 27, 2022. We successfully completed the program in July of 2022, on July 14 I inquired about getting our lease renewed, I was told that wasn’t possible because we still had a balance, I stated that was impossible because we successfully completed the Fresh Start program, Armstead stated yes, we had completed everything and if anything should have a credit not a balance. He stated that he would submit it to his supervisor and someone would get back to me to help resolve the issue. From July 14 to October 21, the company went out of its way not to deal with me. On October 21, I spoke to Donna Darlymple who stated unfortunately our case was swept under the rug and ignored, she asked me to send her all of the emails I had and she would do her best to resolve the situation. When she finally got back to me, she informed me, that the company was refusing to address the issue and we were to pay what ever they said we owed and they would go back and make corrections afterwards. I emailed her asking how exactly am I supposed to trust the company after what happened with the fresh start program. On Monday November 28 I again emailed Donna asking her to please fill out the assistance application I emailed her 4 times, because Mid FLORIDA coalition was going to help us pay all of our back rent and needed the applications returned by Wednesday because that’s when the program closed, instead of responding to those emails she sent me an email, stating that our ledger was updated and month to month rent and fees were added to our ledger and some of the fees were addressed and to contact the groups I was trying to get assistance from and tell them that $10000 was added to our balance, she never even addressed the emails about mid FLORIDA coalition. Yesterday, I emailed Donna, asking her to change the ledger otherwise, the VA wasn’t going to be able to help us, reminding Donna, she told me to pay the back rent and she would get all of the fees removed. In her response she stated she could not give us an updated ledger and it would leave us still with a large balance, but the company would offer us $8,000 to move out.
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.
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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.
