Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Pounding & Runing From Above Apartment L 328 From 5 Am To 12 Midnight Daily | Case#**-*020
Anaheim,
California -
92804
Those neighbors are very noisy they walk pounding and their child runs all over the house, this happens every day from 5 am till midnight.
I have sent them a couple of nice letter and few nice e-mails, they always promised me to be quiet in a nice words but nothing happened.
Then I started complaining (In person and in writing) to Velvet Santos the operation\\\\\\\'s manager & Debbie Heaton at the management office, they always say to me that they talked to them but on my end nothing was happening.
I feel that I live inside a drum, this is affecting my life, sleep, work, even I lost 5 pounds as I\\\\\\\'m not living a normal life like before, I\\\\\\\'m always stressed, tired.
I didn\\\\\\\'t feel that the management was doing anything based on the fact that she (Velvet) and they belong to the same ethnicity !!!
I hope that you can help me, and as you see I\\\\\\\'m flexible with the resolution\\\\\\\'s I gave.
Much appreciated.
Andy Khallouf
Noise. Unreasonable restrivctions in place | Case#**-*095 Unreasonable Noise Restrictions
Situaction: I currently live in middle unit of 3 story apartment building. The neighbors on the first floor have made several "noise" complaints as a result my lease is not being renewed and my landlord is soliciting my early departure from building before lease is up.
Background: I currently am a RN that works night shift oin a local community hospital. Noise complaints from neighbors are mostly in regards to noise from my 4yr. old daughter and noise from myself walking around apartment on nights that I do not work. Neighbors down stairs are either insominiacs or very light sleepers coupled with creeky floors of building. I am a night owl and get most housework completed at night. I currently pay 3,000/month to live in this apartment.
Assessment: The following unreasonable requests have been verbally requested of me.
1.) 9pm Lights out in apt and have my daughter in bed by 9pm.
2.) No walking in master bedroom past 9pm.
3.) Masterbedroom has a shower & sink---if it's requested of me to not walk around past 9pm then I also can not utilize my shower or sink in master bedroom.
4.) Neighbors downstairs have requested that I do not open & close my bedroom closet doors. They are on a sliding track 7 they state the noise of the sliding doors wake them up and have requested I don't open my closet after 9pm.
5.) No "local restaurant worker visitors"
6.) No visitors past 9pm.
7.) Need to clear any visitors ahead of time with neighbors. Neighbors don't have to clear visitors with me.
8.) Neighbor on 3rd floor does NOT have to have lights out by 9pm.
9.) No laundry past 4pm or before 10am as stated in lease. Neighbors on 3rd or 1st floor do not have to follow same laundry restrictions as myself.
10.) No using vacuum past 9pm.
11.) Neighbors have complained about my bathroom fan usage and my landlord has contacted me to reduce bathroom fan usage. I pay the elctricity bill.
12.) Limit house work past 9pm.
13.) 1st floor neighbors have stated to me that "Tom has made a mistake allowing a 4yr. old to live above us" As a result decision has been made to NOT renew my lease and NOT rent to someone with small children in the future.
14.) I have been accused of having parties and dancing when in fact it was just myself & my daughter home as evidenced by security tape footage. My neighbors want me whispering past 9pm and no visitors.
Failure To Return Deposit | Case#**-*473
Belair,
Maryland -
21014
Landlord entered home on several occasions without proper notice. I reported damaged issue with the tub, he never brought over the DrainO. When he was showing the townhouse, he let potential tenants in the home alone. He went through drawers. He failed to return deposit citing damages that were not an issue when I moved out. He refused to conduct a move out walk through during reasonable times but sent a certified letter of a scheduled walk through 24 hours after mailing the letter.
Someone Was Fooling With My Car.I Also Was Stalked. | Case#**-*235 I went to the rental office to apply for an apartment.The next morning I called to cancel.She wold not give me the 350.00 dollars back.I suspect some one took that blank money order.
Uncleared fine of $100 | Case#**-*569
Arlington,
Texas -
76014
I have resided in Arbrook Apt since sept 4, 2012 with 1 year of contract lease. Under the paragraph 10 and 18 of the contract stated that "only certified funds accepted for rent after the 3rd of the month. Improper trash disposal fee is $50 per bag". On march 27, 2013, I received the violation fee of $100 with an explanation " violation of contract paragraph 10 and 18. Two bags of trash placed outside your front door. Please dispose of trash properly at the compactors. Please remit fine/ payment to office by April 1, 2013. Total due $100". Therefore, I have called the office and spoke with Veronica about the violation and told her that I didn't aware of placing trash bags outside the front door prior taking the trash to the compactor were violated since the contract lease doesn't define " improper trash" specifically. I also told her that I didn't receive any notice/ warning at all, Veronica told me that the apartment don't have any obligation to issue notice or warning and that I were expecting to pay the fine the full amount 3 days after the fine was issued otherwise an additional action will followed. I desperately need your help to protect my right, I feel like I am being ripped out with no other ways of speaking up.
Please feel free to contact me if there's a need for any supportive documents.
Harassment | Case#**-*142 I moved into this apartment on July 01, 2013. It is apparent now that the landlord is suffering from some mental disorder. Ever since I moved into this apartment the landlord is constantly telling me what I should and should not do in my apartment. For example; the landlord is constantly in and out of my apartment telling me that I should place rugs in certain area's of the wood floor, that I should buy "glides" for the furniture so as to not scratch the floors, I cannot make any holes in the walls to hang pictures, landlord refuses to install an exhaust fan in the kitchen so when I cook I have to open the windows even when the weather gets very cold, landlord is complaining to me about my smoking, (not stipulated in the lease that no smoking is allowed), landlord was nasty to the Verizon Fios installation person about making holes in the walls, landlord owns at least 7 cats and the house smells terribly of animal urine, landlord complains that I use too much water, landlord complains that I MUST lock the door every time I go in or out, just recently the landlord is accusing me of tampering with my thermostat even though it is in a locked box and I cannot access thermostat, there are fire and electrical code violations in my apartment that the landlord is aware of but has not corrected the violations, landlord has a 95 year old father that she argues with almost every night at 3: 00 in the morning screaming at him and waking me up, landlord refuses to repair the gas cooking stove in the apartment, (some burners do not work and this poses the danger of a gas explosion), at times landlord is waiting for me outside of the house to come home just to start an argument with me, landlord did not provide a refrigerator when I moved in and I went and purchased a new refrigerator, (the landlord paid 50% of the cost), my boyfriend repaired defective plumbing in the kitchen sink which the landlord did not pay for. I intend to file a lawsuit against the landlord for the moving expenses that I incurred when I moved into the apartment and for the expenses that I will incur to move out of the apartment. Landlord is not providing peace and quiet nor a safe enviornment to live. Landlord did not advise me of any of her rules and regulations prior to moving into this apartment and landlord should be held responsible for her actions. NOTE: I AM FROM BRAZIL AND DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH WELL. MY BOYFRIEND WROTE THIS COMPLAINT FOR ME AND HE IS A WITNESS TO THE ABOVE INCIDENTS.
Repair Issues, Landlord Issues, Defemation Of Character | Case#**-*014
FRESNO,
CA -
93703 2444
First, Sultan and I had trouble securing our mail key with them. We did not receive our mail key until 2-3 weeks of staying at their property. We called them multiple times regarding the key and were told that it was our responsibility to set up a P.O box in the meantime. Finally, they had to break open the mailbox and create a new key for us.
Next, A+ property management took 5 months to fix a window that we have complained about on several occasions. The front window / AC unit allowed several flies to come into the apartment. Vicki (owner) first informed us to put a towel in front of the window and A/C unit in order to fix the problem.
Furthermore, there was an incident where my Sultan was a mistaken acquaintance for an individual that was wanted by the Fresno Police department. A+ property management was notified by Fresno Police inquiring if the individual was residing in our unit. After the inquiry, Crystal (the property manager) asked us if we knew anything about the situation and we told her that we did not know of any individual and ensured us that no one else was living in the unit. A couple of weeks after, Crystal came by the apartment to speak with us and a male friend opens the door and informs her that Sultan was not home (mind you that this is a close friend of ours and is invited over regularly). As a result of these incidents, she was convinced that someone was living in our unit and violating the lease.
A month later, Crystal gives us a notice stating that there will be an inspection for the fire alarms. Nor I or Sultan were not able to make it on the stated date due to work. Crystal became mad that we were not available to make it on the date and did not notify her that we could not make it. She called Sultan multiple times to reach him to reschedule but he was not available to talk and I was out of town. She left me voicemail stating that she knows Sultan is trying to dodge her purposefully. I was finally able to leave Crystal a voicemail stating when Sultan would be home for the inspection on a Monday (but it was a holiday. She never called back to inform us if it was a bad time for the inspection. She then gave us a notice saying she will enter the property and use her key to inspect the fire alarms. The day before the inspection, she leaves sultan a voicemail to confirm the inspection and tells him “He better be there”.
On the day of the inspection Crystal arrives at the unit with
Repair Issue | Case#**-*698
DAYTON,
OH -
45417 1524
I have informed the Addison\\\'s of the repairs for over several months and to no avail. They start projects and do not finish. I have pictures of water damage, leaks and there has been a tarp on the roof for several months with no one ever coming back to repair the roof. I call Mr. Addison and cannot get in touch with him, however, he shows up at the same time on the 5th of the month to collect the rent. Mr. Addison has no concern or empathy for the poor conditions in which my household is enduring under his tenancy. I only want the repairs fixed. We are on a month to month lease, however, moving expeditiously is not an option as I am disabled.
Safety Concerns | Case#**-*911
DENVER,
CO -
80204 2247
Here is a list of the complaints I have
*Syringes in the stairwell that nobody picks up
*Gang tags
*unsecured entry ways which I was tol would be fixed
*Broken carbon monoxide detector and failure to adhere to proper protocols when replacing it.
*Broken and unsecured mailbox
*Smoke coming through vents
*Urine in elevator daily
*Agressive and illegal breeds of dogs unleashed on property
*Office not accepting my packages
*Manager hanging up on me and not accepting my calls
*Failure to provide me with bill of utilities and charging late fee's whenI have to guess amount to pay each month
*Possible mold in bathroom, not been checked
*Raised and dangerous flooring in bathroom
*Broken light fixture outside where I park
*Dangerous conditions
*Failure to appropriately document complaints.
No Repair For Inop Waterheater Within One Weak | Case#**-*065 Since friday may 2nd the water heating device in the appartement shut off several times leaving us with no hot water available. Despite notifying the office staff upon the need of repair it was only reset and started again resulting in the next shutoff a few hours later. Today on may 16th I called the office again from overseas ( due to deployment ) to get the issue finally solved and told them to get the problem solved since my wife had to leave the house again this morning without having the luxury to have hot water available. When I was promised again that they would try to send someone to the appartement I told the lady from the staff that they should get it fixed and not only promise. She hang the phone up on me and finished the conversation.
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.