Landlord Complaint Record: #20-1354

Columbia Landing Apartments    |    Ronni Groenthal    |    Columbia    ,    Maryland 21045    Landlord Complaint 20-1354


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CASE CLOSED UNRESOLVED Apr 19, 2011


UNRESOLVED COMPLAINT: Despite mediation efforts; neither party could reach an agreement that was accepted by the other party.
 



Case Number : 20-1354 Filing Date : Mar 12, 2011
Investigating Agent : Kept Private Case Disposition : Unresolved
Complaint Level : Code 3 Landlord Response : Case Closed

SUPPORTING DETAILS
Type Title / Link Posted By Date Uploaded Comments
upload Kept Private Renter Mar 29, 2011
Our bedroom ceiling still has a hole in it with a plywood covering.
upload Kept Private Landlord Mar 28, 2011
Pest Control Agreements for 8852-302
upload Kept Private Renter Mar 12, 2011
This is the location of the rodent trap, and our bedroom ceiling.
upload Kept Private RPA Mailing Center The following attachment is a copy of the mailed complaint notice that was processed and sent out the Landlord/ Manager.
upload Kept Private RPA Mailing Center The attached file is a copy of the 2nd written notice that was printed and mailed to the landlord/ manager.
upload Kept Private RPA Mailing Center This is the 3rd and final notice that was sent to the landlord/ manager. This is the final attempt / notice to request an immediater resolution to the complaint. I has been processed for mailing.

LANDLORD / MGR : Ronni Groenthal RENTER : Kept Private
Property Name : Columbia Landing Apartments      
Address : 8905 Tamar Drive, Suite 202 Address : Kept Private
City, State - Zip : Columbia, Maryland - 21045. City, State - Zip : Columbia, Maryland - 21045.
Phone : Kept Private Phone : Kept Private

COMPLAINT : Rodent Infestation/Animal Cruelty
Fair Resolution according to renter :
  1. Call in a certified pest control company to resolve the issue.

RENTAL DETAILS
Address               :   8852 Tamar Dr. Apt 302
City, State - Zip   :   Columbia, Maryland - 21045.

COMPLAINT DETAILS (from renter)

We currently have several squirrels that reside in our ceiling. This problem was filed with the front office on 12/31/2011 via email and phone. Their solution was to have the maintenance staff of the apartment (not a pest control service) cut a 2 foot by 3 foot hole in our bedroom ceiling and install a rodent trap (the hole is closed up with plywood). It is now March 12th, 2011 and they have caught 3 squirrels and the trap is still in our ceiling, along with the 2 foot by 3 foot hole. On several occasions we have contacted the front office when a squirrel has been caught, and they refused to come out and take care of it, stating that it is "not an emergency." Squirrels have sat in that trap in our bedroom ceiling for days on end making loud noise and essentially starving while we are forced to sleep in our living room due to the noise. I can't imagine this is the correct and legal response to this problem and we are simply interested in resolving this problem, as we have had to deal with this for almost 2 months.

LANDLORD / TENANT RESPONSES (2)
From Date IP Address Response
Renter Apr 5, 2011 74.107.118.146 RENTER RESPONSE TO FAIR SETTLEMENT REQUEST: Landlord compensate renter in the amount of one month's rent ($1160) less the costs of pest removal thus far ($615) in the amount of $545. *See March 29th response from renter for details regarding reasoning*
Renter Mar 29, 2011 74.107.118.146 I appreciate you having pest services come out and inspect the exterior of the building as that is really where the problem should be addressed, however, there was no inspection done regarding the ceiling as stated in your response (unless you meant roof when you stated ceiling). We still have a sheet of plywood screwed into the ceiling of our bedroom (see uploaded image), and, unfortunately, squirrels are still getting into and residing in our ceiling (as of 03/29/2011). Because our lease is up on May 31st, I don't think it's fair for the landlord to wait to resolve the issue until we are gone (per the western pest services statement). I, therefore, have 2 possible resolutions: Resolution 1: The landlord complete the pest control path and permanently remove all rodents in our apartment no later than 04/15/2011, returning our apartment to its original state. Resolution 2: The landlord wait until June 1st to complete the pest removal process and financially compensate tenants for the 5 months of this issue (since 12/31/2011 until end of least, 05/31/2011) by omitting the last month of our rent (excluding pet fee) in the amount of 1160$.
Landlord Mar 28, 2011 68.48.198.189 Western Pest Control Services was contacted to investigate. 3 representatives from Western accompanied by me (Property Manager) inspected ceiling. No evidence of animal activity was observed at the time of inspection. No animal droppings, evidence of nesting, or movement was observed. An inspection of the exterior was completed to determine potential points of entry that would permit animal comings and goings. An opening in the rear of the building that could provide such access was identified. Western Pest Control will provide exclusion services. See attached documents.

INVESTIGATING AGENT - REMARKS (12)
Agent Date Response
Agent Apr 19, 2011 NO FURTHER RESPONSES: The agent has provided more than reasonable time for additional responses or updates. This case is now closed.
Agent Apr 12, 2011 LANDLORD UNWILLING: The landlord has been provided with reasonable time to counter or accept the offer presented by the tenant. The landlord has not accepted the offer and is not willing to provide a counter offer. Agent will provide a final 3 business day extension. Following the extension period the Agent will determine if further mediation is applicable.
Agent Apr 1, 2011 REQUEST FOR FAIR SETTLEMENT: It is clear that both parties feel that they are justified in their arguments. However, if we are to resolve this complaint through mediation, we will need to find a fair solution that both parties can agree on. The agent is asking that both parties reconsider their stances and offer a solution that will be fair to all involded. The agent will allow both the tenant and landlord one week to make an offer that would be acceptable. The agent will review the offers to determine if further mediation is applicable. It is the agents hope that both parties will reach an agreement through mediation. Pending one week response period...
Agent Mar 19, 2011 CERTIFIED MAILING: This case is being sent via USPS Certified Mail: 7010 0780 0000 1430 3352 A duplicate Mailing is also being sent via USPS First Class Mail in case the landlord refuses to sign for Certified Mailing.
Agent Mar 19, 2011 LANDLORD RESPONSE DATE: Landlord is expected to respond no later than: March 28, 2011 by 7pm
Agent Mar 19, 2011 EXPECTED LANDLORD RESPONSE: Written notice is being mailed to the landlord and expected to arrive in 3 business days. Following delivery the landlord will have 3 business days to respond. Pending landlord response.
Agent Mar 19, 2011 MAILING PREPARED: Agent has prepared case for mailing.
Agent Mar 19, 2011 COMPLAINT NOTICE: Agent has prepared an official complaint notice and will be attaching the notice to a bonded copy of the case. Pending Mailing...
Agent Mar 19, 2011 CASE REVIEW: Agent has reviewed the case and is preparing complaint notice and paperwork.
Agent Mar 19, 2011 CASE ACCEPTED: Agent has accepted the case and is will be reviewing the case details.
Agent Mar 19, 1822 CASE ASSIGNED: An RPA Agent has been assigned to mediate this case. Pending case acceptance.