Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Will not return security deposit. | Case#**-*639
COLUMBUS,
OH -
43212 2256
My former landlord, Dan Rubin, has knowingly neglected to return my security deposit, nor did he send me an explanation itemizing any deductions he was making from the security deposit (which legally must be supplied to me within 30 days of vacating the unit. I moved out of the unit on August 4th, 2010. The first few months after that, I had initiated several phone conversations with Dan Rubin. He explained to me that the reason he hadn't refunded my security deposit was because he was unable to locate a copy of my lease from the previous owner stating the total deposit amount. In fact, the property had changed hands 3 times during the time i lived there, so this seem very believable. In February of this year, while unpacking boxes, I found a copy of the last lease I signed. I mailed it to Dan but he has not made any attempt to pay me or even contact me. I left the unit clean and in good shape for having lived there for 7 years.
Repair issues and fire hazards | Case#**-*819
Chicago,
Illinois -
60651
The living conditions is unsafe and a hazard for me and my children. There's mold in the walls caused by water damage. I don't have the adequate amount of heat needed to keep my family warm. All complaints has been expresses to the Landlord and nothing has been done about it. When she do address my concerns, it's not address correctly. I now have roaches from the upstairs apartment. My electrical outlets are not all in working condition and water pours from my light fixures in the ceiling.
will not return deposit I sent to hold the apartment | Case#**-*202
Seabrook,
New Hampshire -
03874
I never moved in. I just sent them $1025.00 to hold the apartment for me. Then my girlfriend and I broke up so I was no longer moving to Seabrook. I never signed a lease or anything and told the lady a week before I was supposed to sign the lease that I was not going to be taking the rent cause my girlfriend and I had broke up and I was going to try to find a rent closer to my work.. She said that she had taken the apartment off the market and that now she probably wouldn't be able to rent it. So she is not sending me my money back or any part of it. Please help me. Thank you, Jacob Morissette
Repairs/Breach of agreement | Case#**-*960
Miramar,
Florida -
33025
I moved in Mr. Johnson unit, which had many problem from the beginning, which I was told that would be taken care of. Not only are the problems still here things has gotten worst now, due to the fact of both restrooms flooding for three months now. I asked Mr. Johnson to please just let me out of my lease, however he refuse to do so.
failing to maintain the property | Case#**-*431
camden,
New Jersey -
08105
On August 13,2011 I Matisha wood fell on the front steps of 3314 Rosedale Ave. camden NJ 08105 property of FRANK KALER. that night i went to cooper E.R my front tooth was push back and my back tooth was slit down the middle. On August 22,2001 i was evaluated by Gelman Dental Associates which referral to Dr. matthew D.D.S to get the following orthodontic treatment;#30 extract and number #9 stables. I have been in lots of pain do to this and not able to eat any food (only able to drink out of straw) Attach is my dental and E.R paper work i have blacked out any personal information that i feel is not for Mr.Kaler to know.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*295 I have reported bed bug problems to manger a couple of times. When I finally told them that I know the neighbors have them too and I was going to file a complaint. They then on June 13 2014 sent out pest control to evaluate property and found that the complex was infested. Today June 26 2014 when I approached management about not renewing my lease because of bed bugs they wanted me to sign a release for them to treat bedbug problem and I was responsible for half. The problem I have with this is if everyone does not treat it will not rid the problem.
Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*167
LOS ANGELES,
CA -
90012 1376
I have had an exterminator come to the apartment three times to look for bed bugs, none were found but I continue to get bits on my body that look like bed bugs. My neighbor had an extreme infestation and the landlord failed to notify the other tenants of the problem and did not eradicate the entire building of the pests. We found an empty bed bug shell on a mattress in my house. My home is inhabitable and my landlord is refusing to pay for a hotel stay until he can get a pest removal service to come out to the location.
Deposit Problems, Delayed Repair | Case#**-*992 1. The apartment was left in immaculate condition. I left the apartment in better condition than I received it. I talked to two different employees stating that I went above and beyond what was needed. The refund of Additional Cleaning fee, of $62.50 is to be refunded to the address below.
2. Maintenance failed to fix my refrigerator for over 6 weeks. I had to ask several times during my tenancy to fix my refrigerator which was not functioning for 6 weeks. The refrigerator malfunctioned 3 separate times; ruining over $300 worth of food in both the refrigerator and freezer. During this the refrigerator was left unusable for the 6 weeks, violating the terms in our lease. a refund of 50% of 1 month's rent is requested for the reimbursement for the failure to repair the refrigerator for over 6 weeks. The amount of $326.00 is to be sent to the address below.
Thank you. Sincerely,
Kelsey Debrick
34466 Woodland Rd
Paola, Ks 66071
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.
