Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Failure To Return Security Deposit | Case#**-*889 1. No written notice was provided of right to pre-move out inspection as required by law
2. No itemized inspection statement specifying required repairs or cleaning was provided
3. We were told there was nothing we could do to avoid deductions from our deposit
4. Even after passing move-out inspection, elective cleaning was performed at our expense
5. The security deposit refund check that we received was made payable to someone else
6. The security deposit refund amount was less than the initial amount paid upon move-in
7. The portion of the security deposit retained for elective cleaning was not accounted for
Utilties Distrubtion Issue | Case#**-*185
BOISE,
ID -
83716 9245
I requested to my management to see the charges for utilities and how they are distributed. I was referred to YES energy management. They then referred me back to my property management, as they claim they don\'t have the numbers. I am just wanting to see the monthly charges for the utilities to ensure I am paying the correct amount.
False Accusation Of Countertop Damages | Case#**-*712
Reston,
Virginia -
20190
My roommates and I had been tenants at The Sycamores for two years, with our lease ending on November 15, 2015. On December 11, 2015 we received our \\\\\\\"Statement of Deposit,” which listed a $484.50 charge for \\\\\\\"countertop replacement.” We are being held responsible for two damages to the kitchen countertop, neither of which was under our control. The first damage was a white, dime-sized mark to the left of the stove. We reported the mark to Antonia Saunders, the former Property Manager, and it was dismissed back in November 2013. The second damage was a faded area next to the sink caused by a recurrent leak from the kitchen faucet. Upon move-in, the kitchen faucet was cracked and would spray water on the countertop. The faucet was reported and maintenance sealed the crack with caulking. From fall of 2013 until spring of 2015, we routinely alerted maintenance of the problem while they were completing other requests in our apartment. More caulking was added, but it was not until summer of 2015 that a new faucet was finally installed; more than a year and a half after our initial request. We had a meeting with Anisha Wells, The Sycamore’s new Property Manager, on December 21, 2015 to negotiate our charges. During the meeting, Ms. Wells was largely unfamiliar with our case and had difficulty locating our records. She admitted that she was the new Property Manager and was also working at a nearby sister property. During the meeting Ms. Wells stated that there was a burn on the countertop. This discrepancy is not only false, but makes me believe that she is administering charges for “damages” that she did not see herself. Ms. Wells informed us that she would investigate and contact us. We asked her to speak with Deanne Davidson, the Assistant Property Manager, and with maintenance. However, we were told that one of the maintenance workers who had performed repairs in our apartment is no longer employed at the property. It has been a month since our meeting with Ms. Wells and we have yet to hear from her. There is a lack of organization and customer service at the property. Our damage charges are unfair, as neither case was caused by misuse or negligence. Disorganized tenant records and a lack of communication between new and old managers and maintenance staff have complicated our negotiations. We will not be held accountable for damages beyond our control or for damages that were brought to the attention of former staff and not communicated to new management.
Spoiled Food Twice Because Of Failing/broken Fridge | Case#**-*780
LOUISVILLE,
KY -
40245 7813
In April the fridge broke. It took several days before they sent another fridge. It was not new. Over $200 of my food spoiled. This was the beginning of the pandemic. It took the property manager a month to reply to my email regarding loss of food. She wanted receipts of food purchased BEFORE the fridge broke. Since I didn\'t have that she said there was nothing she could do. I have paid rent on time, never late, never any troubles with me as a tenant. So that bothered me as I had to go restock my fridge, risking my safety in a pandemic when I had already stocked my fridge and lost money now due to this.
Its not August and the fridge broke again last night. They are going to replace the fridge with another fridge, not a new one. Ive lost all my food AGAIN. I dont understand how there is no empathy or care for my home when I pay rent and now have lost over $400 of food. I have videos and emails as proof.
This is NOT how you fairly house people.
Documented Failure to Repair Breech of Contract | Case#**-*213
Sugar Land,
Texas -
77498
I have email DOCUMENTING clearly that the owner has been notified twice over a 5 month period in which they have not repaired a fixture. This fixture intitally leaked and flooded the downstairs neighbor in which I am held responsible by their contract. Since then, they have tried twice to cover the problem and they finally gave up on the issue about 2 months ago. I currently can not shower for fear of flooding the apartment below. I have explained to the manager that this is a breech of contract and I am terminating as soon as my belongings are removed next week. The manager is holding my apartment deposits that I am entitled to receive fully for this breech. The manager says I can not exit this contract until a disputed 50$ late fee is paid. The manager also threatens to charge an extra fee per day for any balance they say is due and a lump fee for terminating the utilities. I am current on rent and prepaid this month's rent in which I would like to receive a refund for the days I do not live in the apartment.
I have filed with the BBB, FTC, Attorney General and now the RPA. Greystar (Reserve at Woodbridge owner) has been contacted via Susan Deere, Emily (her boss) and even tried to contact Bob Faith the CEO (Emily's boss).
On top of this, the manager left my storage unit open for over 24 hours in which things were stolen. If I had not of seen this, it would still be open. The manager said the maintenance staff was "testing" and they forgot about it.
The security guard was also ordered to take pictures of a friend of mine early in the morning to try and document a case for eviction for them not being on the lease. This harrassment was very unwelcomed and I had to have Karah's manager, Susan Deere remove the order.
Abuse, Theft, And Harrasement | Case#**-*633
CHICO,
CA -
95926 4247
post on nord complaints
I have felt nothing but discrimination since moving here to 1200 nord ave apt 251, chico, ca. 95926. They have stolen personal property from my apartment, ive had my mail taken and given to other people, they have locked me out of my apartment multiple times over night, they threaten and harras me over email and calling continually, they overcharge me adding fees amd charges just because they can and it all specifially targeting me. I feel i am harrased both for my sexual orientatio,as well as my disabilities, and lastly also for my income level.
I have felt nothing but discrimination since moving here to 1200 nord ave apt 251, chico, ca. 95926. They have stolen personal property from my apartment, ive had my mail taken and given to other people, they have locked me out of my apartment multiple times over night, they threaten and harras me over email and calling continually, they overcharge me adding fees amd charges just because they can and it all specifially targeting me. I feel i am harrased both for my sexual orientatio,as well as my disabilities, and lastly also for my income level.
Repair Issues. Roach Infestation And Bed Bugs | Case#**-*676
TAMPA,
FL -
33603 3000
I moved into Waterman\\\'s Crossing on September 10, 2015. They moved me to 3 different apts in one week. I was not allowed to see any apt before signing a lease. From day one the stove was broken, garbage disposal broken (still), the refridgerator did not work and was infested with roaches. They brought me another fridge 2 days later. When I asked them to spray for roaches they refused to treat any room other than the kitchen. The kitchen cabinets are left half painted. The dishwasher floods with water. They did bring me a working stove after several complaints.
One month ago I noticed a strange bug crawling on my bed so I captured it and took it to my bug man only to be told it was bed bugs. I moved from a large house into this apt with all my own furniture. I have never had bed bugs in my life. When I went to the office to report the problem they insisted that I brought them with me. I did not. They agreed to treat the bed bugs this one time only and informed me that if they return or do not go away with treatment I will be responsible for any future costs. I was assured when applying for this apt. that they were clean and bug free. Now, my furniture is being ruined by roaches and bed bugs. I was also told that I had to purchase full mattress covers for all beds, new pillows, I lost 2 days work prepping for the first bed bug treatment all at my expense. What are my rights if any? How can I protect myself and my property when forced to live in unsanitary conditions. The pest control company who did the first treatment told me that bed bugs travel from apt to apt by going through wall outlets, etc. He said that if the surrounding apts have bed bugs and they are not being treated that I would never be able to get rid of them. If I break my lease I have to pay 1500.00 penalty as not to hurt my credit and ability to rent elsewhere. Please advise? What should I do to protect myself and my property?
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.
