Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
shutoff,lockout | Case#**-*682
tempe ,
Arizona -
85283
they towe cars away for no reason,
Unjustified Eviction | Case#**-*237
AURORA,
CO -
80016 3931
Leasing office, specifically Crystal the property manager, has built a scenario where we, Unit 1221, are subject to eviction in 7 days. She, as a representative of the apartment community, has indicated that Aurora Police Department were called on noise complaints multiple times, which after contact with Aurora Police Department dispatch and the PAR officer for our apartment community is not true. We have called the Aurora Police Department twice as harassment because the downstairs neighbor, Unit 1211 which has made the civil complaints to the leasing office, has banged on our floor/their ceiling before \\\'quiet hours\\\', 9pm-9am. As far as the favoritism, its known that our downstairs neighbors; Lisa, Greg, and two young children, have a friendly relationship with Crystal and results in such attention, as described above. I do feel this is invalid/unjust because the only occupants in our apartment, Unit 1221, are one adult male, one adult female, and one infant child, with my 70+ work week and consistent vacation as a family, we are not at that location enough to cause this extreme of a situation
Deceiving Tenants To Get More Money From Them | Case#**-*456
OKMULGEE,
OK -
74447 2514
If I had not kept all my receipts unlike some tenants he could have pulled the same charging me for money I did not owe like he does all his tenants, evicts them then sues them which can be verified on oscn.net. Some people cannot afford to move or they don\'t have any place else to go. He does not fix anything in the houses he says he doesn\'t have the money. It took him 18 months to try to fix a water leak in my house and I ended up paying to have it fixed myself. My oven was out 8 months and I had to replace it myself. If I had not been smart enough to keep texts and receipts I would be in the same boat as his other tenants and previous tenants. He is known as a slumlord here! I was charged for the water leaks on my water bill which he charged me double. Im a single mom raising a child alone and this kind of bad landord stuff makes it hard on people like me who always pay bills/rent on time. He sued a tenants who was doing all his handling properties and bookwork etc as paying for her rent. He refused to pay her for her work claiming he was broke, ended up evicting and suing her. He also runs Steak & Eggs in Okmulgee and does his employees the same way. I wish to remain anonymous because I don\'t want evicted or sued.
reoccurring BED BUGS!! Unconcerned or care for unhabitible living or tentes | Case#**-*699
WORCESTER,
MA -
01608 1922
It all started when we moved in November 13th. Two weeks later I got an allergic reaction to something. A rash I had NEVER seen before I thought maybe a spider bite but it was like I got bit and down my arms. A coworker of mine said it looks like BB bites and advised me to look in the seams of the mattress. Rushing home I immediately looked and what do u know a HUGE I believe to be male BB was in the seam of my brand new bed. Devastated I went right down to the office and informed Jacqueline the women who rented us the apartment of the issue. She informed us that they could not do anything about it until after Christmas so basically told us to take care of it ourselves for the next 2 months! So we did spent about $70-80 on spray which never worked. Suffering for the next month. Suffering in a one room studio we complained that it had to be done sooner that I was breaking out in an allergic reaction. Jacqueline told us we did not have to pay dec. rent due to the amount of money we had spent on spray and loss of work and sleep. This was our first mistake never got it in writing yes we know now because that bite is in the ass even better jaqie left the company that same week.Now it's jan.12 2013 still no exterminators. We get a letter saying that we have until a certain date to pay $1,350 or we will be evicted (dec.&jan). We went down to the office and they told us that they didn't even have any documentation that there was even bed bugs in our appt. livid I went straight to the court house to find out our rights as tenets they served papers to appear in court for Monday, jan 14. 2013! Once that happened then they wanted to work with us! We made a deal with them which wasn't much of a deal at all for us but the last thing we wanted was to take it to court so we agreed to pay the balance on a payment plan if and only if BB were taking care of we stood up our end of the deal and so did they one treatment and then we had to bed for the last as we were still suffering. After the 3rd treatment I thought we were BB FREE!!! Nope last night I was eating dinner on the couch out of the corner of my eye a nice big BB starring at me :) I am disjusted and feel as though I am living in hell I slept on the kitchen counter lat night and yet again the nightmare begins. this is my 1st app and iv lost all my furniture my clothes THEY WILL NEVER GO AWAY I feel like i am in prison and my landlord could careless about me.this is my last option before I take legal action PLS HELP
Home Infested With Mold, Causing Health Issues For Myself And Family | Case#**-*484
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania -
15226
Since 2016 I have asked to have the home tested for mold, my kids and i have been sick for years. My youngest 18mths old has not been well since he has been born. I have all phone conversations and correspondences regarding me asking for the home to be tested in- 2016, 2017, 2018/2019 &2020
When asked she ignored the response until I was placed i the hospital for the first time from 12.11,19 - 12,16.19 and again was placed in the hospital but was on life support due to my lungs shutting down and my life almost taken away due to the neglect of my land lord. 2.1.2020 - 2.14.2020- All of this could have been avoided if she had taken the steps i 2016 to have the home tested, I went ahead and paid for the home to be investigated on 2.19.2020 and the test results came back on 2.24,2020. The home is seen uninhabitable and for a person with several health issues as my self, which is no cause of my own the home is just basically killing me and my family. NOT planning a move so quickly, we are forced now to rent hotel rooms and Airbnb\'s to keep my children out of the home, we return during the day to pack and leave when the kids come home from school. This is not fair nor should this be taken lightly, my life was almost taken away due to the lack of caring from my landlord. Our rent is paid monthly, we handle all of the upkeep of the house and the yard, but all she had to do was have the home tested and all could be avoided. Now my children and myself have to suffer and on top of that find a play to lay our heads daily until we are able to find another home which we work hard daily to find one that is not going to bring us back to where we are now. My medical bills are through the roof and we are daily pinching funds just to keep the family going and find a place to sleep- No family should have to go through what we are going through, this was just careless on the landlords end. I have a copy of the mold report for anyone who wants one, i asked the land lord 3 times for a copy of the inspection and she ignored the response.
Breach of Agreement, Illegal Entry, Entry Without 24 Notice | Case#**-*163
BROOKLINE,
MA -
02446 2769
Landlord claimed someone called him about a heat issue. No one called him and no one received any e-mail correspondence about a heat problem. He rang doorbell twice and upon no one answering, entered the apartment without consent from any tenants. There were 2 tenants home, one of them sleeping and one in the bathroom, where they went to answer the door and saw that he had already opened the front door to our apartment and was walking into the main room without anyone answering the door for him. He then proceeded to turn our heat on (tenants pay for heat not landlord) without any tenants permission. He has illegally entered our apartment once before and we have asked numerous times to have them give us 24 hour notice before entering regarding repair issues which they have repeatedly ignored. Upon notifying them about a prior illegal entry, they denied it even though there were several witnesses to the first incident, which occurred in may of 2011. This incident occurred in the early evening on 10/27/2011 had 2 witnesses who both agree to the above statement.
\\ | Case#**-*352
Mesquite,
Nevada -
89027
i feel like no matter what i do to try and remedy this, it will never be satisfactory with a \\\" sound sensitive\\\" neighbor, i spoke with him after you sent a threat of 3 day eviction and i asked if i bought him some type of ear device or dampening noise machine that could help him sleep would he use it, and he would not agree completely, also these noises and times that he has claimed were not me regardless the fact he heard my footsteps.....just because he KNOWS i was awake does not mean the WRECKING BALL noise that apparently awoke him came from my unit.....also the fact you verified my suspicion that i felt monitored when you said yes he is keeping a log.......REALLY, REALLY makes a person feel violated... as for your claim that i did the same is not true, I gave you a scenario of that night that his pounding on walls is disturbing all tenants not just me is not monitoring... i only am reporting what i can suspect, nothing i have voiced to you would be considered monitoring, spying or otherwise illegal...i frown on the individuals who do sit in silence and listen in on others daily living. he says he knows when i pee, how disturbing is that. myself im aware of the apartment lifestyle and for my PROTECTION i have ambient noise makers to avoid hearing unwanted things from a neighbors day to day activity. i feel that i have no privacy and im also getting anxiety from the threatening feeling of eviction over me walking across floor or being up late at night ( these are frivilous ). he has admitted to seeing a dr. on a regular basis for bipolarism and is given medication to try and help him with his sleep apnea or sound sensitive condition, why am i having to suffer for this mans known condition. im not saying im an ideal tenant but im not breaking laws and im abiding by the rules as you request, ive tried to amend his complaints and to no success. lease is done 12/31/2016 i will be moving to a residence of my own, please allow me to remain here without a litigation, i do not, would not and hope not to have to go this route, but i feel im being unjustly scrutinized and cannot allow myself to get taken advantage of again, please help me keep our relationship (client) in good standing as it usually is. thank you for your consideration in this matter . sincerely, chris lorenz 3-U
Out Of Line Complaint By Neighbors About Common Noise | Case#**-*537 I have been clearly told and threatened to be officially evicted by Mr Jefferey Serber owner of the property whom I have met for the first time last Monday January 6th and been asked to start looking for another place. I have been living at this place since January 15th of 2013 and I am not contemplating moving elsewhere as I do like my apartment.
While hardwood floors have a very long lifespan and look beautiful they are notoriously noisy. The apartment building is rather old and the unit needs some repairs and modern upgrades:
- during day time there is not enough hot water pressure to allow having a shower, pressure starts coming back only after midnight and not long enough for a person to enjoy a bath; when I complained about it to the Property Manager his response was "I can't do anything about it, to fix it we would need to change the plumbing for all of the property.
- windows are a real pass through: one cannot close them properly to insulate against weather or street sound
- except for the toilet / bathroom area, the apartment has no inside doors at all, so one cannot close a door that you would expect to separate the bedroom from the kitchen area or a door between the kitchen area and the guest room: as a consequence any noise happening in the apartment can obviously be heard by the next door neighbors, especially during night time as the surrounding common noise tends to diminish, so the noise emitted if one wants to use the bathroom or take a shower gets amplified and we know what the neighbors are most likely hearing, as we can hear as well any noise that our next door neighbors do even more so if they are celebrating some Birthday or other event with friends playing music instruments and singing all night until sunshine. The walls are so thin that sometimes I get awaken by strange noises in the middle of the night only to realize that this is the breathing of my neighbors having some intimate moment.
So as common noise complaints which would never be heard by the neighbors if some of the current construction standards for new buildings were to be applied on this property. I do have a later schedule and try to act after 11pm if I was in a library: I start to get very anxious fearing that I will be having a heart attack if I was unintentionally to drop some object that I carry. This can be translated that I feel being harassed and caused unjustified stress at my sanctuary and can no longer enjoy at any time living quietly at my place.
Repair and Habitation issue | Case#**-*183
jackson,
Mississippi -
39206
Refusal to work with tenants in good faith about fixing Heating and Cooling Unit. Failure to provide proper maintenance and repair of property.Rental property is unsafe to inhabit for children.
No Heat | Case#**-*476 There is no heat in my apartment
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.
