Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Extermination Bill | Case#**-*209 On September 18th,2014 our landlord hired and exterminator to spray for bed bugs and about 2-3 weeks later the exterminator was back to spray again and she wants us to pay for it. Today on November 25th,2014 she took us to court to have us evicted for non payments of the exterminator and now my wife and I have until the December 5th,2014 at 9:00am. please help
Repair Issues | Case#**-*266
MONTGOMERY,
AL -
36111 3212
I, Stephanie Powell moved into 3924 Governors drive Montgomery, al 36111 on March 1, 2016. I have since then contacted LEM Realty about my concerns of this apartment. The carpet has stains throughout the apartment. The carpet is coming up in certain places, an employee from LEM Realty has tried to fix the carpet but it is still coming up. I am even certain that there is mold under the carpet. I have been told by Carey Moseley that there will be no more new carpet in this apartment. This is very unfair to me as a tenant. I did not cause any of these stains so therefore believe I shouldn\\\\\\\'t have to live on someone else aftermath. I have voiced my concerns about the tile in the kitchen I have also been told that LEM Realty will not be doing any work in my kitchen. I have emailed LEM Realty pictures of these issues and LEM Realty has not replied back to me with a resolution. LEM Realty did send a local maintenance man over to the apartment but did inform him he is to not do any work in my apartment. I have also been told by Carey Moseley that my concerns are \\\\\\\"not a big problem\\\\\\\" even when I contacted him stating that I am not satisfied with this apartment every since I moved in. I am now seeking help from other agencies so that I can resolve any of my concerns.
Turned Into A Collection Agency | Case#**-*432 My rent while I was there run about 850.00 dollars a month, My contract expired in Sept 13 so my last month of Oct 13 was a month to month rental which I was charged about 1200 plus dollars. I had to be at my new work site on 1 Nov 13 and needed a few days at my home in Arkansas so I left on 17 Oct, 13. I was hoping to get back some of that rent since I left early but I knew there would be issues with the Apartment. When I left the complex on 17 Oct, 13 I turned in the Keys and made sure they had my forwarding address here in Colorado. They also had my e-mail and phone number. Last Friday ( 6 Dec, 13 ) I got a phone call from a collection agency Hunter Warfield in Florida. It was late and could not return call till Monday 9 Dec, 13 and spoke with Mr. Bass (ph# 813-283-4562 ). He informed me that the Colonial village turned the amount of 102.27 over to them for collection and that I had to pay them with a processing fee of 14.95 Dollars. I informed him that I would call him back later that day. I then called Colonial village and was informed that they had my correct address and they didn't know why a written notice was not mailed to my new address. She noted that this procedure autommatily goes to a collection agency after 30 days. She was nice a respectful and told me that she was sorry it happened. How ever being a two time renter of this complex and paying my rent and apartment related bills on time I am very angry that this type of action takes place. I then called Mr Bass and paid the 102.27 and a service fee of 14.95 Dollars. Bottom line after my 1st time of renting from them they mailed me a refund so why didn't I get a letter telling me I owed them. This was imbarising and caused me a lot of stress. If I could sue them I would.-----END----
Security Deposit Complaint | Case#**-*914
PALM CITY,
FL -
34990 3250
$3000 was the initial deposit. We moved out of the apartment building after a month of not having working water. Shower was not installed and even the sink in the kitchen had no water. We were consistently promised to have it ready but a month later it still was not. For a whole month we only stayed there to sleep and we had to to go to our old apartment, in my case to the gym sometimes, to shower twice a day. It was the most uncomfortable situation we\\\'ve ever been in and it was not fair how we were treated. We did not even get a lease that he promised he\\\'d provide in the first week. The owner didn\\\'t handle it with integrity. We finally moved out because no one in their right mind would be able to live in a $1000/month apartment with no working water. It\\\'s been three months already and we still didn\\\'t get our deposit money back. We just want the $2000 deposit back that we rightfully deserve.
Repair Issue, Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*150 There was no heating source in the house until today (Nov. 13, 2014) despite freezing outdoor temperatures beginning in the middle of October. When I signed the rental agreement in June I was told that the heat would be installed during the summer as additional work took place. The furnace installation work didn't begin until the second week of November and the inside temperature averaged about 42-degrees. I tried to discuss the furnace situation in July at which time I was answered with a degrading remark by the landlord. After the remark the landlord informed me that the furnace wouldn't be installed until just before Halloween. I informed the landlord that that was not adequate as it gets cold far before then. In a last attempt to get a furnace, I informed the landlord that I'd prefer installation occur between Oct. 10 and Oct. 18. At that time the landlord sent a heating company in to do an estimate. At that time the heating company informed me that they were booked six weeks out. I complained to the landlord at that time and he sent another heating company in to do the installation, which didn't begin until the first week of November.
I was unable to live in the house because of the cold for more than half the days of Oct. and I took tenancy in another rental on Nov. 1. While doing work in the house on Nov. 11, I was using two space heaters and the electricity went out in more than half the house. I tried to trip the circuit at the breaker panel box and found that that was not the problem. I immediately contacted the landlord of the problem and informed them that I expected an immediate repair. The landlord has not contacted me and has done nothing to fix the electrical problem.
Additionally, I had given written 30 days notice on Nov. 1 that I'd be vacating the property on Dec. 1. On Nov. 11, I received a letter from the landlords attorney titled Termination of my rental and that I had to be out on Dec. 11.
I contend that the landlord has not provided adequate accommodations by 1) not installing a heating source before the cold season arrived despite my attempts to have that done beginning in July, and 2) the failure to respond to my request that the electrical system be repaired and electricity be restored to more than half the house, and 3) the landlord has engaged in harassing behavior by issuing a letter of rental termination AFTER I had already sent a month's notice of vacation.
Repair Issue, Harassment, Discrimination | Case#**-*018
Midlothian,
Illinois -
60445
The lock on the sliding glass door remains broken (does not lock) after I submitted a request in writing to the landlord for it to be fixed and was promised it would be fixed the next day. After they came to the apartment twice the door still doesn't lock, which is dangerous as young children live in the apartment. I have reported this to the local Housing Authority who should come do an inspection soon. On top of this we have been repeatedly harassed about our children coming to live with me-due to an illegal clause in our lease which she refuses to strike- and us opening our windows. We received a letter from Mrs. Chajon stating that she would refuse to take our rent for May 2013 unless we paid her an additional $100.00 plus $100.00 for the last five months. Since we can't afford that and it is discrimination under the Fair Housing Act we did not pay her. Now she has served us with a 5 day notice, after refusing to take our rent in the first place. This is unlawful and she has been reported to H.U.D. for familial discrimination and discrimination against disabled persons (my autistic son who escaped onto the balcony due to the broken lock.) She has repeatedly come to our apartment without notice, banging on our doors, called and harassed us, threatening to call the police because we opened our own windows and has been a nuisance since my children came to live with me. All we want is to have the door fixed and to leave in peace. We have even told the Chajons to keep our security deposit since we are leaving early, but they've pushed it too far. It's clear that these people don't care about their tenants and just want to collect a check. I refuse to have an eviction on my record because of their negligence and bullying tactics and I will fight any attempted eviction in court if they push me to do so.
Breach Of Agreement And Harrassment | Case#**-*949
CHICAGO,
IL -
60608 4006
I having trouble with my landlord. My landlord has tried to triple my rent, has not been responsive to questions about new tenants such as my roommates. In addition to, trying to come over to my apartment unannounced. Yesterday he moved someone days earlier than expected and while I was cleaning the house was messy. As a result, the landlord is threatening my lease at this moment. He had also requested to know who comes in out of my house and if anyone spends the night.
Failure To Enforce Rules In Unit | Case#**-*684
SAN FRANCISCO,
CA -
94103 2315
The tenants below me in apartment 4 have regular loud parties in the shared yard which involve loudspeakers and a PA system. They have held 3 weddings there (unclear if these are commercial activities). In addition they smoke in their apartment which makes my apartment smell (including Cannabis). I have made repeated complaints to the building owner and they have nothing to remedy this. As such, I am vacating the apartment because of the undue stress this is causing me. I have no peace and quiet and I was not told that the tenants below were so disruptive. They should be forced to tell any future tenants of Apt 6 that this is what they have to put up with.
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.
