Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*245
Kansas city,
Missouri -
64106
Since taking residence here about six months ago I have been getting insect bites consistent with the pattern of bed bugs. The frequency and severity of these bites has increased exponentially over the last month. Subsequently, I developed an allergic reaction to the bites.
I spoke with the management office approximately one month ago to inform them of the problem. They sent the exterminator who came to the apartment, did a very minimal investigation, and told me that he did not see any obvious signs of a bed bug infestation. He sprayed the perimeter of the apartment with a â??kill-allâ?ť type spray to â??see if that helpsâ?ť.
I continued to get new bites. I examined the bedding one morning and found an insect behind the pillow. I captured the bug and by comparing images from the Internet, it was obvious that this insect was a bed bug.
I called the Old Townley Lofts management to discuss this new development and they called the exterminator to have him return to re-address the problem. He saw the bug I captured and positively identified it as a bed bug. He did another quick inspection of the bedroom area and again concluded that he did not see any evidence of a "large" infestation of bed bugs. He sprayed the bottom of the brick wall with the same â??kill-allâ?ť spray, put â??insecticide dustâ?ť in one electrical outlet, and placed some glue insect traps along the wall. He did not provide me with any documentation of his findings or which type of insecticides he had used. As per bed bug experts, none of the treatments he used are effective or appropriate for a bed bug infestation. The exterminator advised me to keep sleeping in the apartment and just â??see what happens.â?ť I have not slept in the apartment, however, since confirming the presence of bed bugs. The bites and the allergic reaction were finally starting to resolve and I did not want be used as bait by sleeping in an untreated apartment.
I spoke to Old Townley management regarding my concerns - his seeming lack of expertise on bed bug treatment, as well as his inadequate inspections, and why I am unable to live in this apartment until it is properly treated. I was told that they were unwilling to do anything further, but that I was welcome to do whatever else I thought was needed, but at my own expense. I paid to have a second company do an inspection (with a K9). They found clear evidence of bed bugs in the loft and recommended heat treatment to treat the infestation, as well as
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*741
Houston,
Texas -
77042
More than 10 weeks passed since the initial call into the leasing office about this issue. 1st began to notice little “flea-like” bugs crawling up wall where my computer is located in living-room. This was shortly after Thanksgiving 2011, roughly a week after. I called into the leasing office and was told by their staff member that they would need a "sample" of the issue that I spoke of. At the time of my first call there were not that many to be seen. My next call came in January 2012 as the complex's pest control had been out the first week. But by that time and I had yet to get a follow-up to my initial phone call back in latter part of November-2011. My 1st sample of the “flea-like” bug I captured in a food storage container in a few drops of water and took it into the leasing office (it was on a Sunday when the leasing office is opened from 1-5p), this was about mid January-2012. The office attendant that I spoke with stated that I did not have to leave the sample. She wrote down my apt number and said that she would contact the office manger and let her know of this issue. I left the office with the understanding that someone would follow-up. This did not happen. Another 2-weeks passed and I went back into the leasing office to find out why no follow-up, it is now February-2012. This is it was on a Saturday and I spoke with Tonya. This time I came with another sample (dry). Tonya handed me a waiver to inspect and allowed me to tape the 2nd sample to the paper. She then stated that she would notify the pest control and schedule for them to come to my apartment. About a week after that I finally get a call back (over 2-months has passed since the initial phone call to report the problem back in November-2011). I was informed over the phone that the inspection of my apt has been completed and the finding of the Pest control agent is that the unit #449 has bed-bugs. This call was on or about March 5th. The leasing office wanted me to come in to sign a waiver to begin the process to treatment. It was during this conversation that it was explained that I would have to pay for this service and go under a payment plan to cover cost of Bed-Bug treatment. I asked “why” am, I paying for this service. I was told that the because I was the only one who called in with this issue and no one else in this row of apartments had called in with this problem. I then asked did their pest control person inspect the other units beside's mines. I was then told that he onl
Landlord unwilling to make repairs | Case#**-*852
CALLAHAN,
FL -
32011 6163
I have been asking my landlord since march to please make sure all the windows in the trailer are openable with screens. He opened only a few of them.The rest are either sealed or screwed shut. During the days, the temperature in the trailer easily reaches 90 and 100+ degrees. One of the air conditioners drips onto it's own plug. There are several areas inside that leak during storms. The front steps are not anchored down and the railing is only nailed into the trailer. There are several outlets without covers. I'm not sure if the trailer is grounded, during a storm I received a shock up to my elbow when i grabbed the door knob. During 1 storm. I noticed a crack in 1 kitchen wall, when i pressed on the spot, the wall shifted and my hand went thru the drywall to expose rotten studs and insulation and ants poured into the kitchen from the hole. Water was running down the rotten studs right next to an electrical outlet. One of the living room walls is rotten also. A month ago, with the help of Jacksonville Legal Aid, I sent my landlord a letter stating that I was withholding rent till the windows were fixed. His only response has been to post a termination of tenancy notice on my front door.
Repair Issues | Case#**-*182
Martinsburg,
West Virginia -
25401
My mother(shelly McBrearty) and I (kayla cool) along with my 3 year old daughter reside in phina pek property for 2 months. During this time she has refused to give us our lease,also the home is without heat she has sent out several techs to look at the heat all of which have said the house could blow up and the furnace needs replaced. She will not fix this issue or provide me with a lease. I\\\'ve told her we could move out the property but would need our sec.deposit back as well as the remaining balance for leaving early due to the issues I\\\'ve mentioned above.
Security Depositi Problem | Case#**-*804 I've been a good tenant, kept apt. clean and never caused any problem during my tenancy. i lived in this apt. for more than 7 years, paying $950/mo. till June-July 2014 was very unhappy due to what I found that the apartment complex was infested with cockroaches originating from next door. I reported it to Johanna Dela Vega apt. manager who is also is also residing onsite but no immediate action was taken. The problem needed prompt action due to the fact that a big number of cockroaches were literally crawling from the other door coming to my door which I and she witnessed on times that I had to go in and out my apt. According to her the apartment has a schedule for fumigation which was every second or third wednesday of each month if im not wrong but she never followed through.I could not leave any food out, because of heavy infestation, it was a very unhealthy living condition, roaches crawling on the carpet, dining table, kitchen cabinet and closet and everywhere. I decided to look for a new apartment. I gave her a written notice and verbal notice prior, she said that would be the best thing to do, to move out. By July 31, I was officially gone. As infested as it was, I tried to clean the place the best I could , no damages incurred but normal wear and tear of the apartment. I payed my rent till end of July and returned my keys to Johanna, she said that the deposit will be mailed in 20 days. I have a security deposit of $750. Three weeks later, I received a check from the owner Jack Varma with the amount of $247, what a surprise on my part. After all I've been through, he's charging me $343 for paint, $100 to clean, and $60 carpet clean. I felt like they were the ones who owed me, I spent quite amount of money buying cockroach killers just to protect roaches from multiplying but i never did charge them.This is outrageous and just feel that it's not right. I have pictures to show how clean I left the apartment so they would not find a reason not to give the security deposit back. I tried to resolve the issue by talking to the manager but won't negotiate, so I'm writing so I can get help.
Repairs Never Being Done, Account Balance Upon Move Out, Bad Service | Case#**-*216
The Colony,
Texas -
75056
Charges that we should not be held responsible for due to the fact that they have to be taken care of anyways. Nothing but problems with Austin Ranch from day 1. Extremely rude and unprofessional staff. Service repairs NEVER getting done. Disgusting bug problems that they refused to handle. Being hung up on by rude associates. Never getting called back when requesting to speak to a manager. Just to name a few.
Manager Using Drugs And Behavior Is Becoming Extremely Erratic | Case#**-*563
SAN FRANCISCO,
CA -
94102 3768
Apartment manager uses drugs and there are kids, families, living in the building. At times when you step out of the elevator on the 12th floor, there is this potent smell of drugs in the air which is always embarrassing when friends or family visit
Dfggga | Case#**-*053
SALT LAKE CTY,
UT -
84121 5004
asdfsd
doesnt pay bills | Case#**-*279
LOUISVILLE,
KY -
40212 1844
Ive always pay him on time i stay in a rooming house
since november second ive been renting through him 350 a month every month is summin different first cable,water he always turns it back on illegally now it the electricty he tried turning it on illegally but the turned it off from the pole its been off since the 30th of may i have a 1 month old daughter and i have no air also when the power was turned off so was the hot water i shouldnt have to give my daughter a cold bath plus he has exstinion cords run from too houses over to mine i just want my money back
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.
