Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
INFESTATION, BREACH OF AGREEMENT | Case#**-*105
HOLLYWOOD,
Florida -
33020
I HAVE COMPLAINED SINCE I HAVE MOVED IN THAT THERE IS AN INFESTATION OF INSECTS AND ROACHES. TO NO AVAIL, THERE WERE NO ACTIONS TAKEN. IN TURN, I WAS LATE ON PAYING MY RENT THIS MONTH, AND THEY PUT AN EVICTION NOTICE ON MY DOOR. MIND YOU, MY LEASE IS NOT UP, NOR AM I BEHIND IN RENT. I JUST OPTED TO BE LATE THIS MONTH ONLY.
Refund Problem | Case#**-*761
San Antonio,
Texas -
78251
They charged me twice on the CPS energy, even though i moved out from the apartment in April.
I paid for May rent+ CPS charges+ processing fee+utility,June rent+CPS charges+ processing fee+utility, they owe me 90.63$,that they agreed but they didn't refunded until now.
Bug Infestation | Case#**-*967 Advised the landlord around September 5 that I thought I had bedbugs. The issue had started two weeks after moving in. I started getting bites on back. I thought it was mosquitos because there is a lake on the premises. Got citronella candles to help. However kept getting worse. Got some Listerine which is used to repel mosquitos. Started having itching attacks but thought it was just mosquitos. Moved air mattress to the living room. Started doing research online and figured it may be bed bugs. Made a trap out of yeast to capture them. Caught some white bugs but when the inspector came, he didn't see anything. I used alcohol and dish detergent mixture for the walls an d my bed. Got some stuff off Amazon for bed bugs and used this. Still getting bit. The week I let them know I did a stay in a hotel. Came back to the house because they were going to spray some insecticide. After a few days had to leave again. I am presently in a hotel which I cant afford.
Breach Of Implied Warrant Of Habitability | Case#**-*069 Landlord has failed to provide habitable living quarters for Tenant. Bed bug infestation has occurred twice in under a four month span. Landlord provided heat treatment of premises after first infestation via Erlich Pest Control, but failed to provide habitable quarters during the wait for the treatment of approximately one week whilst still collecting rent. Landlord has verbally stated in front of witness that likely cause was previous tenant because of his propensity for travelling; however, Landlord is now placing blame on current Tenant both verbally and via e-mail citing that only cause of return of bed bugs in under six week span could be that Tenant is coming in contact with them. Contract that Landlord signed with Erlich for first heat treatment states that technician will service premises up to three times to ensure removal of bed bugs as one application does not guarantee full removal of bed bugs, thereby, voiding claim that Tenant is in contact with bed bugs. Furthermore, Landlord is employed by Erlich Pest Control creating greater likelihood of his coming into contact with bed bugs. Landlord is currently asking Tenant to vacate premises, and is not providing habitable living quarters while waiting for second heat treatment to occur.
Refusal To Repair Mailbox | Case#**-*765
SPRINGFIELD,
MI -
49037 7598
Please have the broken cluster mailboxes fixed.
State/Fed Regulatory Violation - ADA, FHA, Privacy | Case#**-*964
SOUTH BEND,
IN -
46637 5739
On 10/7/17 we received an email from a person claiming we had hit his car. His email contained a picture of his car and our car in the parking lot of University Edge (UE) Apartments. His car was seen parked at UE that day and subsequently. The person noted that he had gotten our information from the license plate. My husband is in grad school at Notre Dame. The vehicle in question was used only to drive housewares up to Indiana. While in Indiana I was rear-ended by an uninsured driver and remained parked at UE while the damage was being assessed/fixed as we were not comfortable driving the vehicle back to Texas after the accident. This was the damage in question that prompted the person to think we had hit his car. I spoke with the Asst Manager, Jordan, on 10/7/16. I explained that the car and TX plate was only registered with UE to ensure that it was not towed as is customary during ND Football season. I provided the pictures taken from the parking lot and shared my concern. Specifically that my privacy was violated with the sharing of the information. Additionally, when I searched the person on line I found that he is a successful amateur fighter. When the issue was not taken seriously we promptly moved out that weekend. The contract is specific that we are responsible for our own safety. I could not risk being assaulted as I walked the dog routinely. Additionally, we could not afford the stress from this concern impacting our health or husband\'s school performance. We escalated this issue to Horizon Realty Advisors LLC who owns the UE property. The SVP of operations took the information and never followed-up with a remedy or the findings of an investigation. The EVP of operations and the Principals never responded for assistance to help.
UE is well aware (and has the proper documentation on file) of fully documented ADA matters and the proper accommodation. There handling of this matter, inability to manage basic health/safety standards, and the retaliation from the continued request to address the matter has been an ongoing ADA violation. In summary, the failure to meet the state and federal regulatory requirements for ADA, FHA, and Privacy.
Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*101
Chicago,
Illinois -
60639
The exterminators have been by twice to treat my apartment but the bed bugs keep returning. The manager blames me for infestation but one of my neighbors also had bed bugs. I talked to another exterminator and they said that the treatment that was used wasn't strong enough to keep the bed bugs away. My main concern are my sister who is handicapped and my niece who is mentally challenged because the bed bugs tend to come out more in their room and they have shown multiple bites.
Loud neighbors all night, wasn't able to sleep for days. Other safety issue | Case#**-*427
WALNUT CREEK,
CA -
94596 5661
I never got a copy of the signed lease and don't have one till this day even after asking for one. I didn't sleep for four months and still payed my rent on time until I decided to leave because they were not willing to resolve the issue.
They were aware of the problem before I moved in and still let me spend moving fees and time. They moved me into a unlivable apartment which affected my health and ability to work, I have a doctors letter and a letter from my boss which I gave them. There were additional safety/sanitary issues which were not taken care of.
Poor Living Conditions | Case#**-*911
LOS ANGELES,
CA -
90044 3261
Slumlord Lesa well has all repairs done by a elderly neighbor who Micky Mouses every job assigned. He does not know what he is doing and I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'m sure all repairs don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t pass or wouldn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t pass any regulations. There is major flooding under the units in this location where sewage is spilled under the property and sure there is mold and many other issues that will go un-address and leave room for tenants to become very sick and she could careless. She is the true definition of a slum lord and this property needs to be shit down and condemned for the horrible condition it is in. Along with the fact that there are drugs dealings going on which I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'m sure she is part of.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*829 We have had bed bugs for months. When I originally told my landlord back in June when we first found them he said "How did you get that?". He said he would look into it, then I heard nothing for weeks. I had to walk into his store and tell him with embarrassment in front of his employees that I am desparate and I cant sleep. He gave me two cans of spray. Now in September and I still have these things attacking me at night and he is calling to see in what method I am going to pay the rent. That is not fair.
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.
