Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Repair Isssues, Lack Of Resolutions, No Communication | Case#**-*815
GROVE CITY,
OH -
43123 1449
We have had several issues since moving into the property. We were told that the carpet would be cleaned professionally and I am not sure that it has, it is still dingy and smells like dogs. We went without heat for 3 days in the month of December due to the thermostat no properly working, no response for a week on the issue and ended up having it fixed out of my own pocket in order to keep my family warm through the holidays. You are never able to contact anyone at the office, all calls are directed to a voicemail service and you never receive a call back. We called on the 13th of April about our Central air unit not working and have still not received a response other than them telling us it is not an emergency. It was 83 degrees in my house when we went to bed the other night and I am not going to continue to live in an uncomfortable environment. I pay way above the average rent to make sure that things are taken care of and I can\\\'t even get a call back. I was going to fix the issue with the air conditioner myself since I can\\\'t receive and answer but the problem is electrical and I do not feel comfortable doing this, nor do I want to pay and electrician out of my pocket to fix an issue that was not in my control. We have never had to turn on the air before this, we moved in back in November of 2017 so it was still pretty cold out.
Deposit, Harrassment, Retialiation, And Discrimination | Case#**-*784
ORLANDO,
FL -
32810 4456
My lease was not renewed, due to retaliation against me for calling code and enforcement, I have been experiencing problems with Lake Weston apartments every since, the corporate office has allowed their property manager to criminalize my 10 year old son, by way of accusing him of acts of violence that where unverified and untrue, the property manager lied on my housing paper work claiming she didn\\\'t renew my lease because of a fight my son had, which was far from the truth, and she had no date of this incident she was willing to make me homeless over. She purposely withheld information involving a police incident report about an accident my son had with a friend back in May 2016, which she called the parent and slandered my name, telling the parent I was a monster, and to stay away from me, and that my son purposely hit her son in the head with a stick, The police never came to my house, and neither did the parent due to the property manager warning, I filed a complaint with Florida Commission on Human Relations, Senator Nelson Office, and even tried to get a mediation through Orange County Bar Association in which they refused to show up. I have lost a lot, I had to sell my car, washer and dryer, and borrow money that I had to pay back, in order to move with only 2 months to spare with my three kids. I have been under great financial and emotional distress, never mind the fact it\\\'s Christmas, and I can\\\'t afford to get my children anything,. The corporate office treated me like I was a criminal, and wanted nothing to do with my complaints. I moved out on 11/29/2016, so that I can rest and come back to clean up the next day, when I went into the office to let them know I was done and, all moved out, a walk through was done by the new site manager Tony, who gave me some estimates on what he thought I would be charged, at that time I only had the mailbox key, and told him I lost the pool, apt, and exercise room key in the process of the move, and simply couldn\\\'t find them, he told me I would be legally charged everyday until I found them, all though the locks would be changed anyway, and he did do a walk through with me which clearly showed I moved out. They did another walk through without calling me, in which the fees where calculated at that time. I now owe them $125 on top of keeping my full $600 deposit, for items that should be wear and tear after three years, I was charged almost $400 for lost keys.
Eviction In Retaliation | Case#**-*272
POMONA,
CA -
91768 2230
My complain is basically about the owner not complying with the repair laws of California. My owner came to me to ask if I would help him rent the apt. That would be vacant soon . I replied that I would and asked if I could have his people do the lawn and fix the kitchen sink because there was mold in the cabinets. He asked if I could take care of it and let him know when I did. I hired the Gardner and got a handyman ready to do my kitchen cabinets after purchasing the cabinets he told me that it was too much and he was not paying it so I had to return them. The day after the previous tenants moved he asked me to show the apt. I told him that it needed cleaning and painted., because the previous tenants had cats and dogs that lived in the apt. He then told me that I could clean it and sanitize it , get what I needed and he would reimburst me . Once I tried to clean and sanitize it still smelled like cat urine because it was carpet and it needed to be removed. In the mean time the apt was rented and the tenants wouldn\\\'t move in until the carpet was removed . He then told me that it was because of me that he had to replace the flooring and it costed him $3000.00 . After all of what he wanted was taken care of my apt didn\\\'t get done nor did he pay the people I hired to do the work. I had to pay them out of my pocket. I asked to be paid he told me that they don\\\'t pay unlicenced contracted work. He owes me $1000.00. In July I sent him a letter asking him to pay me and the response I got was to pay my rent or I will be evicted. So this is why I need help because its been since 07/22/2015 and I have only revived a 3 day notice and it is 09/01_2015 I\\\'m afraid that I\\\'m going to be evicted without having a court date. Please help I\\\'m disabled and on a fixed income can\\\'t afford to move and don\\\'t any where I could go right away.
BED BUGS | Case#**-*597
EL CAJON,
CA -
92021 5730
THE LANDLORD IS CLAIMING THERE IS NOTHING IN THE CONTRACT THAT PERTAINS TO BED BUGS.
Unsanitary Conditions | Case#**-*892 We have flooding in the basement once a year the last three years company takes over 24 hours to send plumber to resolve problem they never fix flooding issue carpets walls have had mold made several complaints and they have never had anybody fix it they came out once sprayed stuff it did not take away the mold complain again and never sent anyone have flooding again Friday no plumber came until Saturday afternoon backed upsewage lineand have been waiting since Saturday to have carpets taking care of. carpet company came but was not told that it was flooding and was told they cannot fix it carpet needed to be taken out and walls need to be replaced.call the rental company several times no response. there are three kids in the house that are constantly being exposed to the moldand have been getting sick because of it and they still are not doing anything
Unrepaired Hurricane Damage | Case#**-*839
ORLANDO,
FL -
32825 4426
We have lived there for almost 2 ys. The prop mgr is Classic 1 Realty in Orlando. For 2 months of our lease we had no functioning stove, w/o any compensation at all, but the bigger issue is unrepaired hurricane damage. There’s a stucco blowout on the side of the home. There was also water intrusion from under the slab (a common problem in our subdivision - shoddy building). Between the stucco issue & the water from under the slab, we had just about 1’ of water in the living/family rooms - which resulted in my losing 3 bookshelves w/ damage to my couch, loveseat, dining room table, & loss of an oriental rug. We called the realtor during the storm to make them aware. It took days for anyone to call us back, & we felt like we got the run around even then. In talking to the insurance adjuster who finally came out a month later, they rec. the bottom of the drywall be cut & blowers brought in to dry the walls - moisture level of 60% below window level. Realtor ignored us for the longest time, then when adjuster finally came out they completely ignored his recs. No repairs have been done. They are also aware of a leak in the tub which caused water spots on the ceiling downstairs, & then a prior leak in the master bath with water spots on the ceiling downstairs. The adjuster said there are 25 cracks/holes in the stucco. When it rains for an ext period we get water in the living room, & when the wind blows you can hear it in the walls. The realtor ignores our calls, does nothing to facilitate the repairs, is extraordinarily rude, & is never there (the girl who mgs our prop works like 3 days a wk from 11-2, & no one ever seems to tell her when we call). We believe there’s mold in the walls. I have had chronic headaches & sinus problems for months w/o any obvious cause. My roommate, a disabled vet, has also been having sinus problems, as have my daughters (5, 13, & 18). We finally had to tell them that we’re moving out at the end of this month. I would have liked to have stayed but they\'re charging us $1795 for the rent for a house that\'s making us all sick & prop mgrs that clearly don\'t care & we can never even get ahold of.
Overcharged For Repairs On Move Out Plus Charged For Pre Ex.items | Case#**-*605
Rock Hill,
South Carolina -
29732
Was told the owner was selling the house rented for 2 years and he wasn’t renewing the lease. After great expense I found another house and at move out there was minor damage to the walls during move out which I repaired. Now I being charged for preexisting things and for paint which it needed anyway.The house was clean at move out and the owner I feel is trying to recoup losses due the economic conditions at this time. He had to drop his selling price over 9k already. There was no walk through before or after move out so all claims by landlord is suspect. This kind of fraud should not be tolerated by the state. Thank you
30 Day Notice To Vacate The Premises For Expired Lease | Case#**-*987
NEWPORT,
KY -
41071 1515
On 9/15/17, Crystal Luna placed a 30 day notice to vacate the premises for expired lease after 10 years of residency! Crystal Luna stated her daughter is turning 18 and she wants her daughter to have the property! Tenant introduced Crystal L. Luna, & Oscar G. Luna to the Newport Housing Section 8 Housing Choice Program since that time they have purchased a new home, several rental properties, businesses, vehicles, etc.. all the while benefitting and enriching themselves on the poor and on taxpayer-funded subsidies! Due to the fact tenant complained about landlord failing to provide safe, sanitary, decent housing! Tenants rights, rights to privacy, and civil rights were violated due to race, color, sex, disability, and familial status! Tenant also disbutes illegal eviction, landlord utilizing self-help eviction, tenant complaints of condition of the dwelling, essential services, and tenants right to stay! Crystal L. Luna has several rental properties she can give her daughter one of those because she has tp play by the RULES and file in Campbell County Courts!
Deposit Problems, Repair Issues, Rodent Issues, Water Damage Issues | Case#**-*792
SAN FRANCISCO,
CA -
94114 1404
Alessandro and Paola repeatedly ignored complaints regard building code violations, including rat infestations, broken windows, water damage to carpet/moldy carpet pads, broken heater. The Rental Source, the property manager that they hired, has been slow to communicate regarding my security deposit concern.
Bed Bugs, Insect Infestation, Water Problems, Lots Of Holes,health Problem | Case#**-*820
PANAMA CITY,
FL -
32401 5458
We have moved 9 times in the past 6 years due to work & have never seen or had bed bugs but there are such huge holes in windows & doors anything can get in. Including ants, roaches, spiders, ticks & rats! My son & I are eaten alive. & this morning my husband had a tick on him after sleeping on couch. The other thing that really hurts is my parents bought us a very expensive mattress for our wedding & it is infested from the bed bugs that were already living in this house. I do not have hot water in washing machine to kill bugs. I don\'t have cold water in kitchen sink & after 30 mins of trying to fill bathtub for my son\'s bath I only get 2-3 inches of water in tub. We\'ve spent <$60 already trying to kill them 4 different ways & now we can\'t even sleep in our own bedroom because they are still alive !!!! Plus maintenance guys dog charged at my dog & myself Mother\'s day morning! thank god I was able to get back on porch with neighbors & hubby shooing dog away. I did injure my foot. We need to fix all of these problems IMMEDIATELY
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.
