Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Security Deposit Problems | Case#**-*047
COSTA MESA,
CA -
92627 5789
As per the CA Code 1950.5 (b) (2) the tenant is not responsible for ordinary wear and tear of the apartment, including carpet. Blue Sol Apartments wants to charge $478.56 for carpet damages. However, during the walk through no major damages were noted. They said they took photos of the damages carpet, when I asked to see said photos, they said the \"Ipad was corrupt and they no longer had access\". We only lived there for a year and there were no spills, no smoking, no pets. No need to replace the carpet and how a regular cleaning would not be suffice.
Air conditioner is not cooling front bedroom and bathroom. room always hot. | Case#**-*725
Tyler,
Texas -
75703
The apartment has a central ac unit but it is only cooling on side of the apartment correctly. the front room and bathroom is not cooling and is constantly hot. i did complain in June and was assure by the manager that the problem will be fixed. management send their maintenance technician out to repair and fix the problem unfortunately the problem wasn't fix. the same technician has visited the apartment on three occasions and one the first visit he diagnose the problem to be low freon, he added freon and still not working. second visit he suggested we closed some of the vents which i taught were an inconvenience to us and unfair, but i follow his suggestions just to prove that the problem was major and still his suggestions didn't work. Third visit, he repeated the same steps perform on the last two visits, and still it didn't solve the problem. lately, last month there was another technician from a reputable company that came to fix the problem, but couldn't get the problem fix because according to the Hvac technician the problem was costly and has to be repair from the ceiling and that he will notify the management office, which he did. I spoke management regarding issue with hopes that the problem in resolved in a timely manner but to no advail. i have made several phone calls to the office, walk to the office in person, wrote a letter, but still not getting the problem resolved. About a week ago, management said that there's nothing wrong with the apartment, and the problem is normal and not sure if i can be compensated or if they will cover the cost to relocate to another unit. we are very unhappy and we are also up to date with our rent and had never been late.
Roaches and mold | Case#**-*164
MERCED,
CA -
95340 0687
Cockroaches inside and out side of house. Mold in window sealso
Wrongfully charges against tenant | Case#**-*000
meridian,
Mississippi -
39301
I had been gone doer two weeks because of job training. Before my job training began I gave my mother my key to my apartment so she can check on it while I was gone. The manager of my apartment wants me to pay $650.00 for repairs that have been done in my apartment and for my neighbors carpet cleaning in his apartment . My bathroom sink pipes had a minor leak along with a big hole where the pipes lead into the wall. My kitchen also has the same exact problem except the kitchens leak is more severe. Maintenance replaced the vanity in the bathroom and fixed the leaking pipes but the hole in the wall is still there. At least once a day my kitchen floor covered with water. You can clearly see and hear the water running from the wall and into the floor. The kitchen issue has yet to be fixed after giving management notice almost 17 days ago. The manager want to charge me for the damages because they believe that it has been an on going problem. Before I moved into the apartment it was basically being used as a storage room. Management claims that the leaking had rotted the bathroom vanity even though it was like that when I moved in. None of these problems are clearly nothing that, I, the tenant can control.
Repair Issue, Pest Control And Breach Of Contract | Case#**-*851
JACKSONVILLE,
FL -
32244 8546
My home was left sitting the tents prior left without notice. It was on the market for about 4 months and clear Invitation Homes did nothing until WE were ready to move in and then rush it. When we view the home it was in okay condition, you could tell someone just left it in a bad state. I was told by the PM that they would spray for pest prior to us moving in and after whenever! We have four specific problems with the state of the home.
1.Due to the home left vacant, Pest such as Roaches, Spider and Scorpions take over the home.
2. Fire alarms were replaced several time, due to faulty electrical Fire alarms sound off sporadically and when the stove is on.
3. Due to faulty electrical the Security System sound sporadically. System will not sound if there children opens doors or windows.
4. Screws in wall pop out and create holes in drywall. Drywall is cracking on falling off.
We have submitted numerous request for the major things like the Fire Alarms, Security Systems and Pest. Each time maintenance is sent the complete one day patch work however the problems are not resolved. Once threat to terminate lease, requested home visit, the property management company have place routine pest control, but are requiring the renewal of lease or month to month with increase of $250. We did not create this issues and would have no problem renewing if the house status was up to par. We love our home and it location and the problem makes it hard to stay.
Wrongful Eviction, Intentional Tort, Breach Of Contract | Case#**-*229
Phoenix,
Arizona -
85032
ILandlord had been retaliating against me for a year in response to a complaint I filed last august because we had no hot water for SIX MONTHS. On December 28, 2020 I sent the landlord an email notirfying them that we had no hot water again. On Deccember 29, 2020 there was a notice of immediate termination on my door. This is a BLATANTviolation of the ARLTA. We fought it but were shockingly evicted anyway! MY RENT WAS PAID!
Yet the judgement was for $1300 - past due rent?!
I have never in my life been treated so badly! and now everything in my life is going to be affected by this. EVERYTHING
I have a daughter with special needs who is in a group home now because being homeless is not the stable environment she needs. THEY DESTROYED MY FAMILY
Failure to return rental deposit | Case#**-*292
Marietta,
Georgia -
30064
Gary Morett has failed to return deposit money from 29 Durham after I moved out in March 2010. He has changed his phone number multiple times and it has been hard to achieve any communication with him. Gary Morett did mention he was having difficulty with money and that he would pay me by May 2010 and that was the last I ever heard of him. My roommate and I have not received any deposit money back from 29 Durham St. Robert Mason, who works with Gary Morett, said the place looked very clean after we moved out.
Repair Issue | Case#**-*908 We are not able to use our stove or heat right now because there was a gas leak. Our furnace in the basement is surrounded by water. The gas company serviceman told us that the way they set up the house for gas, etc is illegal. Our chimney is not insulated, so it leaks water when it rains. Multiple other issues.
break lease cause of ed bugs | Case#**-*827
glendale,
Arizona -
85301
when i moved in I did not know there was bed bugs and for months i kept getting bit. While on vacation i come back to find my air conditioner off and it a little warm in the house that night i go to bed to find little bugs crawling all over the bed took my sheets off and put a new set on as i lay there more and more keep coming out of the wood works so i get on line and start looking up bugs and that is when i find out that they were bed bugs. so i went and threw away my sheets, bed, and pillows. so we told the management and they did start treatment but they are still here. some of our neighbors had them and they have moved out cause of this. we have been treated 5 times. we just want to leave so we need help.
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*662
LOS ANGELES,
CA -
90056 1905
The lease stated that my deposit was non refundable, high is illegal. My room was being used as a walk thru which was not stated in the lease.
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.
