Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Repair Issues | Case#**-*848
APPLE RIVER,
IL -
61001
While I lived there I was told that he would fix any and all issues that we brought to his attention. No repairs were ever made to the house. The porch and porch roof were never replace like he stated when my children and I moved in. There was such a large hole in the porch roof that a raccoon gained entry into the living quarters of the home on a couple of occasions. There were wasps in the home and my son is allergic. The ceiling fans didn\'t work properly, there was no or bad insulation in the house, the attic window was missing all winter until I replaced it, the heat vent in the 3rd bedroom didn\'t work therefore we couldn\'t use it. We brought all of these issues to his attention and nothing ever came of it. The window frame in the upstairs was coming away from the wall as was the door frame in the main bedroom. Then the roof started leaking and that is when we discovered the mold in the main bedroom in the crawl space ceiling. My children and I moved out on August 4th because we couldn\'t deal with the issues anymore. He has said that I owe a certain amount of \"back rent\" but has never showed me where or how I owe that much. He never gave me receipts for rent payments since 2013 or 2014.
Breach Of Legal Paperwork & Possible Breach Of Agreement Regarding New Le | Case#**-*079
Decatur,
Georgia -
30035
I re-newed my lease on the 1st of May and had to have proof of residential insurance. It was faxed to her from Allstate. She attached a copy of it to my lease from the office copy machine.
After a disagreement about my vehicle being towed she later sent a note saying that there was no record in my files showing i had coverage and that i had 3 days to provide. This is blatant harrassment as she\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s being vindictive and targeting my way of life and abusing her Managerial powers & responsibilities to professionalism & Customer Service! I am confident that my files have been ILLEGALLY tampered with by her removing & desposing of my legal and withstanding proof of residential insurance and that also exposes my legal & private info and policy number.
This is a continuance of disrespect and lack of professionalism that she has displayed repeatedly, since her injection into the community and towards me specifically and others that im sure will agree.
There is also the lack of repairs that i have reported to her that have not been attended to either.
Covered Parking | Case#**-*098 Approximately two weeks ago, when I was out of town, I received a message from the office stating they were giving me the option to move my car so they wouldn't tow it because they did not have record of me having covered parking and painters needed to paint. I told them I was out of town and could not move it. They were very adamant on knowing when I could move it. I got annoyed and told them I did not know. Later that day I found the check that I wrote August 1 2013 and had the covered parking number in the memo line. I was told by the new management that they had no record of me being assigned there. I then received an email from the manager stating they would not charge back payment, and if I wanted to keep the spot I would be charged starting November 1. I received another voice mail from the manager approximately a week later stating they were going to tow my car if I didn't move it. I called AGAIN and yes I was upset by this point. I told her the email she sent said if I wanted to pay for the spot, it would start on November 1st and they better not tow my vehicle. I told her number one its the fault of the complex because they did not automatically include the parking in the rent like the do everything thing else. I was told that the carport payment was on a different system and I also didnt have some type of pass that they should've given me. For the last couple of days left in October, I no longer parked there. On 11-02-14, I go to pay my rent and they are charging me for covered parking! I NEVER went to the office to tell them I wanted to keep that spot, I NEVER signed anything, I NEVER received this parking pass they claimed I had to have and surprisingly they can add that payment to the rent from the same system unlike what I was told earlier by Bonnie Davis-Biggs. The money the charged me for that covered parking will be taken off my rent and that shows me that this property has no integrity and will add charges to rent without the tenants knowing anything about it. Parking is an issue her and so is the new management which is why after my lease is up I will no longer continue to stay here.
unhealthy living | Case#**-*715
los angeles,
California -
90018
we moved in october 2009 and the apartment was roach infestend, 3 months later I found out we had a carbon monoxide leak from the water heater, my wall heater has not been repaired or replaced since I reported it broken last year in november. My patio door leaks when it rains and she just recently replaced the under lining of my carpet because it had grown mold because it got wet last year when I told her . My bahroom had mold, we still have roaches and just recently killed a mouse in my kitchen, I came home last week to ants in my apartment coming in from outside. The door in my second bedroom sticks all the time. Due to the exposure to carbon monoxide my son has asthma now ! because of the expsure to carbon monoxide and mold my migranes have been uncontrolable I have lost days of work my son lost days of school and she as refused and has taken her time to fix any issues.
Repair Issues, The Run Around | Case#**-*920 I have been without water going on almost 4 days now and all I'm hearing is that maintenance is coming and they have not came and besides that they we're suppose to come do the tile in the kitchen but that it's done yet either. It's making me feel very uncomfortable with my decision on moving here. I paid my rent for the month but I haven't stayed because there is no water I'm beginning to get frustrated. I wanna move already because I feel like they could care less if me and my 3 year old have water on in the house.
Landlord Harrassment and double biling. | Case#**-*252
Dallas,
Texas -
75219
In July 2010 I was evicted from The Madison at Cedar Springs by a representative who was previously my employer. In addition to the eviction thaey then turned around and said that I had skipped out on the lease and charged me $3000. If I was evicted and had judgement as so I couldn't have been a skip. You can't evict someone who isn't there and you can't charge someone as a skip if you evicted them in court and got a ruling. This action was taken by a previous supervisor of mine as retaliation for a complaint I filed against him for Sexual Harrassment in the workplace while I was under his companies employ. When I originally offered to pay the rent it was refused by Mr. Ron McCarty who was representing The Madison at Cedar Springs Apartments.
No return phone calls/ noisy neighbors | Case#**-*607
Westwood,
New Jersey -
07675
We have been calling numerous times and complaining about how obnoxious the people upstairs are. This has been for months now and it still hasn't stopped, we have to sleep with the air conditioner on to block out the noise and we are now in December. Now when we call no one even bothers to call us back. When we finally got someone they gave a half assed apology and said "they are working with them to get carpet". Since the apartment decided to take the carpeting that was up there out it is insanely loud. We have never complained about noise for the last 2 1/2 years. The lease says if hard wood there has to be carpeting put down. So why isn't it done?????
Back Due Electric/gas. Compensate For Mold Damage, Abate Rent. $8971 | Case#**-*980
Albuquerque,
New Mexico -
87108
The accused defendant has failed to meet the minimum criteria of competency. He has failed to correct mold issues reported at move in 18 months ago. He illegally shut off utilities. The bathtub didnt work for over a year.
Breach of Implied Habitability Warranty | Case#**-*751
CICERO,
IL -
60804 1618
I moved into the aprtment located at 6141 W 21st Street, Cicero, Ilinois, 60804 the week beginning August 5, 2013. First person noticed marks just days later. Four out of the five members of the household (including myself) now show dozens of bites all over the body. Oldest member of the household affected is 38, youngest is 22 months. After noticing the marks I started looking for bed bugs or signs of bed bugs and found bugs on the mattress and box spring in my bedroom. The mattress and box spring are on the floor (there is no frame). I immediately called the landlord (Gazmend Lleshi). I did not get much of a response initially however, at the end of the call he stated that he would call a professional and set up a visit to the apartment for evaluation and treatment. He said he would get back to me once he talked to them. This was on August 20, 2013. Today is August 22, 3013 and I have not heard anything from him yet. I had someone from Orkin at the apartment this morning and they did confirm the bed bugs. They suggested treating the bedroom and living room for $350.
Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*155
Glen Cove,
New York -
11542
On September 16th, 2019 I saw bed bugs crawling on my bed sheet. I notified the onsite manager and he had me sign a pest control form which he then faxed to ATM Realty who manage this property. After returning to my apartment I started to look around and found an infestation of bed bugs. They were in my pillow cases, crawling on the walls, and behind pictures I had hanging on the walls. I also saw a few circles of bloodstains on the sheets which freaked me out the most. That let me know that bugs were biting me as I slept. I ended up getting rid of my mattress, box spring, and headboard, along with the sheets and pillow cases that were being used. I then had to replace all these items and pick up preventative bed bug protection items as well. 5 days after notifying management an exterminator came and sprayed for the bed bugs. 2 weeks later I found more bed bugs. After speaking to many other tenants in this complex, I was informed that they also have bed bugs and they continue to get them as well as mice and other bugs. It\\\'s clear to me that this is going to be an ongoing issue here and the thought of bugs crawling on me while I sleep is completely unacceptable. If you look online at the reviews of this apartment complex you\\\'ll see that there are a lot of complaints about the upkeep and the rodent problems. I wish I read these reviews before moving in. I don\\\'t feel that I should have to continue to live in fear of getting eaten alive by bugs every time I go to sleep. It\\\'s a very uncomfortable feeling and I would like to put this nightmare behind me. These are the reasons I would like to be allowed to break my lease and be refunded my full security deposit of $3,350.
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.
