Virginia tenants have rights, solving security deposit problems is your right...
Every day, tenants like you, turn to the RPA to quickly get deposits refunded & unfair charges dropped.Filing a Complaint with the RPA is the fastest and most effective way to get your deposit refunded and unfair deductions dropped. - even attorneys rely on the RPA to help solve dispute problems for their clients. As a tenant you have rights to fight for your every penny of your deposit. Yes, the RPA fight to get your deposit back.
What Virginia Security Deposit Problems Can the RPA solve?
Did you know... the RPA accepts all deposit complaints, but these are the most common complaints resolved by our organization:
Security Deposit Refunds
Getting your security deposit back promptly.
Charges to Security Deposit
Unfair, False, Unreasonable, or other types of deductions
TIP: On the complaint form you can request that your landlord reimburse you for the $35 complaint filing fee. (that's the only required fee to file a complaint)
Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Breach Of Agreement/Contract | Case#**-*425
CLERMONT,
FL -
34711 5297
January 2022, the company offered a Fresh Start program for tenants still behind because of Covid, if successfully completed it would give a zero balance, if not they would be immediately evicted without recourse. Both parties signed the agreement/contract on January 27, 2022. We successfully completed the program in July of 2022, on July 14 I inquired about getting our lease renewed, I was told that wasn’t possible because we still had a balance, I stated that was impossible because we successfully completed the Fresh Start program, Armstead stated yes, we had completed everything and if anything should have a credit not a balance. He stated that he would submit it to his supervisor and someone would get back to me to help resolve the issue. From July 14 to October 21, the company went out of its way not to deal with me. On October 21, I spoke to Donna Darlymple who stated unfortunately our case was swept under the rug and ignored, she asked me to send her all of the emails I had and she would do her best to resolve the situation. When she finally got back to me, she informed me, that the company was refusing to address the issue and we were to pay what ever they said we owed and they would go back and make corrections afterwards. I emailed her asking how exactly am I supposed to trust the company after what happened with the fresh start program. On Monday November 28 I again emailed Donna asking her to please fill out the assistance application I emailed her 4 times, because Mid FLORIDA coalition was going to help us pay all of our back rent and needed the applications returned by Wednesday because that’s when the program closed, instead of responding to those emails she sent me an email, stating that our ledger was updated and month to month rent and fees were added to our ledger and some of the fees were addressed and to contact the groups I was trying to get assistance from and tell them that $10000 was added to our balance, she never even addressed the emails about mid FLORIDA coalition. Yesterday, I emailed Donna, asking her to change the ledger otherwise, the VA wasn’t going to be able to help us, reminding Donna, she told me to pay the back rent and she would get all of the fees removed. In her response she stated she could not give us an updated ledger and it would leave us still with a large balance, but the company would offer us $8,000 to move out.
Living Between Rats | Case#**-*509 Our apartment complex "The Cove" in Tiburon, is infested with rats and they
are dying between the building walls and the smell makes impossible to use
our bathrooms, kitchens or even bedrooms. Their solutions? They send the
maintenance guys with air fresheners but of course it doesn't help and after
weeks with this problem we are desperate!!! I think this is a health concern
that is making our homes uninhabitable and want to know if you can help us.
Thank you!
Rodent Problem | Case#**-*799
Summerville,
South Carolina -
29483
I have complaint about a rodent problem since August 2021. I was able to catch it on my home security and nothing was done but corporate. We have too much inconsistency with keeping a property manager and maintenance person. I have call the corporate office and have not received a call back from them or a proper resolution. I have a child with a weak immune system and could affect him.
Non returned Security Deposit | Case#**-*808
BROOMFIELD,
CO -
80020 7043
I moved out of the apartment on the on the 26th of June, 2010. And had verbally given the landlady, Danielle Malone who also resided there, notice over 30 days in advance that I would be moving out. While conversing, the landlady mentioned that it would be good if I delivered it in writing, but not required. Several days before moving I had requested to receive my Security Deposit before I left, but the landlady said that was not possible, that she would need to inspect the room after it was completely vacated and would send me a check pending any deductions. I left the room making sure it was empty of all belongings and without any damages.
A letter dated the 14th of July, 2010 arrived to me detailing her deductions and a check in the amount of $96.00. The landlady had listed her deductions which were $204.00 in carpet charges and $100.00 in room cleaning charges, which left me with $96 of my $400 Security Deposit.
The landlady also mentioned at the bottom of the letter a list of late fees that she would not be withholding from my Deposit for paying my monthly rent late. Amounting to $160.00.
I sent a reply some 2 weeks later asking the landlady to reconsider her amount offered as a friend, considering her and I were somewhat friends over the almost 3 year tenancy. The landlady did review the matter regarding the return of my Security Deposit again. This time the landlady went further into my rent payment history and totaled my late fees for half the tenancy to $440.00. With late fees and charges accrued the total I owed now came to $304.00 (cleaning charges) plus $440.00 (late fees) coming to a total debt of $744.00. The landlady now stated that either I accept no refund or pay a sum of $344.00.
I believe I am being unjustly treated in this interaction and would like to get returned however much of my Security Deposit is owed me.
Refusal To Return Deposit | Case#**-*389
TOPANGA,
CA -
90290 4213
Denise Chadwick collected a deposit of $2,200, one month prior to my move-in date on 12.14.21. I moved out on 10.7.22 and received not deposit from her. I have contacted the landlord across email, text, certified mail and delivering a demand letter to her directly over the last two months. I have yet to receive the money I am lawfully due.
Breach Of Legal Paperwork & Possible Breach Of Agreement Regarding New Le | Case#**-*080
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.
Deposit Refund Problem | Case#**-*588
ATLANTA,
0 -
30319
The landlord has only refunded a partial portion of the deposit owed to me. Landlord has not been able to provide me with any real reasons to keep my deposit.
Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*986 Have lived in this unit for two years come July. Have never had a problem ever with bed bugs. I have a strong suspicion that other units are involved.I am creating a paper trail before confronting landlord in case I am told that I am responsible for treatment.
Landlord Harassment / Retaliation | Case#**-*290
LAKEWOOD,
WA -
98498 7306
Due to tenants (Andrew Moreno and Tarisa Noland) reporting an issue/complaint about our water tasting like bleach and asking Landlord to check into it. Landlord states he found no evidence of contamination and also test results came back negative. They are now demanding us to sign a settlement agreement to pay for his labor and time because they believe we made up this issue in order to delay rent, which we explained why it was late, and paid in full (Nov Rent, and late fees) on day of discovery. Landlords are stating false charges, accusations, and assumptions towards us that we are out to fraud them in which we asked multiple times for Landlord to stop with the harassment as we feel unsafe in our residence. He demands that if we do not pay, he will start his unlawful eviction, sue us in court, file police report with intentions of criminal charges.
Trying to illegaly evict me | Case#**-*538
Lawton,
Oklahoma -
My lanlord says she didn't receive the rent. My bank has proof they paid it by auto pay on the 30 th of August for September she filed a forceable entry detainer and we went to court she gave me two hours to pay when my bank would only allow me to withdrawl a certain amount of funds she refused to accept payment. We did not receive a late notice or notice to quit and now she says she is filing for eviction today.
Deposit Dispute 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 Me Get My Deposit Back?
As a tenant you have the right to get every penny of your deposit back. When you file a complaint through the Rental Protection Agency this starts a formal dispute resolution process in which the RPA will do everything in our power to see that your landlord promptly resolves your complaint. Landlords know that if they fail to cooperate with the RPA it can result in a negative public record that can make it hard for them to fill vacancies in the future.
Why is there a Filing Fee of $35
The $35 filing fee is the only required fee to process a complaint. The fee is required to help offset the cost of representing your complaint. The RPA complaint center is designed as a low cost legal solution for tenants and in most cases is more affordable than other legal options. Many tenants will compare the cost of filing a complaint to the cost of not filing a complaint. If you file a complaint and the problem is resolved will the solution be worth the cost of filing the complaint?
TIP: Don't forget, on the complaint form you can request that your landlord reimburse you for filing fee.
Most tenants file a complaint with the RPA to solve the problem such as getting a deposit refunded, or to get an unfair charge or deduction removed. However, some tenants file a complaint to report the landlord publicly as a warning to other tenants. When a complaint is filed against a landlord it will show up on their public record which is indexed by all major search engines. Filing a complaint is one way for tenants to stand up against bad landlords to warn future tenants about deposit problems they've had.
Does the RPA Guarantee to Solve My Deposit Refund Complaint?
We do guarantee to do everything in our power to solve each complaint that is filed. However, there are some situations where bad landlords fail to cooperate. The RPA can't force a landlord to comply if they refuse; but we can impact their public record which can make it difficult for them to find new tenants. We guarantee to represent the complaint and to create a public record against landlords that fail to resolve complaints.
Will My Name Show up Publicly?
No. After the complaint is closed and made public; your information (tenant name) is removed. During the complaint process your complaint can only be accessed through your case number and pin number. Both the landlord and tenant are assigned a pin number that is unique. The RPA protects tenant's privacy by blocking your name from the public record database. However, the record does show the landlord name.
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.
All 50 States have regulations that protect security deposits. In most cases the landlord is required to provide a refund within 30 days and must provide proof cost associated with charges or deductions against your deposit. Many states require the landlord to furnish copies of receipts for work completed. If you have a deposit refund dispute or feel your landlord is being unfair with your security deposit; you have rights. Filing a complaint is one of those rights.
