Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Apartment Wasn't Ready To Move In,Messed Apartment | Case#**-*381 If the concord refuse to fix the stuffs broken,discolored,missed…We want the full refund,so we can go somewhere else,because we cannot live in the new apartment where everything is too old: i.e:Window cracked in the living room;bath tub no painted and looking ugly with the handles tap untied,sink obstructed…
We paid all bills they wanted,so why they cannot satisfy us.
Failure to return deposit. | Case#**-*511
Madisonville,
Louisiana -
70477
*Statement: I rented condominium C3 located at 141 Highway 22 East in Mandisonville, Louisiana 70447 from SECO Properties on May 28, 2011 as a corporate rental that includes furniture and utilities. Upon initial inspection of we noticed flood stains on exterior elevations and inside the parking level entry foyer. In first stairway scuffs on walls and damaged and missing tile. In living area there was a broken 60” television, a table with 4 chairs and many dead water bugs on the floor and in the refrigerator and cabinets. Proceeding up to the bedroom level it was noticed no air conditioner and that in the master bedroom, the carpet had what appeared to be iron oxide stains and needed to be stretched and tacked. Water bugs and tiny ants were noticed sporadically. Up the final staircase there was black mold on the wall and on very top balcony, the deck floor had several rotted and broken boards. I discussed several of the noticeable problems in person with real estate representative Maria Sticker.
My wife, 2 kids, 2 dogs and I moved in a week later after the location was furnished. The carpet had been vacuumed but not stretched, more noticeable scuffs on the walls dead water bugs were still everywhere.
We had a few problems during the 78 day stay at the location. Dryer squeaked and would not dry the clothes, a/c air filters were gone, a/c drain clogged up and leaked down the wall. The exterior dock lights would not work. And tiny ants everywhere.
We instructed Bryant with SECO of these problems.
We were informed at my place of employment to move out of all leases and get ready to be relocated due to project cutbacks. As per the addendum to my contract, I submitted a letter from my employer stating so. My family and I thoroughly cleaned the location including steam cleaning the carpet and bleaching the refrigerator.
We vacated the property August 13, 2011 at 2:00 pm. On this day I talked with Brett on the phone and he did show up in person at approximately 10:00 am and examined the location as we were moving out.
I understand there is a 30 day period in Louisiana that mandates a landlord to return a deposit or give a reason why a portion or all was kept.
I called SECO property in Covington on August 19, 2011 at approximately 9:00am and spoke with Bryant and asked for my last billing invoice for my expense report. Bryant informed me that he would send me the last invoice a pictures of damages found in the rented property.
Product Delay. | Case#**-*096
california,
California -
92593
For the landlord to rid my apartment of these bed bugs. My apartment is uninhabitable. I have two small children. My fiance is coFor the landlord to rid my apartment of these bed bugs. My apartment is uninhabitable. I have two small children. My fiance is coFor the landlord to rid my apartment of these bed bugs. My apartment is uninhabitable. I have two small children. My fiance is coFor the landlord to rid my apartment of these bed bugs. My apartment is uninhabitable. I have two small children. My fiance is coFor the landlord to rid my apartment of these bed bugs. My apartment is uninhabitable. I have two small children. My fiance is co
Refund $300 | Case#**-*860
Salt Lake City,
Utah -
84121
Spying, Lying, Lack of action | Case#**-*997
Spring Mills,
West Virginia -
25403
When I rented this property I was told that the walkway, oil tank, porch, and door would be done. I took possession on 6/26/10 and these items are still not complete. I feel I have been reasonable in communicating my requests to my landlord, but I can't seem to get these matters resolved.
Bed bug infestation | Case#**-*865
COLUMBUS,
OH -
43204 3123
I live in a half double. Landlord knew of the bed bugs in September from the other side. They moved into my half and landlord will not pay for extermination. I did not start the problem so I should not have to pay. It started with neighbor. We have tried sprays and everything. My family and I have been suffering since. This is a landlord that will not fix anything.
Bugs infestation and request problems | Case#**-*854
ashburn,
Virginia -
20147
I about to renew my lease for the 4th year. I am now living on the 4th floor of an appartment complex. For medical reason, I had requested to move downstairs but that never happened. Even after bringing them, a doctor's order. I recently noticed that I have roaches in the appartment but after pest control came in, the situation is just getting worse. My daughters had been waking up with rashes every morning, so I changed all the mattresses after the lady who lived on the 3rd floor told me that she had bedbugs in her appartment and was moving out.
Habiatility Illegal Eviction | Case#**-*809
DSRT HOT SPGS,
CA -
92240 6409
I cant believe you would serve a 60 day notice for us to leave being good tenants. We are disabled seniors and this whole situation has been a nightmare. Think of this being done to an elderly person in your life. The stress alone has affected are health. The only reason we are pursuing this in court because you are wrong, no property management company would have good tenant move after damage occurred no fault of ours. The sad part is we been living in a place that\\\'s unsafe. My grand daughter got hurt she tripped and fell where the carpet was torn out and hit her forhead on the cement.. It caused a large bloodclot shes ok but she is only 4 years old. It really affected her it left a large bruise and she didn\\\'t want to go to preschool cause it looked ugly. This could of been prevented if you done the right thing. We offered to live in garage while repairs being done pay more rent anything not to lose our home of 6 yrs. Whether you win or I win isn\\\'t the issue. Its all the hurt you laid upon us for no reason.
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*425
WYNNE,
AR -
72396 3703
On 2/6/2013 my husband Jason and I met with Chad, Kim's son, to look at the house on 216 Sequoia Street in Wynne, Arkansas. He was making repairs while we filled out the rental application. Jason asked when the house would be ready, Chad stated he would be able to have it done by Monday the 11th, and needed a $700.00 deposit check with rental application. I called Kim on the 15th to see about the house. She said that she had surgery and had been out but would get back with me. I called back on the 20th, asked again where we stood, she said that they had a horrible week and that he son had a car accident but were working on getting everything done. I talked to Kim again on that weekend and she said that the house was ready but she was on her way to Chicago to see her Grandmother, but I could go ahead and get the keys that the house was unlocked. I was unable to make it that evening. Kim contacted me on the 3/3/13 and asked if we had gotten into the house yet that Chad put the keys in the house. I said that we did not because the door was locked and that a silver SUV was parked in the driveway. She said that the backdoor was the one that was unlocked, then apologized for the mix up and for her being gone to Chicago. I made the plans with her to come back the next day, the 4th, to come and sign the lease and pay first month's rent. She said the keys were on the counter and asked if she could meet up with me the next day (5th) to sign the lease and get the rent. I declined, I had to go back to Fort Smith, Ar and was leaving after I went to the house in Wynne. I arrived at 5:24 p.m. on the 4th at 216 Sequioa, I text Kim at 5:34 p.m. and said " So, when will it be ready for us to move in?" She said it is ready. But it was not, by far. It still had possessions from the previous tenant in it. Kim text me on the 6th and said that the place was cleaned out and asked when I would be back in town because she will be leaving on Thursday. On 3/11 Kim told me if we can't sign the lease by Wednesday that she would have to rent to someone else. I text her back on 3/12 and told her that I was at the ICU with my nephew and could no not make it that he was on life support and going to be taken off any day. Jason called her to talk to her and ask for the deposit back since we never even signed a lease . She said she would have to check with her husband first and get back to us. That was the last I have heard from her. I have left her 5 voicemails since then with no response.
Bed Bugs and Cock Roaches | Case#**-*016
COLORADO SPGS,
CO -
80910 1163
Upon move in i had immediately noticed i had a Cock Roach issue, of which is noted on apartment condition sheet that i had filed out. As of 01-21-13 i had found Bed Bugs in my bed and I have a number bites on my body. These issues are very concerning to me because I am seven months pregnant (due in April) and i am living in a apartment infestied with Cock Roaches along with Bed Bugs and is not an expectable living environment for my baby nor for myself. I need these issues to be handled appropriately, permenataly and timely. I have never had these infestations proir to moving into Abor Point,and when asked, managment had denied that this apartment along with surrounding apartments were infective in any way and had denied any previous treatment for infestation. Maintenance has expressed to me that there are many infested apartments and that the Froggys (thier company) extremanation have not proven to be very effective.
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.
