Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Property Manager not paying for bed bug removal | Case#**-*960
VALLEJO,
CA -
94591 8333
I am about 4 months into 6 months lease and found more bugs (small bugs like Fleas,Flour beetles,grain mites every where in the apartment unit) in about a week after moving into the apartment that Iā??m renting from June 2010. I did not realize that there are bed bugs too in the apartment until October 1st week. Soon after confirming my self that there are bed bugs in the apartment, I reported to property management requesting pest control service at my apartment unit . Once after placing the maintenance request, property manager investigated the unit and he had put me on fault, claiming that the infesation was spread from house guests hence I am responsible for bed bug removal cost for all the units affected by the infesation.
I never seen bed bugs any where in my life time and this is the first apartment that I am renting in the united states and I am not aware of the bed bugs and its implications unitil I started realizing in the apartment unit that I am living currently. The management has agreed to treat the bug removal and claiming about $3200 as a treatment cost for all the affceted units through Resident Services (Division of Karsaz & Associates).
I could confirm that the apartment had bed bugs before I moved into the apartment unit since I wasn't aware of the bed bug and It looked to me like tiny bugs like mite, I wasn't able to act quickly and report in a timely manner which resulted in fault on me.
I am the victim in this case and requesting RPA to deal with this matter and resolve the dispute between Property manager and my self.
Security Deposit | Case#**-*558 Hello my name is Shameca Smith I lived at 1609 Clover street #112 , I lived there from 3/15/2014 - 6/27/2014. When I signed my lease the landlord explained to me that there will be a $30.00 monthly fee for water. At the time I moved in Lindsay Welch was the landlord she did a move in inspection with me, I pointed out a few spots in the carpet and asked if it was new she said that it had been cleaned, and also the vertical blinds was crooked and one of the cords on the blinds was frayed which I have a copy of. I kept my apartment clean which my neighbors can verify, also maintenance can also verify. I never had a problem with holding my Security Deposit in all 5 apartments I been in. Which in 2012 I lived in another one of my properties and received my deposit the landlord at the time said my apartment was so clean they can move someone in the same week. I work at Housing Authority for 12 years I know how an apartment should look when you move out and what's normal wear and tear. When I turned in my keys the new manager never did a move out walk through with me. I called 3 days later she could not tell me whether or not I would receive my deposit which I thought was strange. She told me to email her boss. On August 2, 2014 I received my Security Deposit Deposition. Which they charged me $659.39 in charges. They charged me $252.13 for dirty carpet which had dirt spots I didn't clean it because my upstairs neighbor had told me they suppose to clean your carpet every 6 month but don't tell residents. So I figured it was ok because it was a little area and that the carpet is liable to have dirt spots because it tan colored. I also was charged for $90.00 for dirty walls which wasn't dirty just had fingerprints on the walls are beige and is flat paint anytime you touch them it shows I did paint some of the walls. There was a $35.00 charge for vertical blinds which was in the move out inspection every time you put a vane up it falls back down when I contacted SCH Realty they said I should have left the broken ones in the apartment I know for a fact if anything is left in apartment you will be charged. I was also charged $234.17 for water drainage fee overage which was never explained to me because I was paying $30.00 monthly. I was never charged for that when I lived at Hunters Run another apartment complex they owned. I feel like their running a scam I never been through this before with any apartments I lived in I always received my full deposit.
Water Logging And Foul Smell | Case#**-*009
Irving,
Texas -
75038
We moved to apartment 1266Hidden Ridge Apartments, #1030, Irving 75038 ,TX, on Feb 17, 2014 with 6 months lease agreement. Before lease agreement it was communicated to society office that apartment has roaches problem and has to be fixed. Society office members assured that it will be fixed with routine spray process. But issue never fixed and still has roaches problem.
Then comes July 2014 rain and I was shocked to see apartment den flooded with water. It was soaked by maintenance guy with an explanation that other apartments also have same problem.At that tine, we dint know the root cause and alao maintenance guy dint tell the cause of water logging. My mattress was all wet due to this.
On Feb, 2015, it rained again and apartment den flooded with water.Maintanence guy started coming intermittently on multiple complaints. Other day, Maintenance guy came and told the root cause that there is hole in outer wall and due to this water logging is happening. At this time, wall was also leaked and it was moist near the electrical switches. I was afraid as my Kid is just 4 yrs and it may pass electricity to wet wall leading to some serious accidents. We dint use Den for couple of weeks till den was completely dried.
Since then every other day,whenever it rains Den gets flooded with water. Now parents are with me since April 11, 2015 and are forced to live in Living room due to this.
I escalated the issue to property coordinator & manager Sharon ans Sandra with multiple written complaints. They ignored my earlier complaints which forced us to live in this fouling and unhealthy apartment.Society office staff threatened me to call police on ask of Manager and other senior contact numbers.
In June first week, they replaced the pad,painted the wall( with different shades) and told us that issue is fixed.Before that Sharon offered a model apartment which stinking like hell. I chose to stay in my apartment as the option provided was not better than my apartment.
It rained again on June 28th and after 30 minutes of rain,it flooded again.
I also offered that I myslef get it fixed and will deduct it from rent as My parents are old and there is a kid in the house which worried me the most. I pay my rent on time.
I requested and cooperated in every way I could but this is a mental harrassment that is being given to me since last 4 months. I asked to cancel the lease agreement but they are not agreeing.
Repair And Rodent, Insect Issue | Case#**-*043
Poughkeepsie,
New York -
12601
I have on numerous occasions asked the landlord to fix the roach and mice infestation. He didn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t do anything so I spent money having to do this myself I asked for screens for my windows and now if I want air I get attacked by bug\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s. On first moving in we had leaks that ruined my wife\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s laptop clothes. I pay my bill every month I ended up couple hundred behind and now it\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s almost a 1000. I am disabled and I didn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t sign the lease my girl did so I didn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t know about late fees
carpet cleaning/replacement? | Case#**-*627
GRANGER,
IN -
46530 8565
I recently moved out of a place I was in for 3 years. I told landlord that I would have carpets cleaned after I had removed everything - I do own a dog. Landlord declined to have me do this as they stated they had someone coming in on tuesday July 30th to do. They are no saying that carpet need to be replaced and that I need to pay for this.
Water Leakage Repair Issues | Case#**-*921
Kansas City,
Missouri -
64110
Before we moved into the house, there was some hidden water leakages, and we are charged very high water bills(385$/~20days and $561 the very next month), we talked to water department about the bills, and we came to know about the leaks. and our landlord fixed them, but we still getting high bills. water department is still saying that we have more water leaks. but leasing office is not agreeing with water department. we are really stuck in between both water department and landlord. at some point of time we decided to lease out of the house, but the landlords are not allowing us to do so. and landlord stopped responding to our requests water leak repairs. water department is ready to adjust the water bill, once their are no leaks. but landlords are insisting to fix them.
Maintenance Issues | Case#**-*568
BRANDON,
FL -
33511 9311
I have had numerous maintenance issues in the short I time I have lived here, the majority of them involving severe water damage. My son has asthma and he and I both suffer from sinus conditions. After multiple leaks and floods in his room, I asked for a mold inspection. The \'official\' report was provided to me on lined notebook paper with hand written scribble indicating an acceptable moisture level. There was no company name, letterhead, contact info. After another flood incident, they have placed several fans and a dehumidifier in my apartment again. The dehumidifier is causing the temperature in the apartment to increase to a very uncomfortable level. We live in FL where A/C is absolutely necessary. I have tried to explain that this is unsafe due to my sons asthma and maintenance has refused to accommodate my needs because the situation does not fall within their emergent guidelines. Any situation that can trigger an asthma attack is critical in someone who suffers from asthma. I pay nearly $1500 a month and am entitled to safe living conditions. I now feel threatened and no longer safe knowing that my child\'s health is being disregarded because it does not fall into their requirements of an \'emergency maintenance request\'. I would like to break my lease and all fees related to be waived.
Investaion Issue, Possible Eviction | Case#**-*759 the landlord (Anna Schaff) refused past treatment of bed bugs in 2008. i paid out of pocket for an exterminator but had no immediate results. the bed bugs disappeared after 2yrs and stayed gone for 4yrs. they recently came back and i am now being asked to vacate the premises by the apartment manager (Michael Wilbur) whom does not own the building.
Repair Issues | Case#**-*212
Las Vegas,
Nevada -
89101
A portion of the roof ripped off during high winds and the landlord is refusing to fix it, the electrical in the apartment doesn\'t work nor does the plumbing. I am being forced to live in unsanitary conditions. I have spoken with him several times about the issues and he says over and over again he will take care of the issues and he does not. I just want him to fix the issues. There is a portion of my roof missing - this is unacceptable!
Deposit/damage | Case#**-*684
OKLAHOMA CITY,
OK -
73114 5810
Hello I was a tenant at on their properties 7/31/17
I received a closing statement regarding my deposit which I know I owed rent and was evictived from the property cause of rent issues which my card had been duplicated this caused me to lose me housing.. And let me homeless for about a month.I had problems with the property a month after I moved in my stove did not work for 3months the landlord was contacted they came out and so called fixed it but it almost blew up when the guy came out. Problem was never fixed... He is charging me $500 for carpet replacement my carpet was not new it was damaged already from water leaking from the air unit which was also a problem.. He also is charging me for mice and roaches which where there before I moved in it smelled like dead rats I have pictures of the mice wholes and black mold ...another charge is for a pet which I never owned nor do I like any pets $600 the house had termites which he never treated the house for that ... My neighbors that lived next door told me about previous tenants and I also spoke to the last tenants they had the same problems... My kids beds where covered in black mold ... I nothing was left in the home I removed everything I had ... The trash that was in the back was left by the landlord... My deposit was $500 not asking for any of it back cause of rent...but these other charges are outrageous... He is a very greddy man it\'s been 7months since I moved from his property... The letter is dated 7/17/2017 which he moved someone in the house in December I moved out 11/17/2016 so if the house had over 2,000/worth of damage why would they have another family in there in less than 30days
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.
