Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Insect Infestation, Reapir Problems | Case#**-*996
Newtown,
Pennsylvania -
18940
We have been living here for 1 1/2 years. There has been an ant problem since we\'ve lived here. We hired an exterminator three times over the course of a year to fix the issue, yet the ants kept coming back. It is in our lease that we are responsible for pest control which is why we hired an exterminator. We brought this issue to our landlords attention and the property manager. They hired there own exterminator to fix the issue but without success. We have told the property manager that there is a bigger issue here but she continued to tell us that it\'s our responsibility. We hired another company to inspect the house and they found that the ants were living under the floor or inside the walls by the kitchen. In order to fix the issue, they would have to take apart some of the floor and the wall. This is not our responsibility as tenants nor should we have to deal with YEAR round ant infestation. We keep this condo very clean and take very good care of it. I have sent multiple emails and pictures of this ant issue to the landlord and property manager, only to fall on deaf ears.
The second part to this is the outside brick patio that has been falling apart for the past year. We have also been telling the landlord and the property manager that bricks need to be replaced and leveled out. It\'s now April and the entire patio has missing bricks that are not level. I tripped over one of the bricks when I walked outside and almost hurt myself. This is not only the landlords responsibility, it\'s unsafe!! We cannot have patio furniture on the patio because of how uneven it is which means we cannot utilize the patio as we should. We have sent pictures and emailed the property manger regarding this. She has responded by telling us, she talked to the owners and they have no plans to fix the patio.
We have been great tenants and have not asked for much. We live in a condo infested with ants day to day and cannot utilize a patio that we pay rent for. Something needs to get done about this and asking us to get out of the lease early by the owners, is not the answer.
Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*158 I called 10/16/2013 to file a complaint about a bed bug infestation and was immediately attacked verbally by a landlord, was threatened with eviction before I even had a chance to finish asking questions and establishing basic information. She was very hostile, rude and inappropriate at addressing said complaint.
I would appreciate it if this matter was taken care of promptly and professionally. Thank you!
Bedbug Problem | Case#**-*037
wilkes-barre,
Pennsylvania -
18702
Approximately 10 days after moving into Wilkeswood apartments (Dec. 20,, 2009) we ( Mark andMaureen) developed rashes and red large raised marks on skin surfaces After a few weeks Mark visited primary physician who misdiagnosed him as having an allergic reaction to either plants, animals or minerals. He also said they may be hives. Mark was placed on Zrtec( for allergies) and an antibiotic cream called Triamcinolone Acetonide.to no avail. The rash persisted for months on Mark, the red marks would disappear and reoccur on different parts of both Mark and Maureen's bodies. Two phone calls were made to Wilkeswood office suggesting an extermination of apartment because of probable bites.. Exterminator sprayed in kitchen and bathroom and was finished within 3 minutes but never inspected any of the other rooms for possible insect or bedbug problems. Problem persisted so Maureen went to office to complain again about existing problem with bites from insects. Linda stated the exterminator would be coming to all apartments soon. Exterminator arrived but again did not inspect for insects, just gave the apartment a quick spray in kitchen and bathroom. Mark went to another Dr. who said said the red marks are definitely bites, with a high probability of being bedbug bites. The Dr. recommended that we get a professional exterminator immediately to examine apartment for bedbugs, in which we notified Wilkeswood office of recommendation from the Dr. and Ehrlich Exterminators arrived the following day. Inspection revealed one bedbug present in thesecond bedroom of our apartment. That same day Mark spoke with tenent living below us and she informed him she too was bitten while sleeping and so she disposed of her mattress. Mark also spoke to the Ehrlich exterminators and 2 maintenance workers who verified other apartments having bedbugs. Mark asked Linda Jenkins, property manager about any other problems with tenents having bedbugs to which she replied, it's not your concern and I won't give you that information. Manager also stated that the tenent with the highest amount of bedbugs will have to pay for all other infested apartments. A letter arrived the following day from Linda Jenkins, the property manager stating we are responsible for entire cost of exterminatiing services and if a receipt of payment to exterminaor is not provided within 5 days, we must vacate the premises within 15 days. We are also responsible for 2 additional months rent.
breach of lease | Case#**-*269
Metairie,
Louisiana -
70003
Provided 30 days notice. Left house spotless. Landlord has told me 10+ times check is in the mail. He acknowledged that he was violating the law. Now refuses to answer call or sign for certified letters.
Harrasing Downstairs Neighbor | Case#**-*500 Our downstairs tenants are constantly calling the police on us for our children walking normally upstairs. They are violating our peace of mind and forcing us to walk on eggshells to keep the police from being callef constantly. My children are 1 and 3. We can only keep them sobquiet. This is getting insane!! They are violating our rights as tenants to live our everyday life normally!! They are unreasonable. We have made a reasonable attempt to cut out most the noise but children are children we cannot restrict them! Im afraid to walk to my kitchen at night because i fear having the cops called on me AGAIN!! The downstairs tenants have not even attempted to approach us directly. Instead they jump to call 911 and get us in trouble for our kids being kids!!
Repair Issue | Case#**-*491
San Antonio,
Texas -
78256
The leak in the living room and master bedroom ceilings started at Feb.15. We have repetitively reported the issue since the beginning, but they always said it has been repaired. However, we had the same problem for the next rain and the problem still exists and got worse over the multiple past rains and caused the ceiling to fall down over my bed. They gave me only a $500 concession in the month of July for a five month leakage problem. The management gave me a complete assurance that they have completely repaired the problem and satisfied us to renew our contract starting Sep.1st, 2015.
For the last rain on Oct.24, we called the management maintenance emergency line repetitively after midnight but have not received a call back till 8 am in the morning, and the maintenance person showed up at 9 am without a legitimate reason.
The Avistar At Chase Hill office has not done any measures to fix the issue as the carpet is still wet, stinks, and the damage made to the bed which is also wet. The glass wool insulation has been hanging down from the ceiling and is still wet fallen on the floor. We have repetitively asked the management office to dry the floor but they have not showed up. The office should fix the issue asap, and take the responsibility of any damages made including the bed (The receipts have been turned in before) and reimburse the related loss.
We have called the Headquarters of the United Apartment Group repetitively, left messages, but they have not responded back. We have also submitted a written form as provided on their website but have not heard from them yet.
Kindly be informed that all these issues have been video-recorded since last February.
Deposit Problems, Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*436
CLINTON TWP,
MI -
48038 3715
I was scheduled to move in on 9/2/16. Zvonko, landlord, did not complete renovations of townhome by anticipated move in date. Zvonko, landlord asked ME to leave so I never moved in. Landlord changed the locks, and I never moved in, he also never refunded my $2,500!
Noise Complaint Harassment | Case#**-*456
COLORADO SPGS,
CO -
80923 5205
We have received several threatening and unsettling accusations and notices regarding noise complaints coming from our apartment. We have done everything in our power to minimize the noise of our daily activities such as walking, TV watching, showering, cleaning. We only do these things during reasonable times (7am-9pm). we have now been threatened with eviction for noise that is not even coming from our apartment. I feel this is in part retaliation to a heated argument between the manager and myself.
Uninhabitable Conditions | Case#**-*337
ONTARIO,
CA -
91762 3021
Property maintenance issues and accumulation of tools on property which is dangerous for children. Pest infestation, leaking pipes, faulty electricity, and plumbing.Landlord skiked out on basic maintenance January 2020 and let conditions deteriorate leaving renter a choice between leaving on their own or living with mold outbreaks/infestations of roaches and rats.I was also placed in danger to catch Covid by landlord not fixing washer/dryer hookups which force me to use public laundromat March 2020- until present 2021. Served a 60 day notice ( retaliation) for asking landlord to fix unit. I paid rent throughout pandemic. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" No fault cause\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" Harassment tenant telling other renters \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'m going to evict her ass\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" Maria Martell tenant at 715 west D street Ontario Ca 91762, I have been served 3day notice for unpaid rent in 2020, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" Landlord leave to Mexico 6mos\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" and tenants have no contact or ways to pay rent until he come by to pick up rent. These form of retaliation and lies are consistent used Landlord raised my rent four times within 2mos, another way to force me out of unit. I have contacted Section 8 which I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'m on, and was told they do not deal with landlord/ tenant issues. I have also contacted local code enforcement, which talk with landlord, and i remain in poor living conditions. The landlord breached their duty by failing to repair/fix dangerous condition.
Garbage disposal replaced ( does not work properly do to electrical problems throughout unit)
Mold persist ( painted over)
Infestation roaches/rats ( continue)
Poor ventilation over stove ( fallen debris into food)
Hole in floor ( cover with matel/ strip adhesive)
Dangerously hot in summer ( swamp cooler doesn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t blow out cold air)
Bread / fruits mold when left out on counter within two days.
Deposit dispute | Case#**-*685
Westerville,
Ohio -
43081
Apartment community withheld $325.59 of my deposit for "bedbug treatment". I lived in apartment for 3 months and can assure that there were no infestations while a resident in the apartment. I have requested a copy of the "report" and the date the report was issued and have not received either. Apartment manager simply advised me to check my linens! Although many, this was not one of our concerns while residents here. Aparements are typically unoccupied for at least 3 weeks before any final inspection or walk through is performed and there was no evidence of bed bugs while we lived there. Units on both sides of ours were vacated approximately 3 weeks prior to our departure. No other issues were noted on the final inspection. I want proof that the infestation existed while we were residents or my full deposit refunded. There is nothing in the rental agreement to address bed bugs or any financial responsibility of the tenant for standard bed bug treatment. Additionally, per a letter from the aparment community, I was to receive a copy of the move-out paper work and a deposit refund or bill within 30 days of vacating the apartment. I received a statement with the bed bug charge but have not received any portion of my deposit and the 30 days has passed.
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.
