Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Automatic renewal of lease | Case#**-*596
Sparks,
Maryland -
21152
My lease automatically renews each year and I have rented said apt for 8 years. I missed the cutoff date by three (3) working days giving Hendersen-Webb 69 days notice instead of 72. This was not out of negligence or arrogance but simply a mistake. I have written two letters begging for their reconsideration and they are unwilling to come to ANY compromise. I cannot afford to give them the "buy-out": two (2) months rent; and I do not have the advantages at my disposal to "provide another individual who meets (their) leasing criteria" as their own leasing agents have. They refuse to show the apartment and have advised me that I will be held responsible for the lease through June 30, 2012 unless I take one of the two options. I have tried reasoning and pleading, all to no avail. Copies of our correspondence will be attached.
Repairs Harassing | Case#**-*667
BAKERSFIELD,
CA -
93308 3434
Harrasment by nabor threats with evition
Bed Bug Issue And Unresolve Tenant Noise Relating Issues | Case#**-*404
TULSA,
OK -
74133 3609
On June 2018, we moved into a unit at Lincoln Memorial apartment. On July, we notice a bug issue and we weren\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t sure why my family and I were getting bites. On July, we discovered that our room (master bedroom) had bedbugs, initially I thought it was fleas. We called the office on July 31st about the issue, spoke to Perry. The office informed us that their contracted exterminator can not come on that day and will get back to me but the office never called me back. On August 2, I called the office again, they informed me their exterminator can\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t come until the following Monday.. On August 6, the exterminator guy came and sprayed the 1st sprayed. I was informed by them that the office will schedule the 2-3 treatment every Monday following until 3rd treatment is done. On August 13th, the day of which the 2nd treatment was suppose to be scheduled and our unit was suppose to be sprayed again, the exterminator company no showed. I called the office, they stated we didn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t call to make the appointment for the 2nd sprayed but we were not told that the tenants were reliable for making the appts for the 2-3rd sprayed. Again, they stated the company can not come until the following Monday. On September 7th, I called the office to make the appointment for the bed spray. On September 10th (the scheduled 2nd spray) exterminator no showed again in the morning. I called the office 3 times that day, just to confirm that the exterminator will come. They reassure me the exterminator may be busy in the morning and will be there before the day end. At 3:30 p.m, I called the office again and spoke to Perry and was told we did not have an appointment for any treatment that day. Spoke September 14th, I called the office and spoke to manager Kate. During this conversation, she stated the 1st initial treatment was done incorrectly, therefore we needed to restart the whole process. I was not told anything about this and was not informed about any fees that she stated I would be responsible for. I stated I was not aware of any fees and will not pay. Kate agreed to no charges as we are still protected under the 60 day period from which we moved in. On September 17th, the 2nd sprayed was successful. On September 24th, the 3rd treatment was done.
Repair Issues | Case#**-*856
FRENCH LICK,
IN -
47432 1002
Numberv1 concern is the two(2)entry doors. Both front and back doors can be easily open with credit card by anyone wanting to gain entrance. this has happen recently. I\'ve been asking for new doors for 3 yrs now. Windows need to be up graded to at least double pane glass and made secured. Routine maintenance needs to become a happening thing. Our furnace has never in the eight(8)going on nine(9)yrs we have lived with. I believe what might be mold growing around bathroom vent. The complex needs to be properly winter and summerized. Insulation being the biggest problem. Lots of odds and ends that need to be addressed. Can and will go in more detailed explanations in person
Deposit Problem- never moved in or signed lease | Case#**-*638
COEUR D ALENE,
ID -
83814 3626
On July 24th 2013 my husband and I gave Tammi $850 for a deposit on a rental house after finding out we were accepted as the new tenants on July 23rd. She asked if we could move in on August15th instead of September 1st and we agreed via text message. Upon visiting the house again, we realized the extent of the wasp nests (around 45) and that it looked as though they were coming into the garage. We also noticed there appeared to be a significant attic crawl space accessible to animals, and that the master bedroom window only consisted of a screen and no window. When we asked Tammi who was to be responsible on July 25th (at this point only for the wasps) she never responded with an answer. On July 29th my husband informed her that we would not move in unless these things were fixed and she said that she understood...but still no answers. On Aug. 1st we asked for our deposit back and told her we would not be moving in. She said she needed to speak to the owners, and we have still been avoided with no response.
Treatened by on site manager | Case#**-*743
Granite Falls,
North Carolina -
28630
Managers wont fix maintence issues, Darrell mims a manager living on site has threatened me and other tenents. Darrell has harassed myself and other tenents nonstop. We are afraid to step outside. Darrell is constantly drunk or drinking. We have only lived here for three months. Its myself my wife and my ten month old son. We have contacted the police on multiple occasions, they feel things would get worse for us if they were to arest him for being drunk and or disordley. I have contacted the owner and he has refused to resolve this situation. The managers have told him lies pertaining to me as being the instigater or participant. I have police reports that say otherwise. They have tried to evict us only a month after moving in it was cancled as the issues were fabricated and I had the police reports to prove it. This man Darrell Mims has no regard for law enforcment or going to jail especially when hes drinking. I would like to move but I recently injured my back and am undergoing medical treatment. I cannot work and havent since June 11. My wife is the only one working at this time and we cant afford to relocate.
Outragious Charges For Water, Sewer, Maint. Trash | Case#**-*393
LAWRENCE,
KS -
66049 2438
My water bill has gone from $17.50 to $80 and I live in a studio apartment with no dishwasher, washer, etc. This is outrageous. I had a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with washer, dryer and dishwasher that went constantly and that is what my water bill cost. All of the tenants in my building are upset. One tenant has had a leak and has called and they still haven\\\'t fixed it. When I asked manager about it and she smirked and said well must be some leaks in some apartments. Well...duh...they have told them. I refuse to pay an $80 water bill for their neglect.
Paint Fumes, Paint Thinner Smell, Slippery Walkway After Sprinklers | Case#**-*210
SAN DIMAS,
CA -
91773 1413
I originally filed a complaint March 28, 2016 as we had marijuana smell coming in through our restroom. Letters were sent out to residents about no smoking policy and the source of the smell was investigated w/o resolution.
December 14, 2016, I filled an email complaint to advise of dangerous strips in the walkways. Nothing was done about it.
February 11, 2017, I followed up with landlord regarding slippery walkway after I nearly fell.
March 31, 2017, I filed a complaint with Tamara Stariwat about a slip and fall on an area with slippery concrete. I ended up spraining my toe and later diagnosed with arthritis. Per her email, corporate told her that my insurance should take care of it.
April 20, 2018, metal strips on walkway were finally removed and covered with concrete. Slippery area on southeast corner did not get fixed.
On August 29, 2018, when we returned to our apartment, we smelled paint thinner and paint fumes in our living room, guest restroom and restroom. An inquiry was filled with Tamara Stariwat and she advised that she would let us know in the future so we could vacate.
On September 11, 2018, we were dosed with another experience of excessive fumes from paint thinner and paint in our apartment complex. There was no notification and the response to my inquiry was that there was very little she could do about it.
Eviction During Pandemic | Case#**-*717
FORT MYERS,
FL -
33907 7666
Forced to leave during pandemic. Paid landlord on time consecutively and forced to leave due to new ownership. Never had problem in past with my credit score living here should not be a problem now. Rent always paid on time. Landlord forcing us out and eviction will be ordered as stated in letters to me from Lennox. This is a pandemic Lennox has plenty apartments to offer
I should not be evicted at this time
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.