Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*880
WASHINGTON,
District of Columbia -
20009
We moved in on July 24th and within 3 weeks one of the bedrooms had a bed bug infestation. The house is a row house that has been split into multiple units and our unit has a bed bug infestation. The exterminators say they need to treat the entire building and we cannot afford to pay for the basement, and two top floor apartments. The landlord refuses to acknowledge that the issue is at least partially if not all her responsibility. She will not even come out to here what they have to say. At the moment, the apartment is uninhabitable.
Breach Of Agreement, Fraud, Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation | Case#**-*579
RNCHO CORDOVA,
CA -
95670 5313
Landlord increased the rent without notification, tried to evict without cause, tried to evict because of bankruptcy filing, forged the lease, tried to evict for complaining, wouldn\'t fix things because of complaints, violated HUD regulations to self help evict and won\'t return personal property.
Breach Of Lease, Bedbug Infestation | Case#**-*947
Marshfield,
Missouri -
65706
I have complained of bug bites 3 different times during my stay here. It was not until the second complaint that anyone was sent in to deal with the matter. That gentleman only sprayed along two walls in the apartment and the bugs did not go away, they actually got worse. Research shows that chemical sprays do not work. they may kill the adults, but not the eggs. I went to the health department to see what these bites were and they told me these were from bedbugs. They said they were going to notify you of the issue and for me to move as soon as possible.
Lo and behold not long after that, the same gentleman who had sprayed the first time came to my door asking to do an inspection, looking for traces of bedbugs.
He stated that management had known about the bedbug issue for quite some time and even knew where the infestation began. During this time of complaining and getting little results, I have had to invest large amounts of money towards calamine lotion, cortisone and commercial sprays, in attempts to relieve the issue. This cost got us behind in some of our payments. We are looked at as if we are diseased by the public eye, and have been concerned that Curtis\\\' job is at risk since he works in the public. I have no doubt that I was turned away from several job interviews due to the sores that are all over my arms.
I have shown you pictures of the bites on us hoping to incite some concern for our well being. I now have many scars from this. I have appointments with my OB/GYN in concern for my baby also.
Basically we want to move as soon as possible and not take any bugs with us,( meaning we want the proper heat treatment done), and to do this with no repercussions to us, no money owing to lease, and to be made whole as far as our well being and our possessions.
If treatment is done on only our apartment before we move , reimbursement for proper precautions of another infestation before move.
Repair Issues, Breech Of Agreement, Unprofessional Behavior. | Case#**-*417
EUGENE,
OR -
97401 5453
Building is not safe and secure as advertised. Mail room packages all opened. Managers refusal to return phone calls. Unprofessional behavior exhibited by most staff members. Garbage overflowing in lobby and trash rooms. Homeless people sleeping in stairwells and hallways. Put in maintenance requests and was told to fix it ourselves. Tried to pay some money towards owing rent., manager refused to accept it. Mold in coffee machine in lobby. Staff notified with no action taken. Sent email to Cardinal Groups corporate office with same complaints with no response from them.
Unlawful Eviction, Tenant Harassment, Surveillance In Violation Of Privacy | Case#**-*385
GLENDALE,
CA -
91206 3909
Elderly parents in excellent tenant standing for eight (8) years being unlawfully evicted (Veronica & Nolasco Hintog). Daughter (Maria Hintog) moved in temporarily (due to Covid-19 and caring for elderly parents), was wrongfully accused of conducting a \"business without a license,\" and was given 3 days to cease alleged business activities. Landlords failed disclosing nature of the alleged business activities with which they found issue, and the lease agreement never included any limitations of use of the property. A 3-day notice to quit was served on these ambiguous grounds, despite any limitation on use of the leased property in violation of due process under the Federal Constitution 5th and 14th amendments, and California Constitution Article I §7. Additionally, Civil Code §1997.220 requires that ambiguity in a restriction on use of leased property shall be construed in favor of unrestricted use. Nevertheless, in an effort to decrease tension from the landlord, whatever alleged \"business\" that was conducted ceased as daughter physically left premises, fearing for her privacy and safety because tenants became aware of landlord’s conducting extensive surveillance of them (via “witness”), their guests, and the leased property for a period spanning over thirty days.This did not curb increasing hostility and threatening tactics coming from landlords as another 3-day noticed followed on equally vague grounds. Harassing tactics of physically standing in the drive way to intimidate visiting guests on the leased property have also been adopted by the landlords, as well as walking around the leased property with unknown individuals and standing in shared driveway blatantly staring at leased property to invade the tenants right to privacy and enjoyment of the lease property. A second eviction threat to vacate premises in three (3) days with no merit was unlawfully presented Saturday June 26, 2021. On Saturday June 26, 2021, tenants stopped receiving hot water, but were too scared to tell landlords due to their extreme hostility. A mere two (2) days later, a surveillance camera facing tenant property was put up after second unlawful eviction threat. Based on the escalating illegal tactics and intimidation the landlords have exercised in an effort to force an illegal eviction, tenants (elderly parents and daughter) are terrified to be on property and have no idea to what end the landlords will continue the abuse. This has caused tenants extreme emotional distress.
deposit and maintance problems | Case#**-*639
edmond,
Oklahoma -
73034
The carpet was not new when we moved in paul tried to say that it was new but it was wet from obviously being washed. After a couple of days it began to stink and we had to re wash it. The storm door was already half way broken and in properly installed a storm broke it from the bottom it was nothing to do with how it was handled and the places are wired illegally not only ours but so are the other units ive talked to past tenants who had an electrician come out and verify that those are wired ilegally those circuit boxes are on overload. I had no heater for a whole week the "maintance" man would avoid some calls till I had to repeatly call him to get him to come by. their is mold in the bathroom I installed a new sink at my cost at moving in because the one there was all patched up. I have pictures of how I left the place and for someone to charge you $50 to clean under burners that was robbery on his part to you. I feel I Deserve my deposit back if this doesn't resolve the issue we will just have to resolve it taking it another step further.
Refund | Case#**-*182
Bloomfield,
New Jersey -
07003
I paid a $2450.00 cosigning fee that I requested to be refunded due to not moving into the apartment that the fee was paid for. I received a letter from Anthony Thomas (Controller/Accountant) for the company stating that I would receive the refund 30 days from the date of the email which was March 19, 2015. I never received the refund and have made numerous attempts to contact the company. I was told each time that someone would get back to me...which they never did.
Deposit Problems And Discrimination | Case#**-*782
Joplin,
Missouri -
64804
We have been assessed increases in our deposit, pet deposit and monthly rental amount without reasonable notice as required by Missouri law and have been discriminated against in that we are the only if not among very few that have been assessed these increases. Our very first request for maintenance was met with allegations that we were the cause of the issue, with our second request resulting in a technician being scheduled on 5/58 to come and provide services on 5/24. Though background checks may have been required for some tenants, not all tenants were required nor were they given notice to comply regarding background checks. We were served a comply notice with regards to our vehicle being parked on a slab to the rear of our residence, while other tenants had and continue to have in excess of 5-10 inoperable vehicles in the rear of their residence and in their yard, not in designated parking areas as management requires of us. Management refuses to acknowledge that we had a verbal agreement with previous owner and requests proof of the terms of such agreement knowing that it was a verbal, ORAL, agreement.
Charged Reasonable Accomodation For A Disabled Kid/Denied Resonable Changes | Case#**-*395
GREELEY,
CO -
80634 8477
First incident happened when we first moved in they charged us to move to lower level after we asked for a parking space because my son almost fell twice in the snow and they told me it was illegal to PRIORITIZE handicap parking so they said NO after I filed a complaint with HUD they closed the case because the space was provided by the company after they just said it was illegal now they gave me a notice to QUIT when I have a son in a wheelchair I filed another complaint with HUD because we could never use the reserved spot and there currently is an Investigation Open again the HUD Manager wanted proof of all the cars parking on the loading and unloading lines he wanted every email sent between the staff and I also I sent HUD the charges they Charged us to move from a top to bottom Unit we carried a 15 year old up the stairs for a whole year before the company decided to give us a lower level .
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.
