Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Bed Bug Infestation, Unlivable Conditions: Penalized for breaking lease | Case#**-*079
Neptune,
New Jersey -
07753
Discovered a bed bug infestation in our apartment. Landlord paid for two pest control treatments but the infestation remained. We had to throw out just about everything we owned especially the mattress, box spring, living room furniture, and kitchen chair cushions which were all infested. We left the apartment in great condition when we moved out and broke our lease after living there from mid July 2011 to mid December 2011. We were charged $400.00 for breaking the lease due to the unlivable conditions in the apartment. We have lost everything and I think it is ridiculous that they would charge us to leave after all of the money and sentimental items we have lost.
We also have many photographs of various mattresses and couches that have been thrown out around the complex, some of which signs of bed bugs can be seen. We would not be suprised if more cases of infestations were present at this complex. The managment has denied any more cases of infestations.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*501
SEATTLE,
WA -
98103 3901
my legs are bitten up..supposedly they were taken care of by "Inhouse" unlicensed contractors to clean them up..they are still there.
Leasing Authority, At Fault, Trying To Put Bed Bug Charges On Ex-tenant | Case#**-*138
0 -
During my tenure at Fox Pointe apartments, I had received an official letter from the Fox Pointe leasing office mentioning that my adjoining apartment is infested with bed bugs and it had been confirmed by Thymet pest control. The leasing office further stated that, due to the bed bug infestation in the adjoining apartment, the Thymet pest control will be treating my apartment as well for this problem.
The pest control did not treated it properly and the leasing office too did not paid attention to get the job done to completion. Due to which I had to suffer extreme physical trauma and pain. I complained the same to the leasing office multiple times but my pleas were not taken seriously. This explains to show that the bed bugs in my apartment was as a result of the infestation from the adjoining apartment and not my fault. The leasing office is trying to put their cost of bed bug treatment on me by charging me $825. They have retained my security deposit of $200 as well. I have another incident which proves the carelessness of the leasing office in providing their tenants humane environment to stay, 7-8 days were remaining for my vacating date and the screw of the kitchen cabinet(on top of gas stove) had come off thus leaving the cabinet wooden door to fall on head anytime thus hurting the person cooking food on the gas stove. I called up the leasing office and told them the problem. To my shock they replied that as I am vacating the apartment in a week hence the leasing office does not think it is necessary for them to fix it. I asked them what if in this 1 week period, the wooden door falls on my head and I become unconscious, to which they replied that the leasing office still feels it as a waste of time as they anyhow have to get the apartment brushed up for the next tenant and they will do it at that time.
2) The leasing office mentions that I owe them $11.23 as outstanding balance. I had received a letter from leasing office that clearly mentions that I owe them $8 only as outstanding balance.My question to the leasing office, are you making up these outstanding balance amount as you go or is it done in accordance with the rental rules and policies?
3) The landlord is charging me $25 for late fee, when I had called up asking can I stay 2-7 days more(2 or 7 or in-betwwen, which I also didn't knew at that point)and would pay for extra days, which I paid, before leaving for those 7 days).The landlord is charging me $25 for late fee.
Harassment Verb And Sexual For The Time I Have Been Renting From Him | Case#**-*316
DETROIT,
MI -
48221 2948
I have been renting the home at 8911 Marygrove Detroit MI 48239 for over a year now. I have had problems with the landlord making sexual comments, sexual advances, always telling me how fine I am, sitting outside the home, constantly visiting unannounced. Calling and texting my phone at unprofessional times, time between 12am to 5am, Coming over when he wants too. Wanted to have inspections of the home done over and over unannouced and at unprofessional hours. When I refused his advancements and told him not to contact my phone and to only text me regarding the rental property he has sent me an eviction notice. Not giving me 30 days notice and requiring that I move out. My rent is paid up and has never been late I also have Section 8.
Neighbor Problems/Unhealthy Living Conditions | Case#**-*321
TALLAHASSEE,
FL -
32301 3234
Noise complaints has been filed against the tenant who resides above our apartment. We have had a conversation in regards to the excessive noise with the tenant but it got us nowhere. So that’s when we decided to contact the property manager about the situation. As stated she advised us to purchase a noise reduction machine or buy noise cancellation headphones. She also made a comment saying that she isn’t “noise patrol”. I’m fed up with this situation when I have rights as a tenant just like anybody else. I have contacted the property manager via email, phone and voicemail but nothing is never done about it as usual. The situation got out of hand once that law enforcement had to intervene. At this moment I want out of my lease and all money that is refundable needs to be refunded. I refuse to move to another apartment within this complex especially with the same management still in the office. Far as the living conditions I honestly don’t feel like these apartments are suitable for any living human being. We experiencing major bug problems, leaking ceilings and rotten wood. All maintenance did was come patch up the leaking ceiling hoping that fixes the problem but it don’t. I’ve used numerous towels to clean up water coming from the upstairs tenant apartment so it wouldn’t damage our personal belongings. I’ve tried to go about things the right way but I keep getting ignored when that’s not how a tenant suppose to be treated. I need your help with this issues. Thanks for your time. Hope to hear from you soon again thanks.
Gas not Turned On | Case#**-*592
Cadillac,
Michigan -
49601
DTE will not turn on the Gas or put a meter on trailer till someone takes respondsablity for a past bill on the trailer. The renter just started renting the trailer on or about May 1, 2010 she has moved her items into the trailer and moved out of her old apartment but has not be able to live there due to the gas not being turned one. She is staying with her sister who also lives in the park until this problem gets resolved. The manager who is there now has only been there for about 6-9 months, the problem with DTE has/was back in 2008 which was the last time this trailer was rented. The last tenant and the last landlord (2008) were in a relationship which could explain the high gas bill.
Repair | Case#**-*599
Carrollton,
Georgia -
30116
My trailer isn\\\'t fixing nothing my floors is falling in not just me everyone else in the park my breaker box isn\\\'t safe everyone has mold the ceiling is falling in
Apartment Is Infested With Bed Bugs. | Case#**-*742 As you know, Apartment #8 is infested with bed bugs. The treatment that was done did not work. All of the guys have bites on them that need medication. It takes a specialist to solve a bed bug infestation. A special treatment must be used and may take multiple treatments. A little information about bed bugs might be helpful for you to know how serious this really is:
From Wikipedia: For public health reasons, individuals are encouraged to call a professional pest control service to eradicate bed bugs in a home, rather than attempting to do it themselves, particularly if they live in a multi-family building.[21
]A bed bug can individually and collectively cause a number of health effects including skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic symptoms.[1] Bed bug bites or cimicosis may lead to a range of skin manifestations from no visible effects to prominent blisters.[2]:446 Diagnosis involves both finding bed bugs and the occurrence of compatible symptoms.[1
Serious infestations and chronic attacks can cause anxiety, stress, and insomnia.[1] Development of refractory delusional parasitosis is possible, as a person develops an overwhelming obsession with bed bugs.[6]Systemic poisoning may occur if the bites are numerous.
These are serious concerns. Please take care of this issue immediately. Thank you!
Ladonna Hains (Spokesperson for Cory McCallister)
ladonnagoutreaux@gmail.com
Abuse Of Landlord Authority,harrassment,retalitory Actions,rent Gauging | Case#**-*752
MODESTO,
CA -
95354 0603
this landlord filed an unlawful detainer against me. i was not her tenant,i was not on her lease. i was a visitor at her property for 8 days at the time she served her first notice on her tenants door for the \'violation of subletting wich was invalid,premature and untrue. this was due to declining her offer to live at this address,while attempting to gauge her tenants rent by 50%increase 400$. i was forced to hire an attorney to prevent an eviction from being placed on my public record. this unlawful detainer has been dismissed. there was no just cause,i was not on her lease,i did not live at this address,nor did i sublet. i have since filed a small claims action against her for malicious intent,retaliation. after being served she again retaliated by serving her tenant a 60 day notice to vacate. my future courtdate is 12/09/21, along with my day in court i intend to file a complaint with rental protection,my local police department,and also with consumer affairs. this was an outrageous attempt to harrass and intimidate me.with intent to ruin my oublic record and credit rating.
Bed Bug Infestation In Complex | Case#**-*358
Hope Mills,
North Carolina -
28348
My husband and I moved their due to our fixed income, February 6, 2015. We enjoyed living there but did not know or were not made known about the bed bug infestation there until June 2015. At this point I did contact Grace Strong, Manager at the complex that we were going to have to move due to health problems. I can\'t afford to get infested by these bugs. My immune system is not the greatest. Also, we don\'t have the money to buy new furniture or clothes or any expense associated with this. We did not have any of place to go. The last week of July 2015 we did find a place to rent to own. While we are excited about it being ours in two years it has put a bind on our budget. We have to pay $90 more out in rent a month and then pay the taxes and insurance. We had to take the lowest possible insurance because of finances. I feel that the complex knew of this problem before we moved in. I notice that either the apartment 139 or 141 I do not remember exactly had a sound of a big heavy fan in it. I though he was just using a fan to cool his apartment versus air conditioning. In June 2015 I heard about the bed bug problem. Then in July 2015 or beginning of August I heard their were 3 people evicted due to bed bugs. The gentlemen in apartment 139 or 141 was allowed to stay after being evicted due to his daughters complaining a lot. Therefore management allowed him to stay. Then the renters in apartment 143 got bed bugs and right before we left apartment 142 got them. They were spreading rapidly. I told my husband we had to get out of there. We were cleared of bed bugs by the Canady Pest Control Company who went around the complex. I Knew we had to go before they made their way to us. That is when I found out Apartment 142 had them. I literally packed things in tight bags and then boxed them to be double sure. We don\'t have them thank God. I believe Grace Strong and Sharon were good managers. I feel this is a cover up by the actual management of the complex. I am going to throw in there they need thicker carpet in there for the renters. Most of the renters are older and have health issues and if they fall they could get hurt seriously on the concrete. Also, there need to be easy access in and out all the bathrooms for these renters without it costing the renters. This is a senior, low income complex. There needs to be easy access in and out of their apartments to their outside doors. Again this is the owner of the complex that needs to take care of these issues.
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.
