Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Breach Of Agreement Due To Rats And Roaches | Case#**-*866 The breach of contract with the apartment complex was due to a roach and rat infestation that was never addressed by the complex. This was reported to on numerous occasions and nothing was done to eradicate the infestation. The place was not healthy and safe environment. Additionally, I feel the Landlord discriminated against my mother and I because we are Latino. Only after all efforts had been exhausted and no attempts were made by the Landlord to address them, I decided that our health was at huge risk and left the apartment. The Landlord has put my mother, Maria Carmen Navarrete and I under collections for this and for the past four years our credit score has suffered.
slumlord, swer, lights floor falling in, mold in bathroom wall | Case#**-*009
kosciusko,
Mississippi -
39090
the swer back up when we move in 5 mouths ago its a 500 gl.tank with led off sents march 24,2014 and they ran a strait pipe and left it the braker boxs has not been up dated in over 25 years it shows cant run have of the lights floors in living room kitchen and kids bed room falling in sents we moved in you walk on it you'll fall in the bathroom when we moved in the other tenants did not take care of place there mold you can see it growing out the wall you cant take showers
Stove/Oven repair requests ignored for over a week | Case#**-*362
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania -
15235
My power went out on 6/13/2013 due to an electrical problem with the oven/stove that flipped the main breaker for my apartment in the building's basement. I contacted the landlord immediately. He told me to contact the power company despite the fact that the rest of the building had power. I contacted the landlord after the power company (Duquesne Light) told me that the landlord is responsible as it could not possibly be from outside if the rest of the building had power. I again attempted to call the landlord, he did not call back. It was so hot in the apartment that we ended up going to my in-laws house to spend the night. We also lost about $160 worth of food in our refrigerator because we did not have power for 24 hours, and my father, who is a food service professional at Dickinson College said that most food spoils after losing power for 4 hours on average.
The next day my wife contacted them again. Long story short, it took a full 24 hours and 6 phone calls on 6-14-2013 to get them to send an electrician, who promptly informed us the stove was bad and that we should not use it, and said he would tell the landlord, The Landlord told us the next day that they would send someone to look at it. No one ever came. We have called the landlord at least 6 times this week, and they have still done nothing to rectify the problem. It is now more than a week since we have had a working stove. This has resulted in much un-needed expense due to the complications preparing food that this creates.
This is a disgusting evasion of responsibility on the part of the landlord. I have never been late once on my rent or any utility bills in my life. If nothing is done to fix this along with adequate compensation for my troubles I will be seeking legal council.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*957
P C BEACH,
FL -
32407 3441
I found out about 4 months ago i had bed bugs. I went to the office of the complex to let them know.They told they needed prove i had them like dead or living bed bugs.i went home and collected both dead and live bed bugs and brought them back..they contacted me and said they would have masseys pest control come out and treat them..Masseys came out and looked and said that i had them and made an appointment to come out and treat them..they showed up after a week or so and spayed..i was told then they would have to come back out for a second treatment..well weeks went by then i received a bill from the complex for 350.00 dollars not from masseys but the complex itself..No invoice or anything, i asked for an invoice which i got a very basic invoice..I didn\'t think it was right to bill me at all, as a landlord they should give a habitual residence. I am 50 years old and have lived in a few dozen different apartments and i have never had bed bugs.I did not bring bed bugs into my apartment and do not feel like i should have to pay to rid them.There are a lot of apartments here and a lot of people living here..When masseys first came to inspect i showed them a bunch of dead bugs which i killed right next to the air conditioning vents, where im sure they were coming in from.I signed my 5th lease here and have never had a problem or a complaint from anyone..I feel this is not right and a violation of my renters rights..i have already paid for services i shouldn\'t have had to pay in the first place.
Derilection of responsibility, withhold security deposit, harrassment | Case#**-*496
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania -
19124
Landlord was notified in Nov. 09 that JY and 5 year old daughter had to leave property due to domestic abuse (police reports available). Landlord was notified in writing and promised to do walk-thru and take JY's name off of lease. This was also relayed in several verbal conversations to JY's mother. Second tenant continued to occupy residence. JY and 5 year old daughter were forced to live elsewhere. Landlord was contacted multiple times to follow up. Landlord never responded. Meanwhile, landlored conspired with second tenant (still living at premises). Walk-thru for estimation of damaged was not conducted in presence of JY only second tenant still living at residence. Now lease has ended and landlord is claiming damages to property exceeding security deposit and billing for a utility bill for first time in a year. Landlord is still renting property and extending lease to 2nd (one of the original) tenents, but claiming that JY is responsible for damages and water bill. Landlord continues to discuss JY personal business with second/current tenant. Landlord agreed to continue to rent property to second tenant, without additional security deposit because he will keep original two months $1300 security. JY claims damages were caused by current (second original) tenant and dog. Besides additional dog (total 2) original second/current tenant has additional people (not listed on lease) residing at residence. Landlord is aware. JY claims she had valid reason to vacate premises due to domestic abuse and safety of five-year-old daughter. JY and mother have 5 faxed confirmations to landlord giving notice and asking for timely release of lease and damage/security estimate. JY has not lived in property since November and water bill is just being released (for a full year). Landlord has discussed JY personal issues with current tenant and other people. Landlord has threatened to ruin JY's credit if she pursues matter.
Several Repair Issues | Case#**-*307
MONTGOMERY,
AL -
36117 4683
I have lived in the Arbor Station Apartments in Montgomery, Alabama since late summer 2012. Management on this property is atrocious, and deserves a complaint to the Better Business Bureau and the Rental Protection Agency.
According to “A Decent Place to Live: Tenants Rights in Alabama”, published by Alabama Legal Help (alabamalegalhelp.org), landlords are under an obligation to: maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems in good working order; supply hot and cold running water; and make repairs to keep the place safe and livable, among others. Since my time at Arbor Station, I have experienced problems with each of these areas.
In my first several months here (2012), it took several trips from maintenance to provide an effective cooling system. The unit occasionally still freezes over, and has leaked so badly the carpet in my hallway saturates with water. The problems with the air conditioning have continued on and off.
In November of 2014, I went without hot water for a week. Again, the problem was detected due to a leak that saturated the carpet. I wrote a complaint letter to the management company regarding the lack of hot water, and the only response I received was an offer for a free carpet cleaning. This was an unacceptable response to the situation, but it was obviously the best I was going to receive.
Several months ago, I visited the office and requested someone check the ventilation system on my dryer. My patio area was full of lint coming from the vent, and I was concerned about a possible buildup of lint, which can often lead to a fire. As far as I know, the ventilation system was never inspected. There never seems to be any evidence of maintenance entering the apartment, as requests/reports are never left behind.
Currently, I am entering at least my second week without a working refrigerator. I am not entirely certain when the refrigerator went out, but it has been a minimum of ten days since I threw away all of the food that had defrosted and gone bad in my freezer. My first maintenance request was on Thursday, September 3. My second request was earlier this week (9/8 or 9/9), after which I was told they would have someone to see my by 5pm the day of that request. As of now (9/11), I have yet to have the issue resolved.
Finances have kept me from moving, or I would have been out of here long ago.
Misleading Of Fees With Sewage And Water And Repair Issues. | Case#**-*572
LITTLE ROCK,
AR -
72210 2353
I have been leasing from the Rolling Hills in Little Rock Arkansas In the past the electric power went off and they wouldn’t fix my ac unit for a month in the middle of summer. They finally put a window unit in. The smoke alarm broke at the same time, and they took it out but never brought it back. I get hidden fees on my monthly bill like a lot fee. I spoke with management but they never fixed the fees. My major concerns are the constant increase on my bill for sewage all time high of 186.35 and my water bill of 58.33. I would like proof of these are the actual amounts of my usage. Since the ac unit is still out and winter is coming so I will be with out heat. I want released from my lease without penalties. Because, I can not afford the over $200 dollrs in sewage and water fees.
Rebecca Audirsch
501 647-0581
Repairs Issue: Replace Flooring Throughout - Flooding Ruined All $800.00 . | Case#**-*894
Austin ,
Texas -
78727
On January 3 when we made the last payment and returned the keys, When I asked to inspect the apartment, I was told that I was not allowed to be present for the final walk through, that they\\\\\\\'d do it at their convenience. We were never advised of any flooding, they just sent us an email with the charges.
Repair Issue | Case#**-*817
DANA POINT,
CA -
92629 4301
The roof leaked in June, it’s September and I’m getting the run around. Out of the country excuse has expired and I want to be sure I’m not breathing mold and want the leak fixed. It’s unimaginable any single one of you would be okay with this situation.
Falsifying Repair Documents | Case#**-*301
CHICAGO,
IL -
60609 2124
Landlord sent an invoice stating a paint repair cost $50 and it was getting deducted from my $900 deposit. I search the company up to verify the cost and it ended up being a trucking company. I call the company and they stated that it had nothing to due with painting and it had gone out of business a year ago. I sent the information to the landlord about the invoice being made up but that i still would take the $850 and even gave them the information of where to send the deposit. They started to get an attitude and refusing to give me the $850 back and stated that i had to go make the repairs or else they will start discounting money from my deposit since damages where going to increase. There was a lot of contradiction and they did not deny that the document was false.
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.
