Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Utilities | Case#**-*530
Ypsilanti,
Michigan -
48197
Tennents and landlord had dispute regarding title placement of the gas utility bill. Both parties never reached an agreement and nothing was resolved after five months of using the gas line. After five months, landlord states that the tennents are to place their name on the gas utility bill, even though multiple persons not associated with the tennents are using the gas. Tennents are expected to pay for the current gas bill (including the previous charges), regardless of who uses the line. They were given an ultimatum to put the utility in their name or they would shut off the gas.
Tennents are also expected to pay for the water utility, even though there is an insufficient amount of hot water available for the tennents due to outside parties having access to the laundry facilities.
Deposit Refund And Disspute Of First Month Rent Payment (Theft Of Funds) | Case#**-*669
SEATTLE,
WA -
98106 2292
Olympic Management is stating that when I moved in September of 2017 the did not receive the rent even though I have transaction numbers for the payments and the security deposit as well. Upon check March 7, 2018 they are still stating this is not paid even though there are transaction numbers in their system reflecting it. Because all but the Security Deposit was cash I believe it was stolen by management. They continue to refute this but the payment was assigned transaction numbers; 3 different ones; for the deposit, one for half the rent ($500) and one for the other portion ($585). Because I do not have any receipt from then they are disputing it. They originally even tried to dispute the deposit but it was paid through a bank account and not cash so presented the banks transaction record to them
Refusal to take care of drug usage from other tenants and maintanance | Case#**-*794
Port Lavaca,
Texas -
77979
There is mold growing in the apartment, Not having air condition for a month caused the electric bill to go up $200, I fractured my foot in two places on the narrow stairs that was promised to be fixed and never was, Apartment below us is doing drugs and the apartment next to us is selling drugs. Numerous times they have been out on the steps doing drugs and very rude to me and my family (2 children) trying to pass them.
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*302
LOS ANGELES,
0 -
90019 5107
Please refund the following cost total $675;
1. cleaning fee $120
2. bathroom painting fee for pet smell $375
3. pet deposit $150
4. gate key $30
- This room is all hard wood floor. So There is no smell for any room at all. No damage, no spot , and no scratch.
Land road Sabino Miranda saied "there is no smell and any damage because it's all hardwood floor, we will refund all the deposit and also pet deposit".
- Sabino Miranda saied when I ask to have a cat, "We will return pet deposit when you leave".
- I payed $1250(1 month rent deposit)+$625(half month rent)+$60(gate key) =$1935 as deposit.
I got $30 gate key deposit back, but there is no damage or any broken parts for the key.
- I moved out because of this landroad's family situation, I found new place and move out really lash.
I didn't even complain about it. Please fully refund my deposit. Thank you.
Entry Without Permission | Case#**-*225
WENATCHEE,
WA -
98801 6856
I gave a 30 day notice I would not be renewing my lease. I informed landlord via email I tentatively might be out by mid August. A couple days later he drove by but did not stop. The next day he came to the door and said he would be showing my unit that afternoon. No prior notice but I agreed. He said he wanted to rent the duplex right away and would be advertising immediately. I told him I had several health issues and was having a difficult time packing. I said I would try to be out by mid August but could not guarantee that. I am 75 and live alone. I was moving to another city and had not all arrangements for the new house had not been completed. He continued to pressure me.
. The next week a moving company moved much of my household goods but not all. There are several things still in the unit. Two hours after I left, the landllord entered the property to show it again. I had no prior notice nor did I grant permission. The neighbors told me he was there, otherwise I would not have known. The potential tenant told the neighbor that the landlord indicated the property was available to move in. That person was very surprised many of my belongings were still there and it had not been cleaned. I had a cleaning lady in the unit at the time they entered and asked what was she doing on the premises. She told me the landlord made her feel very uncomfortable. When I learned of this incident I texted the landlord to advise him I would be filing a complaint and to not harass me.
Repair Issues And Faulty Lease | Case#**-*234
OMAHA,
NE -
68135 3479
Water pipe burst in the house a month ago and I still have a hole in my ceiling. Also mold was not inspected. Also Helen is trying to make us responsible for repairs and paying extra for them. I do believe our lease contract is not fair and she is not taking care of responsibilities and a landlord. Also I have lived here 3 years and she will not give me an emergency number, she told me to call 911.
Repair Issue, Bugs | Case#**-*964 Problem 1. water in the bathroom
water in the bathroom was dripping so it took 6months to fix more than 6 times until the worker fixed completely.
So our family couldn’t sleep well and focus on our work & study owing to that noise of dripping the water in the bathroom for 6month.
the worker for fix told every time "it's old buiding. you endure problems or the building have to be change the main pipe"
Problem 2. water in the kitchen
Also water in the kitchen was going down well but we endured suffering from going down slowly but one day it was even flowing up.
So We couldn’t wash dishes and cook suffering from not using the sink and the bad smell for 2 times for about totally 5days.
We didn’t use the food waste disposal for trash food because the water owing not to going down well,
We only used the food waste machine that the water was full in the sink without going down well
At that time only food dust were little sucked into the hole just twice a week
The problem that I the tenant paid including for using the utility like food trash disposal. Oven, dishwasher.
But I did not use those utilities owing not to working well and being afraid of making a trouble.
That’s very inconvenient for the tenant. But we’re enduring.
after fixing the sink, the worker told me not to trash anything, so I don’t even trash food dust at all.
But the management company even charge to me. that’s not our problem, it’s the old building’s problem.
the worker for fix told every time "it's old buiding. you endure problems, don't use this one, don't trash anything or the building have to be change the main pipe"
Problem 3. Suffering scratching
I was in Korea and I have to work in Korea.
But I’m back on January owing to this problem. my two sons are suffering from scratching seriously from the last Dec.
I tried to solve the problem myself first.
I bought more two stronger vacuum for the bugs and cleaned almost every day and changed the detergent and washed the cloth everyday but they’re still suffering scratching even they’re sleeping and in the class. My two sons let me scratch their body everyday until they get swollen up.
I almost every day vacuum, wash cloth and all the blankets, pillow every week but it can’t work
I took the pictures for my kids and bugs
Before we contract first, the Mgr. told me&my husband that the rate of raising monthly rent would raise 4~5% annually. But last year 5%up and would 9%up this year.
Pest Issues | Case#**-*578
MONROE,
WI -
53566 1193
In February 2018 we found bed bugs in our apartment. We have lived in this apartment for about 4 years and have never had a problem and were told that since we have lived here that long and no one else has complained of bed bugs that the extermination was to be at our cost and that it had to be done. After a call to the city and to the health department, we have found that there have been other apartments in the building in the past couple years that have had bed bugs and there is currently one apartment that has been trying to get rid of bed bugs for 6 months now. After speaking with a couple different lawyers, we have come to the conclusion that we should not have to pay the extermination costs since there is a history of bed bugs in this building. It has come to the point were we have had to throw out the majority of our belongings, including the majority of our furniture, because we can\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t take the risk of taking bed bugs with us when we move because our 9 year old son has developed an allergy to the bites. Which brings me to our next issue. We plan to move out by the end of March and would like to legally break our lease with no requirements to pay anything extra. We feel that this problem could have been avoided had the tenants known that there were other apartments that had bed bugs so that we could take proper precautions to avoid getting the bed bugs in our apartment and could have also been avoided if when an apartment has bed begs, adjoining apartments are also inspected since bed bugs can get in the wall.
On Going Bed Bug Problem | Case#**-*776
Sac City,
Iowa -
50583
Bed bugs have been a problem since the first month we moved in. I keep my apartment clean and taken care of, and I have given meadow lane apartments a chance to correct the problem. I have informed the manager everytime of a bite or sighting of a bed bug in or near my rental. I want to properly give a chance to correct this problem and compensation for furniture before I take further legal action.
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.
