Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Dispute over Damages | Case#**-*548
Stamford,
Connecticut -
6901
I rented with Avalon from the period of 01/27/2009 to 12/21/2009. I signed a 1 year lease and paid all the rents on time always. In January I received the settlement statement in which i was charged for $1180 for carpet replacement. Immediately I filed for a dispute with Avalon. The avalon dispute specialist was unwilling to resolve the dispute and said they stand by the charge and it cannot be waived. They are now threatening to forward it to a professional debt collector and report to credit bureaus. I'm disputing the carpet replacement charge due to the following reasons:
1) The inspection of the property happened after I vacated the apartment. I had requested for the inspection on 12/18/2009 and wanted to be present during the same. Avalon conducted the inspection in my absence on 01/15/2010. They did not confirm my availability or shared the report of the inspection even when they had all my contact details. This is a total surprise.
2) In the final statement they write that the carpet was left in bad shape and needed replacement. There were no stains or burns to the carpet. It was only 11 months old (as they tell me that it was new when i moved in) and could be easily cleaned just by a professional carpet cleaner. The dispute specialist at Avalon confirms that the decision to replace the carpet was entirely made by the local community and they dont have any much information on that.
3) A chronic leakage problem near the laundry area caused damage to the carpet around the laundry area. Avalon did not replace the damaged carpet around that area, but just choose to dry it with a high intensity blower which was left in my apartment for 2 days. The dispute specialist was not willing to discuss this problem.
Overall it was a very one-sided decision for which I was asked to pay a huge amount. In believe that the inspection should have happened on the date I requested or I should have been contacted before deciding to replace the carpet. It frustrating to resolve a dispute where the other party is unwilling to give any justification for their decisions.
I would request RPA to please look into this issue and help me resolve the dispute. Please feel free to contact me for additional details. I can provide all the email communications which I had with Avalon.
Marijuana Usage In The Building | Case#**-*875
Cincinnati,
Ohio -
45238
After 2 months of complaints little or nothing has been done to solve this issue . With my kids & a small child in the building . This is nearly ignored . Strong smells weed throughout the building ...entering our apartment almost everyday . This is a serious matter . apparently this is apart of the leasing agreement & yet the tenants have not been removed . It\'s more than one unit where this occurs .
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*928
Warrensburg,
Missouri -
64093
to whom it may concern,
I paid a $250 deposit when I initially moved into Campus Core Warrensburg, and was at that time advised that a $50 portion of that would not be refunded as it was an application fee. However, when it came time to move out, I cleaned the apartment thoroughly and was told upon inspection that my deposit would be mailed to me. The lady who did the apartment inspection didn't specify how much would be refunded to me at the time of the inspection which I thought was rather strange, so at this time I advised them that I would require a breakdown of fees charged from my deposit when it was processed.
Around 6 weeks passed and I had still heard nothing from Campus Core regarding my refund, so I contacted them inquiring about it. At first they didn't respond, however, after another email several weeks later, replied saying that "all the refunds have been mailed out, so if you haven't received it you probably aren't getting one". Apart from being completely surprised about the state of my refund, especially considering the immaculate state it was left in, at this point I also wondered why I hadn't received the breakdown of fees I had requested earlier.
After emailing Campus Core again, the breakdown I later received had a $40 electricity charge and a $20 mattress cleaning fee, both of which I completely understood. However, in addition to this it also stated that I had $45 bedroom, $45 bathroom and $50 general cleaning fees, none of which were justified. I have since emailed them asking for a justification of fees, to which they haven't responded for around 2 weeks.
In my emails with Campus Core I notified them several times that if they didn't provide me with the information requested, that I would be escalating the matter. Their lack of response obviously proves that they don't care. Please be aware that the matter is complicated by the fact that I was an international student studying abroad who has now returned home to Australia. I also know many other international students who lived at Campus Core and haven't received any of their deposits back, or had any contact from Campus Core either, making it seem a little suspicious.
If you could take care of this matter for me it would be much appreciated. If you require any further information such as emails or the receipt I am happy to provide you with this documentation.
Kind regards,
Kate Leadbetter
2 Burglaries In Three Months;requested To Be Released From Lease | Case#**-*924 We have been broken into twice in the last three months. The apartments managers response to the last break in was there was nothing they could do crime is really bad in the area. We have three children who are now terrified to live here. They no longer sleep in there rooms, and we are scared that the person or persons responsible are targeting our family for some reason and may strike again. We don't believe the manager or managers is concerned for the safety and well being of there residents. The entrance gate is broken almost every other week, and it takes weeks before they fix the problem. There is little to no security on the property. These break ins occurred during the daytime hours. We just want to be safe and protect our family, and unfortunately feel this is no longer a safe community for our family. When the break in occurred we were very distraught and forgot to pay the rent. It has been three days late, and we have now received an eviction notice. We find this to be a slap in the face especially after their lack of concern for our safety.
Untreated Flea Situation And Possibly Unlivable Living Conditions. | Case#**-*213
MT PLEASANT,
MI -
48858 2777
Started lease on 5/23/2022. The first couple weeks there were no issues other than the dryer didn\'t work.(after multiple contact attempts it eventually got taken care of).
On 7/1/2022 I discovered fleas in the unit. The chances of them being caused by me are very low considering I don\'t own any pets. I reached out multiple times again with no answer. It wasn\'t until i went up to their offices (which are appointment only) and knocked on the door until someone helped me. Even then I was told to spray for them myself and to contact them if the issue didn\'t get resolved. After many failed contact attempts I took the liberty of calling an exterminator. It was after this I found out second hand my landlords were in contact with the exterminator, but still had not reached out to me at all. The exterminator had to spray twice within the month and even still the problem has not improved. Ive made the exterminator and my rental agency aware of this and I still have not had any sort of correspondence on the matter. Anytime I\'ve attempted to contact the leasing office, there are no reply\'s of any kind. I moved to the area for school but my life has been plagued with problems due to this rental company and their negligence.
Bed Bugs | Case#**-*555
Houston,
Texas -
77036
I am very concerned by my health, my son and myself. Have already spent $500 on medical expenses and have thrown away 2 mattresses. Have had my carpet steam cleaned and exterminated.
I have now had this problem for over 2 months!
I need urgent resolution as I now sleep in my living room with my son.
Thanks for your help.
I am Chinese and my Engish is poor. Kindly copy my friend Yves Cloots ( 281-630-8593// email ycloots@gmail.com) for additional information.
Being Charged $2000 for bed bugs | Case#**-*907
Lebanon,
Missouri -
65536
I just reported that we may have bed bugs. After our conversations, the Apartment Manager (as well as district manager) insisted that, should they find bed bugs tomorrow morning at 8AM (that 8/30/2011 at 8AM), that we'll be responsible for all cost for extermination, which is likely around $2000 for heat treatment.
After questioning the district manager (by phone) about our responsibility to assume the cost of the extermination, she responded, "that falls under the 'property damages' clause in your lease." And because we've reported the issue, we have choice whether to proceed with extermination. Her bottom line was: if they find bed bugs, they will exterminate, and we'll be responsible. Also, should we refuse to pay and move out, she'll report the cost to collections and it will appear on our credit report.
Changed Locks, Impersonating A Hinds County Deputy Sheriff, No Contract | Case#**-*551
Jackson,
Mississippi -
39206
(1st Judge Ordered Case Dismissed because property manager was operating as a licensed attorney and does not and did not have a legal contract with me (2nd Judge Ordered Property Manager to allow time to move, property manager changed locks before deadline. Property manager has maintained $3000 worth of tables and chair. Property manager was in a Hinds County Sheriff Uniform as I confronted him about my property and he took the property and locked it in his venue. 911 was called to verify my complaint but the officer said I only had from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm to move even though I presented her with the paperwork that stated otherwise.
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.
