Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
A Thousand Bites - A Breach Of Implied Warranty Of Habitability. | Case#**-*709 I have never encountered bed bugs until summer/fall of 2013. I reported this issue right away to The Apartment Group the previous owners who I have gladly paid rent to for the last 4yrs. After returning home from work I witnessed approximately 18 mattresses out side at the apartment dumpster. I began inquiring and learned that the building was under an epidemic of bed bugs. In the very near future, a couple weeks later my son Rafi had over 200 bites all over his chest and legs which I snaped pictures of and sought medical attention. I too threw out my sofa, beds, pillows and all blankets. I was perplexed, the Apartment Group assured me the entire building was going under extermination. They came out but not for the bed bugs, instead they sprayed for roaches and layed traps for mice. After, calling back to the office I was told that the maintenance man can bring buy a couple of cans of bed bug spray but that was all they could do. So I took that and funded the rest of the supplies myself, including mattresses, new blankets and pillows. Fast Foward: a year later I have been fighting them with cleanliness, alcohol in a spray bottle, and bed bug spray from Rite Aide and needless to say A Thousand Bites later I have not had a peaceful nights rest yet. I am terrified when I close my eyes. I sleep for fifteen minutes at a time but then I'm back up looking and scratching uncontrollably, this is hell. I am forced to move. The New Management team Broder &Sachse has taken over the property the first of the year and they did walk throughs and inspections 1/8/2014 in which I exclaimed to have bed bugs I was told they would send inspectors out to access and/or exterminate, they were here yesterday 2/19/14 for the first time but again here to spray for roaches, one spray behind the stove and one wipe of chemical in one cabinet and they were ready to go, I reminded them that bed bugs were here and in condesending disbelief he bothered to take a closer look, and low and behold there they were. Although he was amp to get heat treatments scheduled in the next week or two, I have just had enough. This entire building is contaminated. I have big cracks along the seam of my walls and ceilings a leaky toilet floor board heaters that kick out a lot of soot which creates upper resportory issues old carpet and my front door that sits at least 1/4 inch of the floor, hall way carpet that is mildewed. I would like to see State Board inspectors out here.
So Much Noises | Case#**-*636
New Castle,
Pennsylvania -
16105
I want my landlord and I solve the problem about the noises issue. If not, then I want to put her on warrant for her arrest because of no cooperation and shej\'s breaking the violations against me and the neighbors.
I have a problem with my landlord that she turns up the music and the vibration so high almost 24 hours but on and off since October, 2015. I end up going to the hospital for several times because of her. I have a very bad anxiety and panic attacks problem. I love to keep everything quiet. I have nothing against her or anything wrong against her since I moved in last March, 2014. We were just fine for each other till last October which I do NOT understand at all because I am her a very good tenant for almost 2 years.
I called the police for a few times but one of them didn\'t do anything about it till the cop came here and I was told that if I call the police again 1 more time, then he will fine me of $300 dollars the citation for no reason. I feel so HELPLESS and want her to stop making so much noises almost everyday. I am getting very frustrated, tired, (lack of sleep and eat) for a few weeks till now. My blood pressure goes up real high. I want the problem to be solved ASAP!
False/Wrongful Eviction, Undisclosed Bed Bug Infestation | Case#**-*417
Ocean Grove,
New Jersey -
07756
The most serious of my problems is that earlier this year I was wrongfully evicted. In March I came home to an eviction notice on my door stating that I had to move because of non-payment of rent, even though I had never paid my rent late. I called Eric Perl, the owner of the property management company as well as the attorney who filed the eviction and explained that this was a mistake, that I’ve always paid my rent on time if not early and that I had proof of this as I had copies of all of the cashed checks from the bank as well as the actual bank statements showing when the checks were cashed. I was told my rent checks were being applied to another account (although I now believe the property manager at the time, Derek Toresco, was stealing my rent as he had done to other tenants) but they said not to worry and that the matter would be resolved immediately, and was assured that it would not affect my credit. I received a letter from Mr. Perl stating that it was an error and would be dismissed, as well as a copy of a letter that my landlord’s attorney sent to the courts telling them that the eviction was filed in error, that I was never behind in my payments, and to dismiss the case. I believed this was resolved until now. My lease is ending soon and I’ve been trying to find a new apartment but no one will rent to me because apparently the case was never dismissed and I now have an eviction judgment on my credit report for not paying rent. In the year that I’ve been here I’ve never paid my rent late even once and I have proof of that as well as a letter from my landlord’s attorney stating the same. I’ve worked very hard to build good credit and haven’t made a single late payment on ANYTHING in several years, and through no fault of my own I now have a judgment on my credit and can’t find a place to live.
Repair Issues, Breach Of Agreement, Over Charging On Rent For Paid Items | Case#**-*485
Peachtree Corners ,
Georgia -
30092
Corners at Holcolmb Bridge Apartments. . The prevailing situations have forced me to sound my grievances on the apartment community due to poor living conditions, lack of service. I have had to be without plumbing for the last two weeks. Work orders have been written to have the work completed and nothing was done. Manager at community Chas promised that work was completed and nothing. The grounds are dirty with dog droppings and garbage overflows from bins constantly. No one cleans it up. Poor lighting in parking lots, which causes a safety issue. Lights have been out for over a year. Mailboxes have been vandalized and broken into where we were not able to retrieve our mail at one point and now it is still broken and patched. The lighting over the mailbox has been out for several weeks after many complaints. Office staff does not put in your service requests when asked. No one picks up the phone often times and you have to go to the office to get anything done. The property manager makes many promises that she does not carry out and apologies that is of no prevail. The buildings have been vandalized by gang tags and when brought to managements attention, they took months to just cover it over with paint. No use of the amenities for over a year due to construction of property even though we pay for these things, like laundry service, pet stations, tennis court and pool area. All these amenities were available when we signed out lease contract and are out of order for over a year and we are still charged. Many unrestricted breeds are allowed in apartments which is a violation of lease contract. Many animals out on property roaming around. Children playing in the streets without any supervision and cars speed through community which is unsafe and there are no speed bumps. Gun shots fire many nights through the community and many noise violations were police has had to be called out several times. When you contact the corporate office and leave messages, no one responds. If you contact the Regional Manager they send you back to the community manager who was unable to assist you in the first place. If you bring your concerns to them to get things fixed or resolved to much they will advise you to terminate your lease and ask you to move out. I have records of the past year with email communication with management about the many unresolved issues regarding community and maintenance issues not being completed.
Roach Problem for Months | Case#**-*773
AURORA,
CO -
80012 6417
This is part of a letter I sent to Maxx Properties in late May 2013 - For the last 5 months I have had a roach problem. When I first move in that building, it was not quite filled up yet; they renovated it due to a fire. Now I have roaches in my kitchen and bathroom. I have asked them to spray of them several times and they have come to spray but it is not doing me any good. I am a very clean person and I do not want to live in filth. I think they need to do that whole building at once to take care of the problem.
I have been complaining about the roaches several times before my written complaint. It has been since May of my written complaint I still have had a roach problem and it is still not taken care of and it is getting worse. The Wentworth Apartments has had 2 inspections since then and the latest was Aug 5th 2013. Then on Aug 7th 2013 they left another note on my door saying they were going to send their people to spray the building again. I have bombed my apartment twice since my written complaint then and they have sprayed my apartment at least once a month and these nasty roaches are still there. I am totally scared of bugs and have been so stress out. I do not cook in my kitchen anymore and I hate going home. I have been told by Valerie Munoz the Manager of Wentworth Apartment that she has been told by maintenance, my apartment is very clean. I am not a nasty person and I hate filth. I have lived up to my part in paying my rent and I think it is only fair that Maxx properties live up to theirs. Currently my lease is up in March 2014. I cannot live in this apartment anymore and my only wish is to be released from my lease with at least 30 days to find another place to live. Can someone please HELP!
Thanking you in advance
Linda Perry
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*985
PASADENA,
CA -
91106 3663
I moved out of the property on May 7, 2018. I was told at the time by Richard Morrison that my refund would be sent quickly. I send an instant message to Mr. Morrison on June 5th, June 8th, after sending prior email, and asked if the check was mailed. I was told that I would have the check early \"this coming week. I\'ll see to it myself.\" I followed up on June 18th, advised my new address again and advised that I would be submitting a complain. I followed up with another email today (July 7th) along with a voice mail to which I have not received a response.
Deposit Withheld | Case#**-*902
CHINO HILLS,
CA -
91709 2793
Moved out of apartment, with 30 day notice, on Friday 09/11/2020. Apartment was cleaned and damage fee upon move out. The Reserve at Chino Hills management refuses to return paid deposit of 99.00 dollars stating via email, that management hires a cleaning company to clean apartment dwellings, upon move out, even though apartment was thoroughly cleaned. Furthermore, letter stating why deposit was with withheld, was not provided upon 21 days of move out of residence, as per State of California Civil Code 1950.5.
Termination of Lease Due to Bed Bugs Infestation | Case#**-*265
Hackensack,
New Jersey -
07601
Please be advised that this serves as my formal notice to terminate my lease at the above referenced Premises. On or about January 22, 2013, I notified the management office at (201) 567-1221 regarding an issue I had concerning sightings of bed bugs. I was advised by the woman who answered the phone to “catch one of the bugs and put it in a ziploc bag.” I was flabbergasted by this suggestion, as this was not the response I was expecting. After making subsequent phone calls and leaving messages, I was now frustrated and asked a family member to ‘catch’ one of these bugs. Not only that he caught one bug, but five (5) and left it on the counter as per their instructions.On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, I spoke with Mr. Harold Knebel, who informed me that someone will be by to inspect the apartment. Subsequently, after a follow-up phone call, management notified me that they will have an exterminator there on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 to treat the problem.Since my initial calls went unanswered, I have not resided (slept, showered, dressed, eaten) in my apartment, as I am in constant fear of being bitten by these bugs. I refuse to wear the clothing in my apartment and have either had to borrow from my sisters, or purchase new items as the number of bugs seems to be increasing. I have developed a sense of paranoia as I constantly scratch (either from real or imagined bites or itches) and shake my clothing out. I refused to live like that.Bed bugs are classified as parasites, so unlike other infestations, they present a breach of habitability than other bugs. Renting out an apartment “knowingly” infested by bed bugs is a definite breach of the implied habitability, usually warranted by landlords in providing a safe and livable unit. I have been made aware of two (2) other apartments within the building, with the same infestation. One tenant moved out on Saturday, February 23, 2013. During one of my numerous telephone conversations with the woman at the office, I was told that management was aware of the problem as they’ve had complaints from other tenants. In lieu of the foregoing, I have decided to terminate my lease and demand the return of security deposit in the sum of $1,897.50 as well as fees including, but not limited to my bed (valued at $1,470.83), travel costs to and from my Mother’s house in the Bronx ($250), the cost of filing a RPA report of approximately $57, and $2,500 for pain & suffering.
Breach of Tenants rights. | Case#**-*363
San Francisco,
California -
94118
First warning I had of this Landlords inconsistent ways was when I signed the lease for a furnished room in a three bedroom apartment, and she said that there would be a tv with cable in my room within 2 weeks. Well, that never happened. And when she said it was not going to happen, yet I was still going to pay all utilities for a TV and cable that would only be available for 1 of the 3 tenants, I told her she was being dishonest and lying and it was against the law. Since I have a month-to -month lease she told me "You can always move out".
The second and biggest issue I have had is that she has enters the apartment with her own key unannounced, does not even knock at the door! She is often dropping things off like a night light for the hall, or a rug for the bathroom. But 2 times she has knocked on my bedroom door, once when I was sleeping to get in the room to check something out. These happen at inappropriate times (10pm at night) and she should ALWAYS forewarn us with a notification of entering the apartment ANYTIME she plans to do maintenance or drop anything off inside the apartment. I have asked her to please not ener the apartment or our rooms ever again with out notifying us in some way, she always nods and says ok with a smile....and then does it the following week. This happens about 2-3 times a month.
An updated heating system was placed recently and she dropped off the notification letter around 5pm the night before they started the work....so that would be less than 24 hours, and the workers were in the apartment for(going on) 3 weeks. They smoke in the building, leave the building's front (should be shut and locked ) door open and leaves our apartment door WIDE OPEN all day while working! They dont even shut it! She should be on top of this stuff. Anyone can walk in off the street in into our rooms with our belongings.
Overall, she is unprofessional. I have told her these things face to face and said that they were illegal and that I would report her. So here I am.
landlords violated state law about security deposits | Case#**-*890
mount horeb,
Wisconsin -
53572
Landlords requested a full month and a half month security deposit upon rental agreement. Landlords had a clause in the lease stateing that after one year, the lease would auto -matically roll over to a 30 day lease. Landlords requested the Dingmans, as tenants of three years, to move out two weeks before Christmas time in 2011, without reason. The landlords provided 30 notice as per the clause in the lease. Landlord Renata Lee refused to do a walk thru of the apartment or to discuss the security deposit on the day of move out. When asked to speak with her husband ( the other landlord) , she said he was unavailable and would call Mr Dingman the following day to set up a walk thru. The following day after recieving no phone call, Mr Eric Dingman attempted to contact the landlords again at thier home, which was located in the apartment on the upper level of the same rental duplex unit. There was a "for rent" sign on the porch for the unit that Dingmans moved out of the day before, even tho a walk thrue still had not been completed . Mr Dingman atempted to reach them by knocking on thier door. No person ever answered the door. Mr Dingman made another attempt the second day and the same thing was the case. No one answered the door. A walk thru was never completed. It has been over six months and the landlords have still not called to scedual the walk thru and have not returned any of the month and a half security deposit they aquired when lease was signed. As per the law in the state of Wisconsin, a landlord must return the deposit within a 30 day time period or provide written reason and proof why that did not happen, or they are subject to pay the deposit amount x2. Tenants are requesting that amount returned to them.
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.
