Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Unethical Retaliation | Case#**-*367 Was not told about the property having a flea and stray cat problem when moving in. Due to this my companion animal caught fleas almost impossible to get rid of them now because of the cat problem in the apartment complex. Iv'e spent so much money just to try and control them in my apartment, the cycle repeats it self because they refuse to take care of the outside problems. Also I feel discriminated against because I have a companion animal that exceeds weight and breed restrictions and I asked for reasonable accommodation. I was denied and given a 3 day notice. after weeks of looking for help and trying to contact the owners of the property agencies began to call and inquire about this this on my behalf they left us alone and said they would not renew our lease when it was up. Why? I can only guess. had no problems or complaints from anyone it was predetermined because that was the only way around my companion animal living with me in my apartment. I can't afford this and I would never have moved here if I knew it was a three month lease
Bed Bugs , My Second Parking Was Never Given To Me, Dogs Barking After Hour | Case#**-*044
SAN DIEGO,
CA -
92105 1510
I moved here in May of 2015. They advertised 2 parking space for a 2 bedroom. when I moved, Zaida (manager) said that that is only when you get a second car. I said Ok. when i got ready to have a second car for work(Uber), the assistant manager (MIKE) made excuses and told me that they are taking a parking inventory and i should wait a month. Zaida was not longer in this office. After multitple visits over the past 3 years, Mike told me they don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t have it. He said if I leave my car in my current space #109 for over 3 days it will be towed. I asked him, what if i am go vacation and he said that i need to inform the office every time i go on vacation. I asked him if he can put that in writing and he did not.
On 7-15-2018 Sunday night, I found a bed bug on my mattress. On 7-16-18 first thing in the morning, I took 4 bugs to the office and gave it to Mike. I asked him if he can call pest control company right now to have them come over today. He said he can not because it is hard to book them and they have been waiting for an appointment over a week for other units. He said I can put your unit on the list for 7-17-18 visit along with others. I said Ok. On 7-17-18 the maintenance (Armando) and the inspector came in. They went through my apartment thoroughly including closets and the back of paintings. They found nothing except those bedbugs In&on my master bedroom\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s mattress. The inspector said that my apartment is very clean; I said yes because I clean all the time and also have maid service do a deep clean once a month due to my bad back. Then she said that I need to take the bed apart and get ready for Heat treatment, which she explained the process thoroughly. I agreed. I took the bed apart and encased the mattress&box spring. She took pictures of my apt. including an 8oz bottle of diatomaceous earth. I explained that i have my receipt, I bought it last night on 7-16-18 Monday evening. I only spread a little diatomaceous earth around my temp. bed in the second bedroom so i can sleep. I did not use the fumigation which I bought and returned it. I asked Blair to call or e-mail me regarding the Heat treatment date but she never did. I went to the office multiple times on 18th&19th Blair said she can\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t reach them. Blair said: No heat treatment because I have been self treating. I pulled out the return receipt from my wallet and she made copies. still no answer and they are trying pend it on me. The building has a major bed bug problem.
Illegal Towing | Case#**-*414 My car was towed on 01/06/15. My lease expired on 12/31/14. C.A.R.S who is the tow company states that someone in the office confirmed that my lease was up on 12/13/14 however it was clearly on my tagg that it expired on 12/31/14. I spoke with the Ass't Manager on 01/05/15 and he said that he had the lease all ready for me to sign. Just don't understand how my car could be towed in my own parking space with a yellow tag which expired on 12/31/14. Due to the holidays I could not come to the office on 01/01/15. However as residents we should be told that if the lease is not signed this may result to a tow which cost 293.00. When speaking w Lori she was really not concerned and she said that my lease was up on 12/13/14 which was incorrect. This is not right. The apartments made a very big mistake and I towed the car., I have a message from the ass't manager stating it was ok for me to come in the office on 01/06/15 he never mentioned towing or anything..however on my way to the office they towed my car. I had my visit tag up. although I was in my mother's car due to my car being in the shop. I still had a vistor tag in the window which was there when the car was towed. The Office has acknowledge that a refund would not be given. I've submitted my 60 day notice..
BED BUGS AND NOISY NUMBERS | Case#**-*181
PHOENIX,
Arizona -
85008
WE HAVE HAD BED BUGS SINCE MARCH 2 MONTHS AFTER MOVING IN. THEY HAVE SPRAYED MULTIPLE TIMES AND CLEARED OUR HOUSE MULITPLE TIMES BUT WE ARE STILL GETTING BIT. WE ASKED ABOUT OTHER SOLUTIONS AND THEY SAID THAT ALL THEY OFFER FOR NO CHARGE IS SPRAYING AND ANYTHING ELSE WOULD BE AT OUR EXPENSE. I AM ALLERGIC TO THE BITES AND THEY ARE CAUSING NO SLEEP AND MAJOR ANXIETY FOR US. WE HAVE NO BED AND ARE ON THE FLOORS AND LIVING OUT OF RUBBER MAID TUBS FOR FEAR THAT THEY WILL GET IN THE CLOTHES. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AS WELL AS ALL THE BITES. WE HAVE SPOKE WITH THE PROPERTY MANAGERS (WEILDER) BUT THEIR RESPONSE WAS THE SAME . THEY SENT SOME TO COME AND SPRAY AGAIN. WITH NO LUCK. ALSO WE HAVE COMPLAINED MULTIPLE TIMES ABOUT THE UPSTAIRS NEIGHBORS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THAT. OUR BIGGEST CONCERN ARE THE BUGS BECAUSE WE ARE ALLERGIC TO THE BITES AND THEY ARE CAUSING SEVERE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT NOT TO MENTION SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*628
Lake Charles,
Louisiana -
70605
Two tenants on the lease agreement. The lease agreement has ended and one of the previous tenants has decided to renew but the Landlord will not return the deposit from the previous lease agreement.
Repair Issue | Case#**-*741
SACRAMENTO,
CA -
95838 3508
I complain many times for many months that the heater doesnt work, The plumbing needs fixing issues in the bathroom kitchen theres a molding smell in the house. Rats are in the house. Ive never recieved a receipt of any types of rent payment Gillmore comes to my house to pick up the rent from me nd says he will bring the receipt later. Someone broke the windows in the back and i told Gillmore about it and he hasnt came to fix them. Im still waiting to sign a lease agreement.
Violation Of 1950.5(g)(1) | Case#**-*546
LONG BEACH,
CA -
90803 2913
Owner/Landlord is intentionally holding the security deposit and reimbursement of rent from the last month of tenancy past 21 days from tenant move-out date.
Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*653
LINCOLN,
NE -
68526 9731
Maintenance entered apartment to complete a work order over a month old, no notification. Office said next time to put that on maintenance request, it was over a month ago.
Erroneous/Invalid charges refusal to refund entire security deposit | Case#**-*600
NEW HAVEN,
0 -
46774 9203
The resident manager of Cameron Court Apartments has failed to refund my entire security deposit and additionally is attempting to charge me falsely for the replacement of carpet in the amount of $1,398.02 for pet damage. I have previously paid $300.00 in pet deposits and paid an additional $40.00 per month for my pets. In addition the resident manager has failed to provide me any receipts, cleaning estimates, or any information relative to the cleaning or replacement of the said carpet.
Additionally this unit was inspected on two occasions most recently in February of 2011 where no damage to carpet was noted. The resident manager is attempting to make me responsible for "normal wear and tear" and replacement of carpet which was in unsatisfactory condition with markings prior to my tenancy.
security deposit - charge me false about damages made to the apt. | Case#**-*665
LOMA LINDA,
CA -
92354 2350
list of damages done to the apt are not true.
the manager of the apt and i walk thru the whole apt with an inspection and i told her i painted the apt and clean up..she agreed and she say the garage deposal damage ( it is not, because it is the way we moved in)...she not once mention how dirty the apt is and how what need to be fix up...the living room/dining room she told me that i am not responsible for th water damage on the floor...
i told her last year i have reported about the damage tile in the living room/dining room and no one has fix it.
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.
