Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
Move out issue. Charging me for carpet replacement and other repair | Case#**-*653
Las Vegas,
Nevada -
89119
I was charged $2083 upon move out. $1515 for carpet replacement, $278 for countertop resurface, and $290 for vinyl replacement in bath and kitchen. I believe these charges are excessive, there was only normal wear when we left.
Uncomfortable Living Conditions | Case#**-*500
Peterborough,
New Hampshire -
03458
This landlord is never available for me to discuss issues. Last night there was noise above my basement apartment until 4am and it started again early this morning. The apartment is dark and damp, possibility of mold in the bathroom and a constantly wet bathroom floor. She promised a washer and dryer but there are none. We agreed to split the cost of oil for the summer and she went back on her word and expected $50 more than we discussed. Clothing dried outside but stays wet for days inside. The bathtub didn\'t drain and my son put a snake down to clear years of blockage and was not reimbursed for his time and effort. She disturbs us late at night with incessant chatting. She uses the internet continuously for work and we have no service which is essential for me for work as a home health nurse. She will not compromise with me and we go round and round with issues. I have agreed to stay the month but have never lived in a dwelling as cold, dark, damp and uncomfortable in my life. She knows I wanted to speak with her tonight, but refuses to come downstairs to discuss matters with me.
Bedbugs (a breach of implied warranty of habitability) | Case#**-*360
Austin,
Texas -
78723
My 4-year-old son was admitted to emergency room twice, and doctor's office three times because he had so many red spots were very itchy. We thought it was some kind of rash. However, my guests kept on saying they get itchy when they slept here at our apartment ever since we moved in last July 2012, especially in my son's room. Then I just happened to notice a bug that I did not really recognize, and researched it up. It was definitely a bedbug. So, we looked everywhere in my son's room, and found A LOT of bedbugs under his mattress (his NEW BED we bought only a couple of months ago). So, THAT was what caused my son to have a lot of bites on his body, and he had a bad allergic reaction to the bites, which caused him to itch bad and swollen ankles and wrists. After finding the bedbugs in my son's room, we checked our room, and found bedbugs under OUR mattress (which is also NEW). I also have a four-month old daughter, so I can not imagine staying another day here in this apartment, risking my children's health as well as ours. I would like for us all to be reasonable, and let us move out NOW after treatment is being done so that way we can move without bringing bedbugs along to wherever we go. This is a breach of warranty of habitability as it is not a safe livable unit as the apartment assured us.
Gas/electric Meter | Case#**-*182
MASON,
MI -
48854 1643
I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'ve asked my landlord 5 weeks ago to provide documents that the last tenants moved out and I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'m a new tenant. Need him to bring the documents to consumers so I can get my meter.
Management trying to charge tenant for removal of bed bugs | Case#**-*608
Oxford,
Pennsylvania -
19363
Bedbugs are considered a class B problem and tenants should not be held responsible for remediation. I do not feel I should be billed for the "maintenance charges".
Bed bug extermination | Case#**-*203
HUBER HEIGHTS,
OH -
45424 3401
I had made a complaint of unknown bug orgin last year, in which the apartment complex send an exterminator out to spray. I recently noticed the same bugs, so I captured one in a ziplock bag and took it to the office. The manager had someone come out and inspect my apartment. The inspector told me I had bed bugs. She went over what it would take to get rid of the bugs. The manager said that I (tentant) am responsible to incur the cost of extermination! Because I cant prove that the bugs were there when I moved in!
Unfounded Claims Against Security Deposit | Case#**-*874
VERO BEACH,
FL -
32962 6044
We attempted to pay the prorated rent for November, 2016 in the amount of $340.00 with the return of our $850 deposit upon walk through. Landlord refused walk through. Claimed fees for cleaning which were amended to the lease as unneeded. Imposed attorney fees when no attorney was needed. We\'ve be happy to pay prorated rent all along. His current attorney is unwilling to communicate with us without our own attorney.
Infestation Of Pests/Bugs | Case#**-*988 Second floor apartment is infested with roaches, silverfish, and palmetto bugs. Several neighbors having same issues. Despite a weekly visit from the pest control, bugs are still a problem. I have asked several times for management to investigate the problem deeper as they are infiltrated inside the building other than just coming from the outside. I have been told by management that "This is Florida and not where you came from (New York) and you will see bugs". I have explained to management that I don't see an occasional bug. I see bugs on a daily basis. I have a 16 month old toddler and this is a health issue. Management keeps blowing me off and telling me that I need to get used to Florida bugs. Several neighbors have come to me asking me if I have roaches. After asking other neighbors, it is becoming clear that most tenants are having the same issues.
Evicts Tenants For Unlawful Reasons To Collect Extra Rent | Case#**-*303
PORTSMOUTH,
OH -
45662 4407
James Hughes is known for every dirty rental trick that only evil landlords would do. He will do what ever he can to make a buck unlawfully.He\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s should not be allowed to have authority over anything
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.
