Rent Problems Are Frustrating; but you're not alone: Thousands of tenants rely on RPA to solve problems
BREACH AND HARASSMENT | Case#**-*067
LITTLETON,
CO -
80128 6442
I was told my laundry would be hooked up before I moved in decided to use 2nd week in it was not. As soon as they fixed it my toilet began shooting up the plumbing couldn\\\'t shower or use the bathroom or apartment till fixed. While thinking about these issues in my covered and CHARGE garage spot the other tenants began to lie saying I\\\'m smoking pot when they have walked past both smoking cigarettes and vape and joints. I now am the only person with complaints. As well as everyone literally coming up to my car why aren\\\'t you in your apartment... ironically ones a cop and has smelled it smells of cigarettes cause I\\\'m not polluting the garage with smoke. The concierge tried telling me I stunk up the entire opposing half of the building when you can\\\'t smell anything in the garage.
Breach Of Agreement | Case#**-*117
SAN DIEGO,
CA -
92103 4378
I went to pay my rent when I noticed a charge for $759 for pest control. My unit has bedbugs and it is the landlord\\\'s responsibility to pay. I was not even made aware of this charge. Also the problem still persists and the landlord took MONTHS to finally act on the issue. I would like the charge removed from my account along with any late fees associated with rent during that time period. The landlord is notoriously difficult to get in touch with.
Mail Box | Case#**-*976
Taylors,
South Carolina -
29687
My grandparents had this apartment for 6 years and had an issue with the mail box being easily accessible the last 2. I took over the lease last year after they passed away and the problem has not been resolved. In fact when i showed Kelley the pictures of my box opened her response was \\\"Oh yeah\\\",as if it wasn\\\'t an important issue. I\\\'ve not received any of my bills for the last 2 months so i\\\'m very worried about identity fraud!
Maintenance | Case#**-*688
Atlanta,
Georgia -
30331
Maintenance hasn\\\'t come filed Dec 22 today is January 9 didn\\\'t include holiday or weekend but it\\\'s been two weeks
Deposit Problems | Case#**-*162
ORLANDO,
FL -
32803 4910
It has been four months since I vacate the premises and had not received my deposit and or response from hung or a detail list of why deposit not returned. I requested a walk through and he did not show. He has not responded to my phone calls or emails.
Charging More Money To My Account With Reason | Case#**-*361
Plano,
Texas -
75074
On the month of December they requested rental insurance proof which was given to them but when she insisted of seeing my assets on the rental insurance I gave my mom and expressed my displeasure. On the 2nd of September 2017 I signed the 12 months lease and told the lady I wasn\\\'t using the same rental insurance on file she said its okay in as much I have one its for my protection but I gave her all the necessary documents. They have been change of management and I understand that but you can\\\'t go ahead charging people\\\'s account rental insurance isn\\\'t 100$ a month is it because I\\\'m from Africa or I\\\'m black because a white lady had d same problem the day I walked in but was treated differently. When is everyone goin to be treated with respect and pride. I need my $100 back in my account and taking it to Plano court.
Ignore Refund Request, Overcharge Damage, Abuse Human Rights, Wrong Lease | Case#**-*034
CHICAGO,
IL -
60611 4842
I moved out of my apartment on Jan,28, 2018, turned in my keys and updated my current ( mail forwarding) address on Jan 29, 2018. My original rent was until Jan 31, so I should receive the refund for 3 days worth $152.42. However, I never received move out statement either through email or mail, until after I followed up several times with them. On July 17th, 2018, they refused to refund the $152.42 rent difference and gave me a statement that I need to pay for carpet replacement for $353.5, after only one day, they threatened me they will turn over the balance to account collector. They failed to provide any receipt of the actual carpet replacement. I also doubt the necessity of replacement since I believe the carpet can be cleaned to good condition without a replacement. They also didn\'t reach out to either their insurance company or my insurance company for compensation.
While I lived in Unit 2908A, there are constant extremely loud noise coming from 3008A with mega bass which makes the ceiling and wall vibrating. I couldn\'t sleep well, sometimes not even at all. My health condition went down a a lot. I asked the doorman to send people to stop them but they refused me saying there is no noise. I had to call 911 for the police to stop the resident in 3008A for the loud noise.
On March 30th, the doorman called me saying I have visitors looking for Tyro. The problem was neither my or any of the people I know is named Tyro. I immediately told the doorman I have no visitors and asked him to stop the people. However, he still sent the suspicious people up. They were lingering in my front door for a long time, which was terrifying caused extreme inconvenience to my personal life.
When I applied for Unit 2908A in Oct, 2016, I applied for the 9 month term, which is $10 higher per month than a regular 12 month lease. However, when they generated the lease, they made the term to be 12 months but used the higher rate relative to 9 months. When I pointed it out in July, 2017, they changed the term to 9 months and asked me to leave in less than 30 days. I wan\'t given notice 60 days ahead. I had to consult a lawyer to give them a phone call to stop them pushing me move out immediately. They made me sign another lease for the other 3 months.
When I moved out of Unit 1101A in Nov, 2016, they charged me carpet damage fee of $343 dollars. However, the damage was actually caused by the engineers when they were fixing the sink. They should refund me and ask insurance.
Pest Control-Bed Bugs | Case#**-*552
OKLAHOMA CITY,
OK -
73112 4021
Last week, I noticed that there were small bugs on my couch, after looking them up, I was able to consistently identify them as bed bugs. I have since thrown out my couches, but was told today by the manager Trish Williams that pest control has stated the bugs are in my mattress upstairs. I have talked with management about this issue, and note that I have not brought any new equipment or furniture into the apartment in the last few months. The manager stated that this was a tenant issue. I do not agree, I believe these bugs came from another unit. I have asked them to cover the treatment, which they are saying is $275. They believe I should cover this charge.
breach of agreement/bed bugs | Case#**-*324
phoenix,
Arizona -
85040
My unit has bed bugs, i have thrown everything i own away besides my clothes, hygiene items, dishes, food etc. my family and i cant afford new furniture, again, or the cost to terminate these critters. I believe my landlord/corporate should let us out of our lease without penalties or our credit being impacted. We have
lived here 3 years, we are great about paying rent on time with a few exceptions in 3 years. I dont feel i should pay for the bed bug termination cost but if I HAD
TO CHOOSE continue my lease or pay for bed bug extermination, i choose extermination cost.
Repair Issues | Case#**-*975 1. We put in a complaint about our AC in June in regards to it not working and nothing was ever done since June 2014 causing our bill to be high all the time.
2. We put in a complaint about our front door not working properly which has been a safety issue for us.
3. We have put in a complaint about our light in the kitchen and porch light being out which is also a safety issue for us.
4. Water damage to the carpet because they won't fix the leaking window or front door.
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.
