Sometimes it can be challenging to communicate with a property manager. A tenant may become irate over improper repairs, raising rent, and so on. Some hiccups are natural. Yet, when minor issues transform into outright injustices that violate your rights, you might wonder what you can do. In the uncommon case that a landlord breaks the law, you need to be aware of what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel that you’re down to the last resort, one possibility is to report them to the health department or housing authority. This blog post will list examples of when reporting your landlord is advisable and how to do so.
Landlord Responsibilities
All landlords are responsible for providing their tenants with safe and habitable housing. This indicates that the property must be clear from health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord doesn’t follow these standards, you may have grounds to file a complaint.
There are two types of complaints that you can file against your landlord:
- A health and safety complaint is filed when the property is not up to code or if health hazards exist. Examples of health and safety violations are lead paint, mold, asbestos, lack of heat, and lack of hot water.
- A housing quality complaint is filed when the property is not well maintained. This may include leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.
You can always refer to your local Landlord/Tenant Laws, health department, or housing authority if you are not sure whether your landlord is violating the law. They will be the ones who will tell you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.
Reasons to Report Your Landlord
There are several reasons why you might want to consider reporting your landlord. Possibly you’ve been asking them to make repairs for months, but they are ignoring you. Or you may be concerned about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, know that government departments are ready to help you.
These are a couple of common reasons to report your landlord:
- Unsafe or unhealthy conditions on the property
- Lack of repairs or maintenance
- Landlord harassment
- Illegal eviction attempts
- Failure to provide required services, such as heat or hot water
These are only a few examples. If you’re not confident whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to ask.
How to Report Your Landlord
If you’re planning to file a complaint against your landlord, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to compile evidence of the violation. This can include photos, witness statements, and any other documentation that you have. Following that, you’ll have to file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if necessary.
Furthermore, you can file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. Even though uncommon, this can be needed if the health department or housing authority is unable to help you.
Reporting your landlord can be stressful, but you need to know that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord fails to give you safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the assistance of your local health department or housing authority, you can guarantee that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.
One of the best methods to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Regions, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and dedication to maintaining safe and comfortable homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be eager to assist you in selecting a safe and affordable place to call home.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
