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When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

Rosamond Property Manager Confronting a TenantEngaging with a Rosamond property manager can be difficult on occasion. Expensive repairs, raising rent, and more can upset a tenant. Some hiccups are to be considered. Yet, after small issues begin to transform into outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. In the unlikely event that a landlord breaks the law, you should know what steps to take to protect yourself. If you think that you’re down to the last resort, one option is to report them to the health department or housing authority. This blog post will list examples of when reporting your landlord is essential and how to do so.

Landlord Responsibilities

All landlords are responsible for providing their tenants with safe and habitable housing. This signifies that the property must be devoid of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord does not adhere to 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 there are health hazards present. 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 involve 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 uncertain whether your landlord is violating the law. They will be capable of informing you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are several factors why you might want to consider reporting your landlord. Perhaps you’ve been urging them to make repairs for months, but they have yet to do so. Or you may be concerned about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, don’t forget that there are government departments that are willing to assist you.

These are some typical reasons to report your landlord:

  • Improper or unhealthy conditions on the property
  • Lack of repairs or maintenance
  • Landlord harassment
  • Illegal eviction attempts
  • Failure to provide required services, like heat or hot water

These are only a few examples. If you’re unsure 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 decide to file a complaint against your landlord, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to gather evidence of the violation. This can include photos, witness statements, and any other documentation that you have. Next, you’ll need to file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if necessary.

Moreover, you can file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is rare, but it may be required if the health department or housing authority cannot help you.

Reporting your landlord can be a stressful duty, but it’s vital to know that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord is not giving you a safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the help of your local health department or housing authority, you can guarantee that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.

One of the best approaches to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Traditions, we pride ourselves on our superior customer service and dedication to maintaining safe and comfortable Rosamond homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be pleased to support 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.

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