Sometimes it can be difficult to interact with a Theodore property manager. A tenant can be annoyed by things like inconvenient repairs, raising rent, and so on. Some hiccups are understandable. But if small problems start to become outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. If your landlord breaks the law, which doesn’t always happen, you must know 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 needed and how to do so.
Landlord Responsibilities
All landlords are responsible for providing their tenants with safe and habitable housing. This implies that the property must be clear of 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 there are health hazards existing. 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 appropriately maintained. This could mean leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.
If you are doubtful whether your landlord is violating the law, you can always refer to your local Landlord/Tenant Laws, health department, or housing authority to find out. They are 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 factors why you might want to consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been attempting to get them to make repairs for months, and they still haven’t done anything. Or maybe you’re nervous about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, remember that there are government departments that are willing to assist.
Some common reasons to report your landlord are:
- Poor 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 just a few examples. If you are not convinced whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to start questioning.
How to Report Your Landlord
If you are willing to file a complaint against your landlord, you’ll need to do a few things. First, you’ll need to produce evidence of the violation. This can include photos, witness statements, and any other documentation that you have. After 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.
You can also file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This isn’t usual, but it may be vital if the health department or housing authority cannot help you.
Reporting your landlord can be intimidating, but it’s worth remembering that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord is not granting you a safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the aid of your local health department or housing authority, you can certify that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.
One of the best strategies to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Azalea City, we pride ourselves on our brilliant customer service and devotion to maintaining safe and comfortable Theodore homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be happy to help you select 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.
