I moved into this great place about six months ago. it's in an old, brick building built back in the 20s. I moved into the place because of it's old-timey looks, and the building has soooo much potential, but the landlords are real slums.
I had only one real problem when I moved in: The shower wouldn't stop leaking. After three weeks of calling the landlords every other day, I finally offered to get it fixed myself, which was thankfully deducted from my rent.
Since then, I've:
1) Recieved a fake eviction notice because their office manager stole their money instead of depositing it as paid rent (they only deal in cash or money orders)...I got that cleared up with receipts I've kept.
2) Got a letter from them telling me that if i didn't remove some of the items from my balcony (I'm on the first floor, mind you), that I'd be fined $100. A phone call fixed that problem.
3) Noticed that they never installed a smoke detector in this place.
What agency do I call to report them?
2006-12-04 10:38:46 · 8 answers · asked by randomthoughtpatterns 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Also:
4) My upstairs neighbors just moved out because the landlords never fixed their stove or their heater, instead telling them to do it themselves and take it off of their rent. They also had to pay a locksmith to get a key to their deadbolt.
5) The vacant apartment next to me has been unlocked for months, and though I've informed them about it and tried to lock it myself (kinda hard without a doorknob lock or a key), they've done nothing.
This place could be top-notch if just a little more care went into it. All it would take are some new fixtures, new doors and windows, and a property manager who gave a rat's ***.
Is there any way to report these violations without risking being evicted (I won't be able to afford to move until at least July)? I don't wanna rock the boat if it means I'd be kicked out.
Are there any investment groups that would be up to the task helping me buy the property and help fix it up? My credit's horrible right now, but I hate to see this go to waste.
2006-12-04 10:49:18 · update #1
It seems like I got the best apartment out of the bunch. All of my serious problems stem from my landlord and his shady business practices. Getting things fixed on my own hasn't been a hassle as long as I get to take it off my rent. The point is, this crap really should be taken care of FOR me, not BY me.
I'm just worried that if I report them, that I'd lose this place. If they try one more sh--ty trick, I'm gonna have to report them. However, if everything goes smooth until July when I can afford to move out, then I will and sic every government agency I can at them.
2006-12-04 10:57:30 · update #2
Your local code enforcement agency (city or county). They can advise you, inspect your apartment and fine landlords for having apartments not up to code. I would ask them for further advice on how to handle issues they don't cover. If it comes down to it, get an attorney, get out of the lease and write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper making sure that all of your complaints can be documented to protect you from a libel suit. Good luck!
2006-12-04 10:49:34 · answer #1 · answered by Lou Dogg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Local Town Hall ask 2 Talk with the Building Inspector
2006-12-04 18:49:16 · answer #2 · answered by sugarbdp1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live. Here in Houston we have an apartment protection service. If you don't have that in your area, send a letter to your mayor. The local news can often clear up something like that. Once they are on TV they will clean up there act. I am having promblems with the managers in my apartment. And the apartment is crappy.
2006-12-04 18:43:03 · answer #3 · answered by Kaleb T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure that you REALLY want to report them? Are you willing to lose the apartment in the event that the authorities condemn the building or shut the landlord down?
2006-12-04 18:42:05 · answer #4 · answered by Joe K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your right, they probally should fix the problem when you have one. But, if they have no problem with you getting it fixed and deducting it from the rent, then I have to say you don't have much of a problem. A lot of landlords would not even let you do that.
2006-12-05 01:12:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact your fair housing authority every state has one and every landlord knows about them because the have to apply to their rules. it will fix alot also the health department works to
2006-12-05 06:44:43 · answer #6 · answered by gretchen l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What exactly do you want to report them on?
2006-12-05 15:33:33 · answer #7 · answered by LILL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you aint happy, Move!
2006-12-04 18:41:06 · answer #8 · answered by tbear 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋