When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

In some cases, negotiating with a Stone Oak property manager is complicated. Unsatisfying repairs, raising rent, and more can upset a tenant. Some hiccups are inevitable. But, when minor concerns escalate into outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. If your landlord breaks the law, which is unusual, you must learn what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel that you’re down to the last resort, you could report them to the health department or housing authority. This blog post will list examples of when reporting your landlord is required 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 should be clear from health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord does not fulfill 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 concerned. Instances 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 maintained correctly. For instance, leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.

If you are unsure whether your landlord is violating the law, you can always refer to your local Landlord/Tenant Laws, health department, or housing authority to ask. They will be able to inform you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are numerous situations why you should consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been talking with them to make repairs for months, and they still haven’t touched anything. Or perhaps you’re anxious about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, keep in mind that there are government departments that are ready to assist you.

Some frequent reasons to report your landlord are:

• Risky 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 some examples. If you’re wondering whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to figure it out.

How to Report Your Landlord

If you want 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. Photos, witness statements, and any other documentation can be used. After that, you must file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if appropriate.

You can also file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is not common, but it may be necessary if the health department or housing authority is unable to provide help.

Reporting your landlord might be challenging, but it’s important to realize that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord does not give you a safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the support of your local health department or housing authority, you can guarantee that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.

One of the best ways to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Campanas, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and passion for maintaining safe and comfortable Stone Oak homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be honored to help you locate a safe and affordable place to call home.