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When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

Troy Property Manager Confronting a TenantNegotiating with a Troy property manager can be stressful at times. Overpriced repairs, raising rent, and other factors can provoke a tenant. Some hiccups are natural. Yet, once small mistakes start to become outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. In the likelihood that a landlord breaks the law, you should know what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel you’re down to the last resort, one decision 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 suggests that the property must be devoid of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord does not respect 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. Instances of health and safety violations include lead paint, mold, asbestos, lack of heat, and lack of hot water.
  • A housing quality complaint is filed when the property is not properly maintained. This may involve 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 will be able to let you know what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are dozens of reasons why you must consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been requesting them to make repairs for months, but they have yet to take action. Or you may be anxious about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, know that there are government departments qualified to assist you.

Some usual 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, such as heat or hot water

These are just a few examples. If you’re confused about whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to inquire.

How to Report Your Landlord

If you want to file a complaint against your landlord, there are a couple of things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to look for evidence of the violation. This can include photos, witness statements, and any other documentation that you possess. Second, you’ll need to file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if applicable.

Additionally, you can file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. In case the health department or housing authority cannot assist you, this may be necessary.

Reporting your landlord can be intimidating, but it’s critical to understand that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord does not offer 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 ensure that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.

One of the best tactics to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Silverstone, we pride ourselves on our high-quality customer service and commitment to maintaining safe and comfortable Troy homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be pleased to help you acquire 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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