Tenants are not responsible for major repairs when renting a home.Not all landlords are created equal.It is important that you know how to make a complaint about a landlord to the relevant governmental authority if there is a problem with your rental property.
Step 1: Information should be gathered.
If you have a problem with your rented housing, the first thing you should do is to contact your landlord or building manager.If this approach fails, you should contact your local city/county government and ask for their help in resolving your issue.You will need to gather all the information you will use to make the complaint.The information should include your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address.You can get the same information for your landlord.A detailed description of your complaint, including the exact nature of the problem, any pictures you have taken to showcase it, and all relevant dates are included.A copy of your lease, any applicable bills, and copies of all communication between you and your landlord are required.
Step 2: Where to file your complaint is up to you.
You should file a complaint with your local government.This could be with the government of the town in which you live, or in the county of which that town is a part.Start by conducting an internet search for "city/county of your city/> landlord complaint," or a similar phrase.To find the right page for your city/county, look for government websites that end in.gov.Some cities allow for online complaints to be submitted.You can use the telephone number provided by others to submit your complaint.
Step 3: You can draft your complaint.
You will most likely use a form to submit your complaint.You will give the information you gathered on the form.You will be able to provide a detailed description of your complaint.Use a positive, non-accusatory tone whenever possible, when filling out the portion of the form where you detail your complaint.The local government will be conducting an investigation.You don't want to insult your landlord by demanding a resolution.Try not to editorialize and stick to the facts.Explain the issues in a clear and concise way.Many forms have a word limit.Don't include unrelated issues when detailing your problem, but include all relevant information that illustrates the problem you are having.When in doubt, keep your complaint short and simple.Explain how your landlord could fix the problem.
Step 4: If your city/county has any information, write it down.
You will be assigned a number that the city/county will use to identify and track your case after you file a complaint.The same function is provided by this number, which is to provide you a way to follow up on your case as it is investigated.If you want to reference this number later, you need to write it down and keep it in your records.
Step 5: Continue with your complaint.
The process by which your city/county tries to resolve your issue will vary based on the city.The city/county can try to get in touch with your landlord or building manager to work out a solution.The city/county can send a housing inspector to your property to look into your complaint.After some time has passed since your initial complaint, the city/county may contact you to see if your issue has been resolved.Let the person who contacted you know if it has been corrected or not.The city/county can refer your case to other government agencies.
Step 6: All records to be kept.
You should keep all records and correspondence between you and your landlord, your local government, and any other documents you receive pertaining to your dispute during this process.You may have to take additional steps to correct the problem if the city/county does not resolve your issue in a satisfactory manner.Making sure your records are safe will make your case stronger in the future.
Step 7: Determine where to file your complaint.
If you have already tried resolving your issue with your landlord by contacting them directly, you should submit your complaint to a state governmental agency.Depending on your state, it will either be the Attorney General's Office or the department of consumer affairs/consumer protection.To find the state agency that can help you with your landlord complaint, conduct an internet search.To find the appropriate page for your state's agency tasked with resolving landlord–tenant problems, look for government websites that end in.gov.Not all state agencies can act directly to solve your issue, but they will at least provide helpful resources you can use to resolve your problem.
Step 8: You can draft your complaint.
You will most likely be using a form to submit your complaint.You will provide the information you gathered on the form.You can provide a detailed description of your complaint.Use a positive, non-accusatory tone whenever possible when filling out the portion of the form where you detail your complaint.The state government will be impartial during its investigation.You don't want to insult your landlord by demanding a resolution.Try not to editorialize and stick to the facts.Explain the issues in a way that is clear and concise.There is a word limit on many forms.Don't include unrelated issues when detailing your problem, but include all relevant information that shows the problem you are having.When in doubt, keep your complaint short and simple.Explain how your landlord can fix the problem.
Step 9: You can file your complaint.
Some state agencies allow for online submission of complaints, others provide a telephone number you can use to make your complaint, and still others require you to complete and mail in a form.Similar to your local government, you will need to give the agency your name and contact information.The name and contact information of the person you are against.There is information for the housing.A description of the problem.You have taken steps to resolve the dispute.It is necessary for you to feel that your complaint is solved.
Step 10: Continue with your complaint.
Depending on the state, the process by which the agency conducts its investigation and attempts to resolve your issue will be different.You should expect some or all of the following actions from the agency.An investigation may be conducted by the agency.You and your landlord may be referred to mediation by the agency.The agency can try to work out a solution with your landlord or building manager.After some time has passed since your initial complaint, the agency may contact you to see if your issue has been solved.Let the person who contacted you know if it has been corrected or not.
Step 11: All records to be kept.
You should keep all records and correspondence between you and your landlord, as well as any other documents or forms you receive pertaining to your dispute, during this process.If your complaint stays unresolved, you may need this information later.
Step 12: Hold the rent.
If your landlord or building manager won't make a vital repair or correct an ongoing issue with your rental property, you can consider withholding some or all of your rent.You should be aware that each state's landlord–tenant laws are different, and that you must meet certain requirements if you want to stay.Rent can be legally withheld based on that law.If this is a possibility for you, you can conduct an internet search for landlord tenant law.Legal databases give an overview of each state's landlord–tenant law.If you don't know if you can legally deduct rent in your situation, contact an experienced attorney and ask for his or her advice.This is the best way to make sure you are following your legal obligations.
Step 13: If you want to deduct the cost from your rent, make the repairs yourself.
If you want to deduct the cost of repairs from your rent, you can either make them yourself or have them done by a professional.You should be sure that your state's laws allow for this.If you want to get advice on this matter, you should contact a local attorney.
Step 14: Move out.
If the problem isn't solved, you can consider ending your lease and moving out.Wait until your lease expires and then move out.You should consider the benefits of ending your lease early instead of relocating to a place that does not have the problem you are currently experiencing.Before you make a decision like this, be sure to read the terms of your lease.If the lease is terminated early, the renter will have to pay a penalty or give up a security deposit.If the language in the contract is difficult to understand, try contacting an attorney.If you tell the attorney the exact nature of the problem forcing you to consider breaking your lease, he or she will be able to give you the best advice.
Step 15: Take legal action.
Depending on the nature of your issue with your landlord, you can take him or her to court.Your state's laws will determine what legal rights and remedies you have access to.If you want to take this action, it's best to talk with an experienced lawyer who can recommend the best course of action for you.