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When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

Pawtucket Property Manager Confronting a TenantSometimes it’s hard to work with a Pawtucket property manager. A tenant can be annoyed by things like inconvenient repairs, raising rent, and more. 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 is rare, you need to know 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 necessary and how to do so.

Landlord Responsibilities

All landlords are responsible for providing their tenants with safe and habitable housing. This means that the property should be free of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord doesn’t comply with the 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 included. Some 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 correctly maintained. This can entail leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.

If you aren’t confident whether your landlord is violating the law, you can always refer to your local Landlord/Tenant Laws, health department, or housing authority to inquire. They will be able to explain to you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are numerous factors why you might need to consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been convincing them to make repairs for months, but they still haven’t completed anything. Or maybe you’re worried about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, bear in mind that there are government departments that are willing to help you.

Some frequent reasons to report your landlord include:

  • Unsecure 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 aren’t sure whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to find out.

How to Report Your Landlord

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

You can also file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This isn’t common, but it may be required if the health department or housing authority cannot assist you.

Reporting your landlord can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord is not providing you with a safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the help of your local health department or housing authority, you can ensure that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.

One of the easiest ways to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Providence, we pride ourselves on our first-rate customer service and loyalty to maintaining safe and comfortable Pawtucket homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be grateful to help you choose 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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