When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

Talking with an Alameda property manager can be frustrating sometimes. Unsatisfied repairs, raising rent, and other issues can upset a tenant. Some hiccups are natural. Yet, once minor mistakes begin to become outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. In the rare situation that a landlord breaks the law, you need to determine what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel you’re down to the last resort, one choice is to report them to the health department or housing authority. This blog post will list examples of when reporting your landlord is desirable 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 must be clear from health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord fails to 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 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 maintained as it should be. This may include leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.

If you have any doubts about 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 willing to tell you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are several instances of why you must consider reporting your landlord. For example, perhaps you’ve been requesting them to make repairs for months, but they haven’t done anything. Or you may be concerned about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, understand that there are government departments that can help you.

The following common reasons to report your landlord include:

• Dangerous 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 are going to file a complaint against your landlord, there are a couple of things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to gather evidence of the violation. Examples of this are photos, witness statements, and any other documentation. After 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 necessary.

Moreover, you can file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is uncommon, but it may be necessary if the health department or housing authority cannot help you.

Reporting your landlord can be daunting, but it’s vital to recognize that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord fails to provide you safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the guidance of your local health department or housing authority, you can ensure that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.

One of the most effective ways to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Pacific, we pride ourselves on our first-class customer service and commitment to maintaining safe and comfortable Alameda homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be pleased to help you identify a safe and affordable place to call home.