Negotiating with a Hanover property manager might be frustrating at times. Unsatisfying repairs, raising rent, and more can aggravate a tenant. Some hiccups are unpreventable. But, when little issues 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 have to know what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel that you’re down to your 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 needed and how to do so.
Landlord Responsibilities
All landlords are responsible for providing their tenants with safe and habitable housing. This says that the property has to be free of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord does not meet 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 involved. 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 carefully maintained. This can include leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.
If you are wondering 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 share with you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.
Reasons to Report Your Landlord
There are a variety of scenarios why you might need to consider reporting your landlord. Perhaps you have been trying to persuade them to make repairs for months, and they still haven’t performed anything. Or perhaps you’re concerned about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, bear in mind that there are government departments that are dedicated to assisting you.
The following are some common reasons to report your landlord:
- Dangerous 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 just some examples. If you are unclear 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 obtain evidence of the violation. This could consist of photos, witness statements, and any other documentation you have. You must next file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if needed.
You can also file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is unlikely, but it may be necessary if the health department or housing authority is incapable of assisting you.
Reporting your landlord might be stressful, but it’s vital to remember that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord does not give you safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the assistance 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 Beacon, we pride ourselves on our superior customer service and passion for maintaining safe and comfortable Hanover homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be glad to assist you in identifying 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.
