How to File a Complaint Against the Owner of Your Apartment
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Tell your landlord the problems that need to be addressed.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Speak to your landlord about the issues. Talk to your landlord if you are experiencing problems in your apartment that make it unsafe or impossible to live there. Express your concern and request that the items be fixed as soon as possible. - 2
If you get no response, writing a letter may get the landlord's attention and documents the issues you are experiencing.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Write a letter to the landlord requesting that things be fixed. If you are still having trouble getting your landlord to repair and correct problems in your apartment, write him a letter. Put everything in writing, including the date you originally spoke with him, what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix the problem. If possible, hand deliver the request and keep a copy for yourself with the date you gave the request to your landlord. If you have to mail the letter, request delivery confirmation and proof of delivery. Keep the delivery receipt with a copy of the letter. Do not forget to include a reasonable deadline date of when the items need to be corrected. - 3
A file folder containing evidence of your apartment's issues should be kept up to date in case needed for an official complaint..Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Gather evidence of problems, such as photos, documentation of documents, estimates from repair companies, a log of when you spoke with the landlord and any letters you have written him. Keep these items handy in a folder, in case you need them to file an official complaint with local and state organizations. - 4). Submit your complaint to the local health department if you don't receive a response from the landlord or if he refuses to fix the problem by the deadline you suggested. Write a letter of complaint to your local health department office, detailing the safety issues and health hazards in your apartment. Also include copies of any evidence you have on these issues.
- 5). Continue the complaint process. Submit complaints to local organizations to let others know the issues you have had with your apartment and landlord. Send letters of complaint to apartment associations to which your landlord belongs. You can also send complaints to the Better Business Bureau about the problems and lack of repair.
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