When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

It can be difficult to work with a Buhl property manager at times. A tenant may become dissatisfied due to inconvenient repairs, rising rent, and so forth. Some hiccups are to be expected. Yet, when minor concerns start to develop into outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. In the unlikely event that a landlord breaks the law, you should be aware of what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel that you’re down to the last resort, one alternative 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 implies that the property must be clear of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord fails to adhere to 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 existing. Examples 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 appropriately. This includes leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.

If you are unconfident 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 discuss with you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are several reasons why you should consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been requesting them to make repairs for months, but nothing has happened. Or maybe you’re apprehensive about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, bear in mind that there are government departments that are ready to help.

Here are some of the most prevalent 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, such as heat or hot water

These are just a couple of examples. You can call your local health department or housing authority to figure out if you have a valid reason to file a complaint.

How to Report Your Landlord

If you prefer to file a complaint against your landlord, there are specific procedures you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to obtain evidence of the violation. This can incorporate photos, witness statements, and any other documentation that you possess. Then, 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.

Additionally, you can file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is rare, but it may be needed if the health department or housing authority is unable to assist you.

Reporting your landlord can be a complex undertaking, but it’s critical to bear in mind that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord refuses to provide 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 guarantee that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.

One of the excellent approaches to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Magic Valley, we pride ourselves on our great customer service and commitment to maintaining safe and comfortable Buhl homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be eager to assist you in finding a safe and affordable place to call home.