When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

In some instances, it’s complicated to interact with a Wayzata property manager. A tenant can be irritated by things such as inconvenient repairs, raising rent, and so forth. Some hiccups are to be expected. But if misunderstandings 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 unusual, you must understand 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 indicates that the property should be free of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord fails to meet 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 involved. Some examples 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 entails leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.

If you aren’t sure 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 are the ones who will tell you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are numerous situations 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 done anything. Or perhaps you’re anxious about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, know that there are government departments that are ready to help you.

Some frequent reasons to report your landlord include:

• Unsafe 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 only some examples. If you aren’t confident 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’d like 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 have. Besides that, you’ll have to 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 uncommon, but it may be vital if the health department or housing authority cannot help you.

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

One of the easiest approaches to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Viking, we pride ourselves on our first-class customer service and dedication to maintaining safe and comfortable Wayzata homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be grateful to assist you in finding a safe and affordable place to call home.