Communicating with a Norfolk property manager can be occasionally difficult. Unseemly repairs, raising rent, and other factors can frustrate a tenant. Some hiccups cannot be avoided. However, when minor problems turn into outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. In the rare case that a landlord breaks the law, you must determine what steps to take to protect yourself. If you think 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 essential 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 needs to be clear of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord violates 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 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. Some of these are leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.
If you are doubtful whether your landlord is violating the law, you can always refer to your local Landlord/Tenant Laws, health department, or housing authority to find out. They will be able 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 scenarios why you may need to consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been begging them to make repairs for months, but they haven’t done anything. Or perhaps you’re afraid of a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, be aware that there are government departments that are willing to assist.
A few typical reasons to report your landlord are:
- Harmful 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 a couple of 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 opt to file a complaint against your landlord, you’ll need to do a couple of steps. First, you’ll need to find evidence of the violation. Photos, witness statements, and any other documentation you have can be incorporated. After 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 appropriate.
You can also file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is uncommon, but it may be necessary if the health department or housing authority cannot aid you.
Reporting your landlord can be a challenging task, but it’s vital to note that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord fails to provide you with a safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the support of your local health department or housing authority, you can guarantee that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.
One of the ideal strategies to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Hampton Roads, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and dedication to maintaining safe and comfortable Norfolk homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be delighted to guide you in searching for 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.
