Working with a Blackfoot property manager is stressful sometimes. Inconvenient repairs, raising rent, and more can annoy a tenant. Some hiccups are unsurprising. However, once minor issues begin to become 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 need to know what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel that you’re down to the last resort, one option 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 indicates that the property must be free of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord is not following 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 incorporate lead paint, mold, asbestos, lack of heat, and lack of hot water.
- A housing quality complaint is filed when the property is not accurately maintained. This can include 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 inform you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.
Reasons to Report Your Landlord
There are several justifications for why you might want to consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve asked them to make repairs for months, and they still haven’t done anything. Alternatively, there could be a potential health hazard on the property, which would get your attention. Whatever the reason, know that there are government departments that are prepared to assist you.
Some typical reasons to report your landlord include the following:
- Threatening 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 few examples. If you’re not sure whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to ask.
How to Report Your Landlord
If you decide to file a complaint against your landlord, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to accumulate evidence of the violation. Photos, witness statements, and any other documentation can be presented. After that, you’ll need to file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if possible.
You can also file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. This is unusual, but it may be important if the health department or housing authority cannot support you.
Reporting your landlord can be a stressful process, but it’s necessary to keep in mind that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord is not providing you 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 ensure that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.
One of the greatest strategies to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Pocatello, we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and adherence to maintaining safe and comfortable Blackfoot homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be eager to assist you in obtaining 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.
