Interacting with a St. George property manager can be challenging. A tenant can be annoyed by a variety of things, including bothersome repairs, raising rent, and so on. Some hiccups are to be expected. However, you might be wondering what you can do if minor issues start to become outright injustices that violate your rights. If your landlord breaks the law, which is unusual, you should learn 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 means that the property must be free of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord ignores 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 right. This can include leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.
If you are not confident 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 are responsible for telling you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.
Reasons to Report Your Landlord
There are many reasons why you must consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been requesting them to make repairs for months, but they haven’t been done. Or, maybe you’re apprehensive about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, keep in mind that there are government departments that are available to help you.
Some of the most frequent reasons to report your landlord are:
- Hazardous or unhealthy conditions on the property
- Lack of repairs or maintenance
- Landlord harassment
- Illegal eviction attempts
- Failure to provide required services, including heat or hot water
These are just a few examples. You can call your local health department or housing authority to know if you have a valid reason to file a complaint.
How to Report Your Landlord
If you decide to file a complaint against your landlord, there are specific things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to acquire evidence of the violation. Include any photos, witness statements, and any other documentation you have acquired. The next step is to file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They will investigate your claim and take action if necessary.
You can also file a civil lawsuit against your landlord. Even though this is uncommon, it may be necessary if you are unable to obtain aid from the health department or housing authority.
Reporting your landlord can be a difficult process, but it’s vital to note that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord is failing to give you a safe and habitable home, you have the right to speak up. With the guidance of your local health department or housing authority, you can guarantee that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.
One of the excellent ways to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Southern Utah, we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and commitment to maintaining safe and comfortable St George homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be happy to help you locate 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.
