When (and How) to Report a Bad Landlord

On occasion, it can be stressful to interact with an Ogden property manager. A tenant can be irritated by things such as improper repairs, raising rent, etc. Some hiccups are to be anticipated. But if minor problems turn into outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. If your landlord breaks the law, which doesn’t always occur, you need to learn what steps to take to protect yourself. If you feel that you’re down to the last resort, you may 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 must be clear of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord fails to deliver 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. Illustrations 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 appropriately maintained. This can incorporate leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.

If you are uncertain 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 explain to you what the regulations are in your area and if your landlord is following them.

Reasons to Report Your Landlord

There are several situations why you might want to consider reporting your landlord. For example, perhaps you’ve wanted to get them to make repairs for months, and they’ve still not done anything. Or perhaps you’re concerned about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, keep in mind that there are government departments that are prepared to help.

Below are some typical reasons to report your landlord:

• Not safe 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. If you are not sure whether you have a valid reason to file a complaint, you can call your local health department or housing authority to figure it out.

How to Report Your Landlord

If you’d like to file a complaint against your landlord, there are some things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to get evidence of the violation. Photos, witness statements, and any other documentation can all be included. Then, 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 isn’t usual, but it may be important if the health department or housing authority cannot aid you.

Reporting your landlord can be intimidating, but it’s critical to know that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord refuses to grant 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 ensure that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.

One of the best approaches to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management Northern Utah, we pride ourselves on our high-quality customer service and devotion to maintaining safe and comfortable Ogden homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be glad to help you identify a safe and affordable place to call home.