Working with a Brooklyn property manager can be difficult at times. Bothersome repairs, raising rent, and other factors can irritate a tenant. Some hiccups are unavoidable. However, when little problems escalate into outright injustices that violate your rights, you might be wondering what you can do. On the rare occasion that a landlord breaks the law, you must understand what steps to take to protect yourself. If you think that you’re down to your 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 implies the property should be clear of health or safety hazards and be up to code. If your landlord fails to follow 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. This can include leaky ceilings, broken elevators, and rodent infestations.
If you are not sure whether your landlord is violating the law, you can always refer to your local Landlord/Tenant Laws, health department, or housing authority to figure it 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 numerous things why you may need to consider reporting your landlord. Maybe you’ve been pleading with them to make repairs for months, but they’ve still not accomplished anything. Or maybe you’re worried about a health hazard on the property. Whatever the reason, remember that there are government departments that are ready to assist you.
Some frequent reasons to report your landlord are:
- Dangerous 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 uncertain 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 choose to file a complaint against your landlord, there are a couple of factors you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to collect evidence of the violation. Photos, witness statements, and any other documentation you have can be included. Following this, 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 unusual, but it may be required if the health department or housing authority is unable to assist you.
Reporting your landlord can be difficult, but it’s vital to keep in mind that you have rights as a tenant. If your landlord does not provide you with 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 guarantee that your landlord is held accountable for their actions.
One of the ideal approaches to avoid a bad landlord is to rent from a reputable property management company. At Real Property Management New York Gold, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and dedication to maintaining safe and comfortable Brooklyn homes for our tenants. Browse our listings to learn more about our available rentals. We would be delighted to assist you in finding 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.
