What people keep running into with landlord tenant issues
Complaints tagged landlord tenant issues, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
17 recurring problems · 320 people · 18 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 127How to fix a leaking water pipe in a tight spaceRepairing a pipe leak in a confined area like beneath attic ductwork requires choosing an appropriate temporary or semi-permanent fix to avoid high plumbing costs. However, recurring pinholes in older copper lines often lead to a frustrating cycle of repeated patches that eventually force a full-house replumbing.
- 55How to identify tiny unknown bugs found inside the houseFinding unexpected insects indoors makes it difficult to figure out what species they are, such as distinguishing between smoky brown and German cockroach nymphs. Without knowing the exact pest, it is impossible to determine the right treatment or decide whether they pose a threat and need to be removed.
- 36How to get a contractor to fix damage they causedContractors often refuse accountability for installation errors and collateral property damage, blaming existing conditions or ignoring calls. This forces homeowners to absorb repair costs or spend months chasing negligent workers for fixes.
- 16How to handle property managers who ignore maintenance billing disputesProperty managers frequently issue charges like maintenance fees without providing itemized receipts or prior authorization, leaving tenants frustrated over sudden costs. When tenants try to push back using formal complaints or AI-drafted scripts, managers often react defensively to the tone rather than addressing the actual billing issue.
- 13Why is my AC air handler wet and smelly?Old HVAC systems accumulate dust and organic growth that trap moisture inside the air handler, causing heavy condensation and persistent foul odors. Resolving this deep-seated contamination in aging units often requires replacing the plenum box or the entire system.
- 13Wasps coming out of outdoor water heater coverWasps build nests inside exterior wall compartments, such as outdoor water heater covers, creating a sudden hazard when trying to access equipment. This makes routine maintenance impossible without triggering aggressive swarms or stings.
- 8How to report a broken toilet in a public restroomA severely cracked porcelain toilet is a major laceration hazard that can shatter under weight. Notifying the front desk or facility management immediately ensures the restroom is locked down before someone is seriously injured.
- 8Why are my metal floor vents sweating and growing mold?High humidity and unsealed gaps around metal floor registers allow moist crawlspace air to enter the home, causing the cold metal vents to sweat heavily and grow mold. This leaves homeowners dealing with unsightly black mold around the floor grates and white buildup inside the vents, which requires sealing the gaps to stop the airflow.
- 8Black buildup around air vents: mold or dust?Dark buildup around vents is often a combination of mold and accumulated dust and dirt rather than just one or the other. Homeowners find themselves unsure of what the stains actually are, leaving them questioning whether they are dealing with mold or simply filthy vents.
- 7Burning smell coming from HVAC ventsA burning smell paired with a running basement blower typically signals an electrical failure, such as a dead hard start kit or overheating motor components. Because the system continues to draw power while airflow stops completely, ignoring the odor can quickly lead to permanent equipment damage or a fire hazard.
- 6How to fix bad air quality in a rental apartmentFaulty or unsealed ventilation systems in multi-unit buildings can trap high humidity and volatile organic compounds indoors, forcing tenants to choose between stifling conditions or opening windows in extreme weather. This continuous exposure leads to persistent health issues and severe fatigue that disrupts daily work. Landlords are typically responsible for maintaining building ventilation and sealing structural wall penetrations to ensure a habitable living environment.
- 5How to handle a neighbor who won't pay for a shared fenceNeighborly disagreements over cost can stall shared fence repairs, leaving homeowners stuck with rotten wood and security gaps like escaping pets. Sorting out replacement expenses requires comparing quotes together or offering flexibility so both parties can agree on a split.
- 5Landlords only use glue traps for pest problemsHousing management often refuses to take effective action against pests, relying instead on minimal measures like glue traps or unnamed substances left without instructions. This leaves residents dealing with unaddressed infestations while lacking crucial information about what treatments are being used.
- 4Am I liable for property damage caused by a sublease tenant?Primary leaseholders remain legally responsible to the landlord for any property damage caused by a sublease tenant, even after giving notice to vacate. This ongoing liability leaves tenants vulnerable to unexpected repair costs, withheld security deposits, and further destruction by uncooperative occupants who refuse to leave.
- 4What to do when your landlord ignores essential home repairsWhen landlords refuse to fix broken air conditioning or vital utilities, renters are left dealing with unsafe indoor temperatures and constant water leaks. Tenants are then forced to submit multiple unanswered maintenance tickets while living in hazardous conditions with zero response.
- 3Finding termites coming out of the vents in a rentalTermites emerging from indoor vents and crawling around the exterior make tenants feel helpless, scared, and ashamed to invite guests over. Dealing with difficult letting agents leaves renters struggling to get the entire unit treated and figuring out how to keep pests away from their specific flat for good.
- 3How to tell if mold is hiding after a roof leakWhen water gets behind walls or under floors after a leak, invisible mold can trigger unexplained health symptoms like lingering coughs without any visible growth to confirm it. Professional inspections are prohibitively expensive and often viewed with skepticism, leaving homeowners paralyzed between the high cost of tearing up their house and the fear of ignoring a hidden hazard.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.