What people keep running into with tenant issues
Complaints tagged tenant issues, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
18 recurring problems · 417 people · 22 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 126How 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.
- 111How to handle a bad contractor who won't fix poor workPaying before inspecting leaves homeowners with little leverage when contractors deliver subpar or unauthorized work. Without a clear path to recourse or refunds for shoddy repairs, people are left feeling cheated and stuck with expensive, unsightly results.
- 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.
- 28Why does my toilet keep clogging and gurgling?A toilet that keeps clogging or bubbling usually points to a deeper blockage in the main drain line rather than a simple bowl obstruction. This makes people too afraid to flush again for fear of an overflow, halting normal bathroom use until the underlying pipe issue is cleared.
- 24How to fix a gouged or cut floorCutting into or tearing up a floor while searching for a lost cable or moving an appliance leaves visible damage that threatens security deposits and home aesthetics. DIY repair methods allow renters and homeowners to restore the surface without professional intervention.
- 18How to get rid of severe black mold on bathroom groutNormal household cleaning products often fail to clear deep black mold on old bathroom grout, leaving tenants to figure out if they need to regrout or get the landlord to intervene. Left untreated, severe mold leads people to worry about structural damage and forces them to use dehumidifiers just to slow it down while trying to decide what needs to be replaced.
- 15Why is water backing up into the sink when appliances drain?Water backs up into the sink during appliance drainage or faucet use due to a blockage or improper plumbing hookup in the shared line. This causes standing water and debris to overflow into the basin, creating a messy and unsanitary cleanup problem.
- 12How to fix laminate floor damage before moving out without losing depositBad patch jobs on laminate planks risk full floor replacement charges from landlords during move-out inspections. Tenants stuck waiting on unreliable repair contractors face tough choices between risking a poor fix or leaving damage as-is.
- 12Is my outside unit leaking oil or condensation?Noticing a green liquid dripping from the bottom of an outside unit makes it hard to tell whether you are looking at harmless condensation or a leaking oil tank. Without knowing the difference, it is difficult to determine if the equipment is failing.
- 9Found bed bugs in a new apartment before moving inFinding a suspected bed bug and nightly bites immediately after moving into a new apartment leaves residents completely overwhelmed, especially when there was no prior history of an infestation. This panic stops people from knowing how to handle the situation or feeling like they can safely live in their new home.
- 7How do I know when to report suspected child abuse?Mandatory reporters often struggle to determine whether a situation crosses the legal threshold for reporting, while fearing that calling authorities could make things worse for the child or strain parent relationships. This uncertainty leaves professionals torn between fulfilling legal obligations and worrying about the negative fallout of intervention.
- 4How to tell if a new apartment washing machine is brokenApartment washing machines often arrive with hidden defects like failing to agitate clothes or leaking water during washes. This leaves tenants unsure whether to attempt DIY fixes or demand landlord repairs, risking unwashed clothes and potential water damage.
- 3Tenant keeps paying rent $10 short every monthTenants often pay rent slightly short while refusing to pay accrued late fees, leaving landlords stuck between letting small balances accumulate or filing for formal eviction over minimal amounts. Because standard lease terms and late fee structures accumulate daily charges on unpaid balances, property managers face a frustrating deadlock where they cannot force payment without triggering major legal action.
- 3Apartment hot tub light is loose and hanging outAn underwater hot tub light has come loose and is hanging out of the wall instead of being securely installed, which residents consider a definite electrical hazard. Despite reporting the issue multiple times over a period of weeks, property management has failed to address or fix it, leaving users stuck with an unsafe amenity.
- 3When should I hire a process server for an unresponsive tenant?Property managers waste weekends driving out repeatedly to track down tenants who ghost calls and avoid eviction notices. Continuing to attempt service personally delays the legal process and takes a heavy toll on mental health, making it necessary to hand the job over to a professional process server.
- 2Unexplained trapdoor on shared duplex wallAn unexplained trapdoor opening on a shared duplex wall keeps opening, making a resident feel like their neighbor is peeking in. Because the landlord refuses to seal it and temporary fixes like boxes and moisture sprays fail due to high humidity, the resident is left without a permanent way to secure the 3-foot-wide by 18-inch-tall opening.
- 2Why does only the hot water smell like sulfur?Hot water heaters develop a sulfur or rotten egg smell when sulfate-reducing bacteria react with magnesium anode rods inside the tank. This makes the water unpleasant to use and often leads tenants and homeowners to mistakenly believe the well water itself needs cleaning.
- 2How to get rid of an aggressive raccoon as a renterStandard deterrents like yelling and throwing things fail against fearless raccoons that actively charge at people and attack pets. Renters are left with few options because animal control takes too long to arrive and local laws prohibit shooting near other houses. This leaves people unable to safely walk their pets or go to their cars without being chased back indoors.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.