Archive for Landlords
HUD to investigate landlord’s complaints against Belleville
Posted by: | CommentsA representative from the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, part of the Midwest regional office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, sent a letter to Belleville resident, landlord and business owner Rick Brown, acknowledging his complaint and announcing that the agency will complete an impartial investigation within 100 days. Brown received the letter, dated Aug. 14, through the mail Monday, and announced it to the council at its regular meeting Monday evening.
Mayor Mark Eckert, who has defended the city’s practices and said leaders have focused on strengthening neighborhoods, said it would be “premature” for him to comment on the federal HUD complaint, other than to say he had received correspondence Monday from HUD and that he would work with City Attorney Robert Sprague to prepare a response to the complaint.
The office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan also has confirmed an investigation of Brown’s allegations. Brown has notified the U.S. Department of Justice, though he hasn’t filed a formal complaint with that agency.
In Brown’s complaint, he accused city leaders of revising zoning ordinances to reduce the amount of minority residents and limiting rental opportunities for African-Americans. City leaders have said Brown’s allegations are not true.
Complaint against Landlord
Posted by: | CommentsWHAT TENANTS CAN DO
When tenant has a complaint against the landlord, he should first contact the landlord directly, in writing. Tenant should mail the letter at the post office with the purchase of an U.S. Postage Certificate of Mailing, using first class mail or by certified mail, return receipt requested. Tenant should be sure to keep a copy of the letter.
Tenant should give landlord a reasonable amount of time to remedy the situation, and should allow access to the premises during normal working hours.
If the landlord does not remedy the situation, tenant can:
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Report the complaint to the local code enforcement office.
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If Code Enforcement is unable to help and the condition persists, contact BNI or another agency. If the uncorrected condition constitutes a serious threat to the life, health, or safety of the occupants of the dwelling, tenant should consider using the rent escrow procedure.
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Consider joining, or forming, a tenants’ organization. Tenants across the country organize to protect and further their interests.