I rented an apartment in Cleveland Ohio, Owned and managed by AZ Management. I was told the apartment building was non-smoking and as an Engineer I asked about water or sewage getting into the sub level apartment. I was informed no problems existed!. Soon sewage backed up in the bathtub, this happened numerous times. I contacted the Cleveland Department of Health, they tried to help, but claimed they could do nothing. I contacted the Ohio Attorney Generals office and received a reply to contact department of housing. I was told by the laddy "oh they are pretty smart over there" because I was caucasian and not poor nobody would help me. I have video recordings of maintenance continuously entering my apartment. Lucky I could go to my real home in Indiana on the weekends. I was robbed of my down payment. I should have filed a lawsuit. In ohio you can get double your down payment if it is kept without reason. I've not pursued it. If I had checked AZ Management at the Better Business Bureau, I would never rented from them! Never allow someone to suggest an apartment without you personally verifying. What a Dump...What money hogs, they used the excuse the rent is only $500/month.

Thank you  for all the information. I am having major issues, not just one, many with the leasing office, rental office,the whole apartment complex I live in. I signed a lease for 18 months, I wish I never did, this is a complete nightmere.   I've never rented, I've always owned my home, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

I need to keep reading then contact HUD, my utility co., BBB, Osha, and an Attorney.

 

Thanks again!!

 

MeeshaLin

I am a landlady, with both single family and a multiunit.  If you have a problem with your rental, you need to put it in writing, date it and keep a copy for yourself. Many tenants think all they need to do is make a phone call but that does not protect your legal rights. Get a copy of the tenant/landlord agreement from your local courthouse. That will tell you what your rights are. Also, be prepared to move. Fair or not, most landlords are not going to let you stay even after the problem is fixed. I have never had a tenant do even half of these suggestions and even though I keep my places up to code, a tenant needs to look out for themselves.