who looks out for consumer protection in tenand landlord issues assistant attorney grneral

by Cloyd Greenholt III 5 min read

Does the Consumer Protection Act apply to landlords and tenants?

The State cannot intervene in a dispute between a landlord or tenant, or force either party to take action. However, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) does offer information and general advice to Georgians with questions about residential landlord/tenant issues in The Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook .

Do you handle complaints about issues covered by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act?

The Attorney General's Office has the legal authority to accept and attempt to resolve disputes concerning issues that arise from mobile/manufactured tenancy where an individual owns the home and rents a lot for the home in a mobile/manufactured home park. If this applies to you contact the Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program at (866) WAG-MHLTA (1-866 …

What was the number one type of consumer fraud complaint in 2021?

In addition, the Massachusetts Communities and Development Housing Services Program or the local housing court can help resolve a dispute between a landlord and a tenant. If you need help, please contact the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400.

Can the Georgia Department of community affairs help with landlord/tenant disputes?

Aug 10, 2021 · Report a mortgage company to the FTC if it makes deceptive statements, omits important facts, or takes misleading actions. Examples include: Also, file a complaint with your state consumer protection office about a mortgage fraud or scam. Call the HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE (1-888-995-4673).

Where do I file a complaint against a landlord in California?

The State of California Department of Consumer Affairs can help with questions or complaints regarding landlord/tenant relationships, including repair issues, safety violations, and Health and Safety Code violations. For further information, call (800) 952-5210, or visit the website at www.dca.ca.gov.

How do I report an apartment complex to the Health Department in Texas?

You can submit a complaint online, or you can call their office at (512) 463-2642 or toll-free (Texas only) at (888) 452-4778.Apr 8, 2022

Does California have a consumer protection agency?

California Department of Consumer Affairs.

How do I file a complaint against a landlord in Massachusetts?

In addition, the Massachusetts Communities and Development Housing Services Program or the local housing court can help resolve a dispute between a landlord and a tenant. If you need help, please contact the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400.

What a landlord Cannot do in Texas?

This means your landlord cannot evict you without proper cause (most commonly nonpayment of rent) or otherwise disturb your right to live in peace and quiet. Your landlord must also protect you from any wrongful actions taken by other tenants. The right to health and safety in your home.Aug 21, 2015

What constitutes unsafe living conditions in Texas?

According to state law, if someone has reasonable cause to believe that a child, a disabled person or a person over 65 is suffering neglect or health risks from unsafe living conditions, they must report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).Jan 31, 2022

How do I file a complaint against a company in California?

Call (800) 321-2752 or visit https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/FilingAComplaint/.Mar 11, 2012

Who protect consumer rights?

Federal consumer protection laws are mainly enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

What is the California lemon law?

California Lemon Law protects you when your vehicle is defective and cannot be repaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts. The Lemon Law applies to most new vehicles purchased or leased in California that are still under a manufacturer's new-vehicle warranty.

Can I sue my landlord for emotional distress in Massachusetts?

If a landlord causes you severe emotional distress that does not result in physical harm, you can recover for this purely emotional injury if your landlord's actions were reckless or intentional. The money damages may be doubled or tripled if you also claim that the action was an unfair or deceptive practice.

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Massachusetts?

Rent withholding The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that when a landlord fails to maintain a dwelling in habitable condition, a tenant may properly withhold a portion of the rent from the date the landlord has notice of this breach of warrant of habitability.

What if a landlord refuses to make repairs?

What to do guide if your landlord refuses to do repairsPut it in writing. ... Write to your landlord again. ... Gather evidence about the repairs needed. ... Inform your landlord you are contacting the council. ... Request help from the council to do the repairs.Take legal action.

Landlord and Tenant Disputes

As a tenant, if you pay to rent a home or an apartment, you may at some point have a dispute with the landlord or management company. Often dispute...

Complaints About Mortgage Companies

If you have a complaint against a mortgage company, try to resolve it with the company first. Several government agencies accept complaints about m...

Identify and Complain about Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination happens when a housing provider gets in the way of a person renting or buying housing because of theirRace or colorReligionS...

What is the Residential Landlord Tenant Act?

If you rent your home you are covered by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). In a 1985 decision, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that the Consumer Protection Act does not cover violations of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Therefore, we do not handle consumer complaints about issues covered by the Residential Landlord-Tenant ...

How long does a landlord have to give notice of eviction in Washington?

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed and Governor Inslee signed legislation which required landlords to provide notice at least 14 days before initiating an eviction proceeding, and created a new notice form that landlords must send to tenants if they fail to pay rent, utilities or another periodic charge that is agreed to in the lease. The 14-day notice informs tenants of the total financial obligation alleged by the landlord. The Attorney General’s Office translated this 14-day notice into 12 languages commonly-spoken in Washington. Twelve translated notice forms translated can be found below. The Attorney General’s Office collected information for tenants about legal and advocacy resources, including immigrant and cultural organizations where tenants can receive assistance in their primary language. These resources can be found here.

What is the landlord's responsibility in Massachusetts?

The landlord must provide an apartment that is safe, clean, and in compliance with the Massachusetts Sanitary Code, and must keep any promises in the lease or rental agreement. Regardless of the tenancy type, the tenant has a right to occupy the apartment and the landlord may only enter under certain circumstances.

Who must arrange with the tenant in advance to enter the apartment?

The landlord must arrange with the tenant in advance to enter the apartment to make repairs, to inspect the condition of the apartment, or to show the apartment to prospective tenants, buyers, or real estate agents.

How long does a tenancy at will last?

A tenancy-at-will does not last for any set amount of time and does not end on a certain date, the way a lease does. In a tenancy-at-will the tenant pays the agreed-upon rent each month for an indefinite period of time. Either the landlord or the tenant can decide to end the tenancy by giving the other party notice either 30 days ...

How long does a landlord have to give a tenant a statement of condition?

The landlord should give the tenant a “statement of condition” within 10 days of the beginning of the tenancy or upon receipt of the security deposit (whichever is later), which describes the condition of the apartment and any damage that exists at that time. The tenant has 15 days to add to the “statement of condition” or make changes to it.

How long does a tenant have to return a security deposit?

When the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the security deposit, plus interest, within 30 days.

What should landlords consider when signing a lease?

Landlords and tenants should consider their rights and responsibilities when creating or signing onto a lease, as well as laws, regulations, and issues related to renting and leasing an apartment.

Should landlords rush a tenant?

In general, the landlord should not rush a tenant to make a decision, and both parties should be very clear about the terms and conditions before either signs the lease. Any changes should be written down into the lease in pen. Any sections that the landlord and tenant agree to change should be crossed out in the lease.

What to do if you have a complaint against a mortgage company?

If you have a complaint against a mortgage company, try to resolve it with the company first. Several government agencies accept complaints about mortgage lenders. In some cases, you should file your complaint with more than one agency, especially at the federal and state level.

What happens if a lender denies a mortgage application?

File a complaint with the CFPB if a lender has denied a mortgage application because of your: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the Fair Housing Act. This law prohibits discrimination when you rent, buy, or secure financing for a home. Your state may also have a similar law.

What happens if you pay rent?

As a tenant, if you pay to rent a home or an apartment, you may at some point have a dispute with the landlord or management company. Often disputes are about the conditions of the building, essential services, rent increases, or your right to stay. It’s best to come to an agreement directly with the landlord or manager.

What laws does the CFPB enforce?

The CFPB enforces several laws, such as the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. These laws require lenders to disclose information to homebuyers before buying and over the life of the mortgage. File a complaint with the CFPB if you have a problem with a new or existing mortgage.

What is unfair and deceptive practices?

It states that unfair and deceptive practices affecting commerce are unlawful. Report a mortgage company to the FTC if it makes deceptive statements, omits important facts, or takes misleading actions. Examples include: False statements about their ability to offer a loan.

Does the Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation?

Discrimination Against LGBT People. The Fair Housing Act does not specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. But discrimination against someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) may still be in violation of the Act or other state or local regulations.

Is discrimination against housing prohibited?

It could also be a lending institution like a bank or other organization that is an important part of acquiring a home. Housing discrimination is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act. Discrimination covered by the Act can take many different forms beyond just raising prices or lying about availability.

Who can review tenant credit report?

Landlords and property managers may review a prospective tenant’s credit report and consumer report during the tenant screening process. This allows them to determine whether the tenant is qualified to rent the unit. When accessing these reports, landlords must abide by regulations set by the FTC under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law that prohibits discriminatory practices in housing. It applies to the sale, purchase, and rental of residential buildings within the United States. Many states have created additional laws in support of the FHA , but in general, the law aims to prevent discrimination due to an individual’s race, religion, color, familial status, gender, disability, and national origin.

Do landlords have to comply with consumer protection laws?

This means that their tenants are protected by the Consumer Protection Law, and as landlords, they are legally required to comply with certain rules and regulations.

What is the phone number for Consumer Protection Unit?

If you would like to have a member of the Consumer Protection Unit speak to your group or organization, please call us at 800-220-5424 or 302-577-8600.

What is the Consumer Protection Unit?

The Consumer Protection Unit is part of the Fraud and Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office. The CPU is responsible for enforcing Delaware consumer protection statutes and protecting the general public from consumer frauds and scams.

What is the purpose of consumer protection in Delaware?

Another important part of Consumer Protection’s work is to provide Delaware citizens with the information necessary to avoid becoming victims of consumer fraud and to help them in making wise purchasing decisions.

What does the Attorney General do?

The Attorney General and the Consumer Protection Unit work with local, state and federal agencies to coordinate investigative, enforcement, and educational efforts to protect our citizens and enforce our laws.