Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Kelvin Nielsen
Yes, as a tenant, you can report a bad landlord for unsafe living conditions no matter the state you live in!
Generally speaking, tenants can establish legal tenancy in either of three ways. That is, after signing a written rental agreement, making a verbal agreement with the landlord, or after making a payment in exchange of occupying the property.
After this, you automatically obtain certain rights when it comes to the unit’s habitability. Specifically, you obtain the right to live in a unit that abides by the applicable safety and health codes.
The following are examples of conditions that usually won’t meet the required habitability standards in most U.S. states.
- No running water
- Dangerous or exposed electrical wiring
- Mold issues
- Pest infestations like rodents or cockroaches
- Roof leaks
- Unsafe stairs or railings
- Lack of working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
- Broken locks on doors or windows
- Leaky plumbing fixtures
Before reporting the landlord, however, make sure to first notify them of the issues. Generally, most states require landlords to respond to urgent issues within 24 hours, and non-urgent ones within a few days.
But if the landlord ignores your repair requests, you should consider reporting them to relevant health or safety government agencies. The following is all the information you need in this regard.
Where to Report A Bad Landlord for Unsafe Living Conditions
The exact location to report your landlord will depend on your municipality! Below are some select municipalities.
Alabama
Title 35 Chapter 9A of the Alabama Code grants tenants certain rights when it comes to habitable living conditions. Some of the amenities your landlord must provide you include heating, hot water, smoke detectors, and appropriate garbage containers.
The unit must also not have pest infestations, such as bed bugs, cockroaches, and mice.
Where to Report A Landlord In Alabama
A tenant in Huntsville can report a health or safety violation by calling (256) 535-2489. A tenant in Montgomery can report a health or safety violation by calling (334) 240-4636.
A tenant in Birmingham can report a health or safety violation by calling (205) 254-2489.
Alaska
After establishing a lease with a landlord, tenants in Alaska automatically obtain certain rights after moving in.
For example, when it comes to a unit’s livability, you obtain the right to have heating, hot water, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, among other things. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them using the following contact details.
Where to Report A Landlord in Alaska
A tenant in Anchorage can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Enforcement hotline at (907) 343-4141.A tenant in Juneau can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Compliance Officer at (907) 586-0752.A tenant in Fairbanks can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (907) 459-1260.
Arizona
The Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to rent out habitable rental premises. Among other things, the landlord must maintain heating, hot water, garbage containers, and smoke detectors. The unit must also be free from mold issues, and rodent infestations.
Where to Report A Landlord in Arizona
A tenant in Phoenix can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Compliance at (602) 534-4444. A tenant in Mesa can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Compliance at (480) 644-2061. A tenant in Tucson can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (520) 791-5843.
Arkansas
Arkansas Code Title 18 Chapters 16 & 17 grant both landlords and tenants certain rights and responsibilities. That said, unlike other states, Arkansas is one of the few states that does not have a warranty of habitability by default for rental property.
Landlords can provide housing “as-is,” and are not generally responsible for making repairs unless specified in the rental agreement.
There are a few limited exceptions requiring certain repairs in leases created after November 1, 2021. Some of the mandatory provisions include hot water, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, plumbing fixtures, and electrical services. You can report landlords who fail to abide by these requirements using the following contact details.
How to Report a Landlord in Arkansas
A tenant in Little Rock can report a health or safety violation by calling (501) 371-4748. A tenant in Fayetteville can report a health and safety violation by calling (479) 575-8237.
A tenant in Fort Smith can report a health or safety violation by calling Building Safety at (479) 784-1076.
California
CA Civil Code 1940-1954.06 grants landlords certain rights when it comes to a unit’s habitability. Including, the right to be provided with heating, hot water, garbage containers and removal services, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in California
A tenant in San Diego can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Enforcement Division at (619) 236-5500.
Tenants in Los Angeles can report health or safety violations depending on the type of residence and issue: Single-family dwellings can call the Department of Building & Safety at (888) 524-2845. For environmental issues, a tenant can call the Department of Public Health at (888) 700-9995.
Multi-family dwellings and apartment buildings can call the Housing Department at (866) 557-7368.
A tenant in San Jose can report a health or safety violation by calling the Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement at (408) 535-3500.
Colorado
Title 38 Article 12 of Colorado Statutes makes it illegal for landlords to rent out uninhabitable rental units. It’d be unlawful for a landlord in Colorado, for instance, to provide a unit with mice, cockroach, or bed bug infestation. A unit with severe mold infestation would also fail the habitability condition. In such cases, you could report the landlord.
How to Report a Landlord in Colorado
A tenant in Colorado Springs can report health or safety violations by calling (719) 444-7891. A tenant in Denver can report health or safety violations by calling (720) 913-1311.
A tenant in Aurora can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (303) 739-7000.
Connecticut
Title 47A of Connecticut General Statutes describes the requirements landlords have when it comes to habitability. Including, providing tenants with heating, hot water, garbage containers and removal services, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and mold- and pest-free premises. If the landlord fails in this, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Connecticut
A tenant in Stamford can report a health or safety violation by calling (203) 977-4164.
A tenant in New Haven can report a health or safety violation using the online form provided by Housing Code Enforcement. A tenant in Bridgeport can report a health or safety violation by calling (203) 576-7072.
Delaware
The Residential Landlord-Tenant Code grants tenants certain rights when it comes to habitability requirements. Including, the right to a unit that doesn’t have mold issues, rodent infestations, plumbing issues, or electrical malfunctions. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them using the following contact details.
How to Report a Landlord in Delaware
A tenant in Wilmington can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Enforcement Division at (302) 576-3120. Dover tenants can report health or safety violations by calling (302) 736-7010. A tenant in Newark can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Enforcement Division at (302) 366-7000.
Florida
Chapter 83 Part II of FL Statutes requires landlords to provide tenants with a certain list of amenities during a tenancy. Including, heating, hot water, smoke detectors, and garbage containers and collection services. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you could report them using the following contact details.
How to Report a Landlord in Florida
A tenant in Tampa can report a health and safety violation using the online form provided by Tampa Code Enforcement. A tenant in Jacksonville can report a health and safety violation by calling the Municipal Code Compliance Division at (904) 630-2489. A tenant in Miami can report a safety or health violation by calling Code Compliance at (305) 416-2087.
Georgia
Title 44 Chapter 7 of the GA Code requires that landlords provide tenants with livable units. The unit must not have mold issues, pest infestations, lead contamination, or malfunctioned smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A landlord who fails in their habitable obligations in Georgia can be reported using the following contact details.
How to Report a Landlord in Georgia
A tenant in Columbus can report a health and safety violation by calling Building and Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433. A tenant in Atlanta can report a safety and health violation by calling the Code Enforcement Section at (404) 546-3800.
A tenant in Augusta can report a health and safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (706) 312-5050.
Hawaii
Hawaii tenants, just like others elsewhere in the country, have a right to habitable rental premises. At a minimum, a rental unit should have hot water, sufficient garbage containers and removal services, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A landlord who rents out a unit that fails to meet these basic standards can be reported.
How to Report a Landlord in Hawaii
A tenant in Maui County can report a health or safety violation by calling (808) 270-7253. A tenant in Honolulu County Can report a health or safety violation by calling (808) 768-8000. A tenant in Hawaii County can report a health or safety violation by calling (808) 961-8321.
Idaho
Title 55 Chapter 3 of Idaho Statutes grants tenants the right to live in livable conditions. Including, a unit with heating, appropriate garbage containers, and smoke detectors. The unit must also be free of rodent infestations like mice, rats, and bed bugs, and be free from mold problems. If the landlord fails to provide a unit that meets such minimum conditions, you could report them for action.
How to Report a Landlord in Idaho
A tenant in Boise can report health or safety violations by calling (208) 972-8170. A tenant in Meridian can report a health or safety violation by calling (208) 846-7326. A tenant in Nampa can report health or safety violations by calling (208) 468-5473.
Illinois
765 ILCS 705-750 grants tenants the right to live in a habitable rental space. The unit must, among other things, have running water, smoke detectors, and not have mold- or pest infestations. A landlord who fails in such responsibilities can be reported in the following ways.
How to Report a Landlord in Illinois
A tenant in Chicago can report health or safety violations by calling (312) 744-3449.
A tenant in Joliet can report a health or safety violation by calling 815-724-4000. A tenant in Aurora can report a health or safety violation by calling (630) 256-4635.
Indiana
Tenants have a right to live in a habitable rental space under Title 32 Article 31 of the Indiana Code. Including, the right to be provided with hot water, heating, and smoke detectors. A landlord who fails in this responsibility can be reported using the following details.
How to Report a Landlord in Indiana
A tenant in Indianapolis can report health or safety violations by calling (317) 327-4622.
Fort Wayne tenants can report a health or safety violation by calling (260) 427-8311.
A tenant in Evansville can report health or safety violations by calling (812) 436-7885.
Iowa
Iowa tenants have a right to livable premises under the state’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law. Including, the right to be provided with hot water, pest- and mold-free premises, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you could report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Iowa
A tenant in Des Moines can report a health or safety violation by calling (515) 283-4046 or via email. A tenant in Cedar Rapids can report health or safety violations by calling (319) 286-5197. A tenant in Devonport can report health or safety violations by calling (563) 326-6198.
Kansas
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Kansas grants tenants the right to live in habitable rental premises. The act requires landlords to provide tenants with, among other things, heating, hot water, and working smoke detectors. If the landlord fails to provide these during the start of tenancy or disregards repair requests during the lease, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Kansas
A tenant in Wichita can report a health or safety violation by calling (316) 660-9220.
A tenant in Kansas City can report a health or safety violation by calling (913)573-8600. A tenant in Overland Park can report a health or safety violation by calling (913) 895-6270.
Kentucky
Kentucky tenants enjoy numerous rights under KRS Chapter 383, including the right to livable rental conditions. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Kentucky
A tenant in Lexington can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (859) 425-2255. A tenant in Louisville can report a health and safety violation by calling the Property Maintenance Division at (502) 574-2508.
A tenant in Bowling Green can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Enforcement Office at (913) 573-8600.
Louisiana
The warranty of habitability in Louisiana is contained under the state’s Code Title IX Chapter 1. It requires landlords to provide rental units that meet the basic health and safety codes. For example, doesn’t have mold issues, rodent infestations, safety hazards like exposed wiring, or structural issues like foundation problems. If the landlord disregards these responsibilities, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Louisiana
A tenant in New Orleans can report a health and safety violation by calling the Department of Code Enforcement at (504) 658-5050. A tenant in Shreveport can report a health and safety violation by calling Property Standards at (318) 673-6200. A tenant in Baton Rouge can report a health and safety violation by calling the Code Enforcement Section at (225) 389-3114.
Maine
Maine landlords must provide tenants with a habitable property under MRS Title 14 Chapter 709. If they fail to do so, you can report them to government authorities for unsafe living conditions.
How to Report a Landlord in Maine
A tenant in Portland can report a health or safety violation by calling Permitting & Inspections at (202) 874-8703. A tenant in Bangor can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (207) 992-4230. A tenant in Lewiston can report a health or safety violation by calling Planning & Code Enforcement at (207) 513-3125.
Maryland
In Maryland, landlords’ obligations to provide a habitable rental unit are contained under the state’s Real Property Title 8. The code stipulates that for a rental unit to be habitable, it must not have pest infestations, mold problems, lack essential services like electricity, or have safety hazards like broken stairs.
If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them.
How to Report A Landlord in Maryland
A tenant in Baltimore can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (410) 887-3351.
A tenant in Germantown can report health or safety violations by calling the Department of Housing and Community Affairs at (240) 777-0311. A tenant in Columbia must report health or safety violations by mailing or faxing a completed copy of the printable complaint form to Code Enforcement.
Massachusetts
Both the tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities in Massachusetts are contained under the state’s General Laws Chapter 186. When it comes to habitability, the law grants tenants the right to things like heating, hot water, reliable electricity, and structural integrity. If the landlord fails in this crucial responsibility, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Massachusetts
A tenant in Boston can report health or safety violations by calling Public Works at (617) 635-4885. A tenant in Worcester can report health or safety violations by calling Inspectional Services at (508) 799-1198. A tenant in Springfield can report health or safety violations by calling the 311 Services Request System at (413) 736-311.
Michigan
The Landlord and Tenant Relationship Act gives landlords certain responsibilities when it comes to habitability. Including, providing tenants with heating, hot water, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The unit must also be free from mold problems and pest infestations. If the landlord fails to do that, you can report them in the following ways.
How to Report a Landlord in Michigan
A tenant in Detroit can report health or safety violations by calling Property Maintenance at (313) 628-2451. A tenant in Grand Rapids can report health or safety violations by calling Code Compliance at (616) 456-3053. A tenant in Warren City can report health or safety violations by calling the Property Maintenance Division at (586) 574-4662.
Minnesota
Minnesota Statutes require landlords to provide tenants with livable premises. The premises must, among other things, have heating, hot water, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A landlord who fails to do that can be reported using the following details.
How to Report a Landlord in Minnesota
A tenant in St. Paul can report health or safety violations by using the online form provided by the Department of Safety and Inspections. A tenant in Minneapolis can report a health or safety violation by calling Minneapolis 311 at (612) 673-3000. A tenant in Rochester can report a health or safety violation by calling 311 Services at (585) 428-5990.
Mississippi
Tenants in Mississippi enjoy a right to habitable rental premises. Among other things, the unit must not have structural issues, plumbing issues, electrical problems, or rodent or insect infestations. If the landlord disregards your repair notifications, consider reporting them for action.
How to Report a Mississippi
A tenant in Gulfport can report a health and safety violation by calling the 311 Service at (228) 868-5700. A tenant in Jackson can report health and safety violations by calling the Department of Constituent Services at (601) 960-2324. A tenant in Southaven can report a health and safety violation by calling the Municipal Code Enforcement Division at (662) 280-6523.
Missouri
Under the MRS Title 29 Chapter 441 of Missouri landlord-tenant laws, tenants enjoy the right to live in habitable rental premises. It’d be unlawful for a landlord, for instance, not to fix mold issues, pest infestation problems, or provide the unit without hot water. In such cases, consider reporting them.
How to Report a Landlord in Missouri
A tenant in Kansas City can report health or safety violations by calling the myKCMO services at (816) 513-1313. A tenant in Springfield can report health or safety violations by calling the Citizen Resource Center at (417) 864-1010. A tenant in St. Louis can report health or safety violations by calling the Citizens’ Service Bureau at (314) 622-4800.
Montana
Tenant rights in Montana are contained under the state’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Among these rights is the right to live in a habitable rental property. This includes hot water, pest- and mold-free premises, and heating between Oct 1st and May 1st. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you have a right to report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Montana
A tenant in Billings can report health or safety violations by contacting Code Enforcement using the provided online form. A tenant in Missoula can report health or safety violations by calling Development and Building Review at (406) 552-6630.
A tenant in Great Falls can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (406) 455-8574.
Nebraska
Once you establish a lease with a landlord in Nebraska, you automatically obtain certain rights. Including, the right to live in a unit that meets the state’s warranty of habitability. For example, has heating, hot water, garbage containers and removal services, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If a rental unit lacks such basics, you can report the landlord.
How to Report a Landlord in Nebraska
Tenants in Omaha can report health or safety violations by calling Housing Enforcement at (402) 444-5371 ext. 2070 or via email. Tenants in Bellevue can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (402) 293-3050. Tenants in Lincoln can report a health or safety violation by calling the Building and Safety Department at (402) 441-7521.
Nevada
The Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A requires landlords to rent out livable dwellings. Among other things, this means dwellings without mold issues, pest infestations, lead-based paint, and without heating and hot water. Otherwise, you have a right to report the landlord for violating your basic tenant rights.
How to Report a Landlord in Nevada
A tenant in Henderson can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (702) 267-3950. A tenant in Las Vegas can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (702) 229-6615. A tenant in Reno can report a health or safety violation by calling Reno Direct at (775) 334-4636.
New Hampshire
Under RSA Chapters 48-A and 540, tenants have a right to live in a habitable rental unit. Landlords can’t rent property out unless it meets the statutory health and safety requirements. Such as, has heating, hot water, and smoke detectors. If the landlord goes contrary to these requirements, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in New Hampshire
A tenant in Manchester can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (603) 624-6450. A tenant in Concord can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Administration at (603) 225-8580 or via email. A tenant in Nashua can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (603) 589-3100.
New Jersey
Under New Jersey law, landlords can’t rent out properties that don’t meet the basic health and safety requirements. For instance, have no running water, faulty wiring, leaky roofs, severe rodent infestations, or extensive mold growth. In such cases, you can report the landlord for action using the following contact details.
How to Report a Landlord in New Jersey
A tenant in Newark can report a health or safety violation by calling the Division of Code Enforcement at (973) 733-6471. A tenant in Jersey City can report health or safety violations by calling the Office of Code Compliance at 201-547-4900. A tenant in Paterson can report a health or safety violation by calling the Division of Community Improvements at (973) 321-1232.
New Mexico
Chapter 47 of the New Mexico Statutes grants tenants the right to live in habitable rental premises. For example, be provided with heating, hot water, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you could report them for action.
How to Report a Landlord in New Mexico
Tenants in Albuquerque can report health or safety violations by calling ABQ311 at (505) 768-2000. Tenants in Rio Rancho can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (505) 981-5864. Tenants in Las Cruces can report a health or safety violation by calling the Codes Enforcement Supervisor at (575) 528-4100.
New York
The NY Real Property Law § 220-238A stipulates the conditions a rental unit must be in to meet the required habitability standards. Among other things, the landlord must provide hot water, heating, and pest-free premises. If they don’t, you can report them for unlivable conditions.
How to Report a Landlord in New York
A tenant in Hempstead Town can report a health or safety violation by calling (516) 538-8500. Tenants in New York City can report health or safety violations by calling (212) 639-9675. A tenant in Brookhaven can report a health or safety violation by calling the Resident Contact Center at (631) 451-8696.
North Carolina
The NC General Statutes Chapter 42 requires landlords to meet certain habitability standards when renting out units. The unit must not have hazardous lead-based paint, mold issues, or pest-infestation. If any of these conditions exist, you can report the landlord for action.
How to Report a Landlord in North Carolina
Tenants in Charlotte can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (704) 336-7600. Tenants in Raleigh can report health or safety violations by calling the Code Enforcement Division at (919) 996-2444. A tenant in Greensboro can report safety or health violations by calling Code Compliance at (336) 373-2111.
North Dakota
The North Dakota warranty of habitability is contained under the state’s Century Code Chapter 47-16. It requires that the landlord provides heating, hot water, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, among other requirements. If the landlord fails to do so, you can report them for uninhabitability.
How to Report a Landlord in North Dakota
Tenants in Fargo can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (701) 241-1561. A tenant in Bismarck can report health or safety violations by calling the Building Inspections Division at 97010 355-1465. Tenants in Grand Forks can report a health or safety violation by calling the Inspections Department at (701) 746-2631.
Ohio
Chapter 5321 of Ohio Revised Statutes requires that landlords provide tenants with habitable units. The unit, for instance, must not be infested with insects, rodents, or other pests. It must also be free from mold or other unsanitary conditions. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them using the following contact info.
How to Report a Landlord in Ohio
A tenant in Columbus can report health or safety violations by calling Building & Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433. A tenant in Cleveland can report a health or safety violation by calling the Division of Code Enforcement at (216) 664-2007. A tenant in Cincinnati can report a health or safety violation by calling the Property Maintenance Division at (513) 591-6000.
Oklahoma
Title 41 of Oklahoma Statutes grants landlords certain obligations when it comes to a tenant’s health and safety. For instance, providing heating, hot water, and a pest- and mold-free home. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Oklahoma
A tenant in Oklahoma City can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (405) 297-2317. A tenant in Tulsa can report a health or safety violation by calling Neighborhood Inspections at (918) 596-2100. A tenant in Norman can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Compliance at (405) 366-5332.
Oregon
In Oregon, it’s unlawful for landlords to rent out units that fail to meet the state’s habitability standards. Such as, have mold or pest issues, lack heating, or running water. In such cases, you could report them for safety/health violations.
How to Report a Landlord in Oregon
A tenant in Portland can report a health or safety violation by calling Property Compliance Services at (503) 823-2633. A tenant in Salem can report health or safety violations by calling Code Compliance at (503) 588-6421. A tenant in Eugene can report health or safety violations by calling Code Compliance at (541) 682-5819.
Pennsylvania
The PA landlord-tenant act grants tenants certain rights after establishing a lease with the landlord. Including, the right to live in a unit that meets the minimum health and safety codes. For example, has no pests or mold issues, and has running water and a properly working electrical and plumbing system. Otherwise, you may report the landlord for health and safety violations using the following contacts.
How to Report a Landlord in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia tenants can report a health or safety violation by calling (215) 686-8686. A tenant in Allentown can report a health or safety violation by calling the Residential Property Inspections department at (610) 437-7694 or (610) 437-7695. Tenants in Pittsburgh can report safety or health violations by calling (412) 255-2621.
Rhode Island
Under Rhode Island law, tenants automatically obtain certain rights after establishing a lease with the landlord. Including, a right to be provided with a habitable property, which has hot water, and heating, between Oct. 1st and May 1st, among others. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them for action.
How to Report a Landlord in Rhode Island
A tenant in Providence can report health or safety violations by calling (401) 421-2489. A tenant in Cranston can report health or safety violations by faxing (401) 780-6002.
Tenants in Warwick can report health or safety violations by calling (401) 738-2007.
South Carolina
A tenant’s right to live in a habitable rental property in South Carolina is contained under the state’s Residential and Tenant Act. It’d be unlawful, for instance, for a landlord to rent out a unit that has mold, pests, or doesn’t have hot running water. In such cases, you can report the landlord to the relevant agencies for action.
How to Report a Landlord in South Carolina
Tenants in Columbia can report health or safety violations by calling the Code Enforcement Division at (803) 545-3430. A tenant in Greenville can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (864) 467-7090. Tenants in Charleston can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (843) 805-3226.
South Dakota
The SD Codified Laws 43-32 require that landlords not rent out units that don’t meet the statutory health and safety codes. For example, a unit that isn’t properly weatherproofed, has lead-based paint hazards, or has mold- or pest infestations. If the unit has such issues, you can report the landlord for action.
How to Report a Landlord in South Dakota
Tenants in Sioux Falls can report health or safety violations by calling Property Maintenance at (605) 978-6900. Tenants in Rapid City can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (605) 355-3465 or via email. A tenant in Aberdeen can report health or safety violations by calling Planning, Zoning & Code Enforcement at (626-7017.
Tennessee
The TN landlord-tenant laws are contained under the state’s Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act. Among other things, it requires landlords to rent out units with running water, electricity, and proper sanitation facilities. If the landlord doesn’t, you can report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Tennessee
A tenant in Nashville can report a health or safety violation by calling the Property Standards Division at (615) 862-6590. A tenant in Knoxville can report a health or safety violation by calling Neighborhood Codes Enforcement at (865) 215-4311. A tenant in Memphis can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at(901) 636-7464.
Texas
TX Property Code Chapter 92 requires landlords to rent out units that meet the basic health and safety codes. If the landlord doesn’t, you have a right to report them.
How to Report a Landlord in Texas
A tenant in Houston can report health or safety violations by calling the Houston 311 service at (713) 837-0311. A tenant in San Antonio can report a health or safety violation by calling the San Antonio 311 service at (210) 207-6000. A tenant in Dallas can report a health or safety violation by calling City Services at (214) 670-3111.
Utah
Title 57 of Utah Code grants tenants the right to things like hot water, heating, enough garbage containers and removal services, and a safe electrical system. If the landlord fails to do so, you can report them using the following contacts.
How to Report a Landlord in Utah
A tenant in Salt Lake City can report structural problems, plumbing issues, or other health or safety violations by calling Civil Enforcement at (801) 535-7225. A tenant in Ogden can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Services at (801) 629-8961. A tenant in Provo can report a health or safety violation by calling Development Services at (801) 852-6400.
Vermont
Title 9 Chapter 137 of Vermont Statutes grants tenants certain rights and responsibilities after establishing a lease with the landlord. Including, the right to be provided with heating, hot running water, and sufficient garbage containers and removal services.
How to Report a Landlord in Vermont
A tenant in Burlington can report a health or safety violation by the landlord by calling the Minimum Housing Division at (802) 863-0442. A tenant in Essex can report a health or safety violation by calling the city government at (802) 878-1341. A tenant in South Burlington can report a health or safety violation by calling the Fire Department at (802) 846-4110.
Virginia
Virginia tenants have certain rights under the state’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act when it comes to health and safety. Such as, the right to be provided with hot water and heating during winter. If the landlord fails in this responsibility, you can report them to relevant agencies.
How to Report a Landlord in Virginia
Tenants in Chesapeake can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Compliance Division at (757) 382-2489. A tenant in Arlington can report a health or safety violation by the landlord by calling Code Enforcement at (703) 228-3232. Tenants in Virginia Beach should report violations by calling Code Enforcement at (757) 385-4421.
Washington
The WA Residential Landlord-Tenant Act describes the specific rights and obligations landlords have when it comes to the tenant’s health and safety. Such as, the right to be provided with hot water, heating, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, among other things. If the landlord fails to do so, you can report them.
How to Report a Tenant in Washington
Tenants in Washington DC can email their safety or health concerns to the department. Alternatively, a tenant could call (202) 442-9557.
West Virginia
WV Code Chapter 37 grants tenants the right to live in a unit that has hot water and heating, among other requirements. If the landlord fails to do so, you can report them.
How to Report a Tenant in West Virginia
A tenant in Charleston can report a health or safety violation by calling Property Maintenance. Tenants must call the appropriate inspector listed in the staff directory.
Huntington tenants can report health or safety violations by calling Rental Property Inspections at 304-696-5540 ext. 2202 (1-2 dwellings) or ext. 2003 (multi-family dwellings), or by emailing the 1-2 family or multi-family unit inspectors. A tenant in Morgantown can report safety or health violations by calling Code Enforcement at (304) 284-7401.
Wisconsin
The WI Statutes Chapter 704 grants tenants certain automatic rights after lease signing. Including, the right to be provided a unit with heating, hot water, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the landlord fails to do so, you can report them in the following ways.
How to Report a Tenant in Wisconsin
A tenant in Milwaukee can report health or safety violations by calling the Department of Neighborhood Services at (414) 286-2268. Green Bay tenants can report health or safety violations by calling (920) 448-3000. Madison’s tenants can report health or safety violations by calling DPCED at (608) 266-4551.
Wyoming
The state’s Residential Rental Property laws guarantee tenants the right to live in a unit that meets the basic health and safety codes, such as heating, AC, and hot water. If the landlord fails to do so, tenants can report them for action in the following ways.
How to Report a Tenant in Wyoming
Tenants in Cheyenne can report health or safety violations by calling Code Enforcement at (307) 369-3125. Tenants in Gillette can report health or safety violations by calling the Code Compliance Division at (307) 686-5309 or via email.
A tenant in Casper can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement through City Hall’s line at (307) 235-8400.
Conclusion
There you have it – how to report a bad landlord for unsafe living conditions in all the 50 US States. But before doing so, make sure to provide the landlord with reasonable notice first. The following is an example of a template you can use for this purpose.
Disclosure: The content herein isn’t a substitute for advice from a professional attorney. It’s only meant to serve educational purposes. If you have a specific question, kindly seek expert attorney services.
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Hi, I’m Kelvin Nielsen, an experienced landlord and accomplished real estate lawyer. My focus is on answering your questions about renting in the hopes of making your life as a renter or a landlord a bit easier.