Free Complaint to Landlord

The recipient of this letter may have questions about some of the information that you have provided or may require additional information. Therefore, you should include information about how you would like to be contacted.

1. The Tenant should sign the letter. A copy of the letter should be retained by the Tenant for his or her records.

2. The Tenant should keep a copy of all correspondence to and from the Landlord and maintain a written summary of all telephone conversations.

3. Mark your calendar as a reminder to follow-up with another letter or optional legal action.

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your legal rights as a Tenant:

1. Take photographs of any condition of the rental property which existed prior to your tenancy.

2. Put in writing any important messages to your Landlord, keeping a copy for your own records.

3. Keep copies of all written documents pertaining to the leased premises.

4. Obtain receipts for rental payments and for the return of keys to your Landlord.

5. Have a witness available to see or hear anything that could later be the subject of dispute.

6. Keep a record of the dates of important events. For example, record when you first complained about the need for repairs.

As a Tenant, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your security deposit, if any is required by the lease:

1. Obtain a receipt when the security deposit is delivered to the Landlord. The receipt should state that it is for a rental deposit, and include the amount and date it was received.

2. Make a list of any existing damage before you move into the leased premises. If possible, the Landlord should help you make the list. It is also advisable to have another person present as a witness. It is best if the list is signed by both the Tenant and the Landlord (or the Landlord's agent, if the Landlord is not available). Both the Landlord and Tenant should keep a copy of the damage list for their records. Photographs of the premises taken before you move in are also helpful in identifying any existing damage.

3. Inform the Landlord immediately of damages which occur while you are renting the premises. If possible, do this in writing. Fully explain the cause of the damages.

4. Provide the Landlord with the proper notice when you want to move out. You should provide such notice within the number of days specified in your lease.

5. Leave the premises in the same or better condition as they were when you moved in. Normal wear and tear is expected and need not be fixed or restored. A charge may not be made against your security deposit for normal wear and tear.

6. Arrange a meeting with the Landlord at the time you move out. Go through the checklist you made when you moved into the premises. Ask the Landlord whether you are going to be charged for any damages or cleaning so that you can take appropriate action before you leave. If the Landlord cannot provide any reason for keeping part or all of the security deposit, ask to get the deposit back at this meeting.

7. Examine your lease carefully for provisions regarding remodeling or structural improvements. Commercial leases typically impose some responsibilities on the Tenant to restore the premises to substantially the same condition as the premises were in at the commencement of the lease. Your rights and obligations in this respect are determined by your lease.