When and How to Involve Your Landlord
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Quick answer: Go to your landlord when talking hasn’t worked, when it doesn’t feel safe to talk, or when the problem is the building (smoke, leaks or pests from another unit). Put it in writing by email, text or letter, include dates and photos or video, and keep copies (California AG). If other tenants are disturbing you, complain to your landlord (Texas AG). This is general guidance, not legal advice. Check your lease and your local and state rules.
⚠ Safety first:
- If anyone is in danger, there’s fighting or screaming, or a crime is in progress, call 911 (NYC311; USPIS).
- Don’t confront someone who is angry or intoxicated. Leave and try again later, or go to your landlord in writing.
- Never block exits, hallways or fire doors with soundproofing, furniture or packages.
Steps: easiest & free first
- Keep a dated logFREE
Date, time, what happened and how long. Save photos, video or audio where it’s legal where you live. - Write a short, calm requestFREE
What’s happening, since when, what you’ve tried, and what you’re asking for. Stick to facts. - Send it in writing and keep copiesFREE
Text, email or letter, with copies and photos (California AG). Some legal remedies require specific written notice (Texas AG). - Give reasonable time, then follow upFREE
Follow up in writing if nothing changes. Note the date of each message. - Know what the landlord handlesFREE
Smoke, leaks, pests and building noise rules are building issues. See fix it vs. call your landlord. - Use outside help if neededPRO
Local services (like 311), community mediation, tenant associations or legal aid (NYC311). See mediation. - Harassment because of who you are?PRO
Housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or family status can be reported to HUD online or at 1-800-669-9777 (HUD).
⚠ When to call a pro: threats, harassment or anything that feels unsafe (call 911 if in danger); ongoing problems that talking hasn’t fixed (go to your landlord in writing, then local services like 311 or community mediation); and smoke, leaks or pests coming from another unit, which are building problems your landlord should handle. If you’re harassed because of your race, disability, religion, sex, national origin, color or family status, you can report it to HUD (1-800-669-9777). Renting? See what you can fix vs. call your landlord.
💡 Prevent it: Sample message: “Hi, I’m in Unit 3B. Since Oct 1, loud music from 4B has continued past midnight on 6 nights (log attached). I spoke with them on Oct 5. Could you remind them of the building’s quiet hours? Thank you.”