A Housing Complaint is typically a physical problem that needs to be repaired on the inside or outside of the housing unit. If a tenant is lodging the complaint, they are advised to have already notified the landlord of the problem in writing (see Tenant Request for Repair) and given the landlord reasonable time to make the repair prior to contacting the Housing Office. If possible, complaints should send the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. Complaints, other than Housing matters, will be referred to the appropriate City Department.
If the complaint is of a dangerous nature or is an eminent health or safety hazard, the Housing Office should be notified immediately. Upon notification, a Code Enforcement Officer will visit the dwelling to access the problem and notify the owner or landlord to get repairs made.
A tenant or interested party may lodge a complaint against an owner of a dwelling by using one of the following four methods:
- By Phone: Call the Housing Office at (828) 259-5846 between the hours of 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Complaints filed by phone can be left anonymously. However, the complainant will be asked to furnish as much information as possible about the dwelling. Critical information includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Address of Dwelling
- Name of Owner
- Nature of complaint
- How long condition has existed?
- Has landlord/owner been notified? If so, when? In writing?
- Has there been any action taken to correct the problem(s)?
- In Writing: Mail complaint information to the City of Asheville, Building Safety Department/Housing Division, Post Office Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802.
- In Person: Visit the Housing Office at 161 S. Charlotte Street, Room A-102 between the hours of 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
There is no fee associated with filing a complaint. However, before any action is taken by the Housing Office, a Code Enforcement Officer will verify the complaint. Verification usually takes place within 48 hours of receipt of the complaint. Upon verification, the landlord/owner will be notified and a date set to have all repairs completed. If the corrections are not made within the time set forth and agreed upon, the Code Enforcement Officer will serve the owner and all interested parties a Complaint and Notice of Hearing. The hearing could result in the dwelling being repaired, vacated, or demolished.
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a rental unit that is safe, clean, and habitable. State law protects you from being evicted for filing a complaint. Your landlord cannot retaliate against you by threatening eviction for filing a complaint. If you are threatened with eviction as a result of filing a habitability complaint, contact Pisgah Legal Services at (828) 253-0406 for information and advice.