Are you fighting foreclosure? Is your landlord trying to evict you? Are you concerned about losing your Section 8 housing? Do you feel like you have been defrauded by a contractor hired to make repairs to your home? Do you feel like you have been discriminated by a home provider?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Bay Area Legal Services may be able to assist you. Call our Legal Aid Line today to apply for legal help.
The legal problems faced by people affected by disasters continue for years following the actual event. The issues involve landlord/tennat disputes, rent-gouging by unscrupulous landlords, temporary housing problems, consumer fraud and domestic violence from disaster-related distress. Health and environmental problems arise from the cleanup of homes and buildings.
Home Repair Fraud Contacts for Home Repair and Hurricane-Related Problems/Frauds:
The focus is on issues affecting many consumers, especially price-gouging during states of emergency. However, individual consumers are welcome to call; they will be advised;if necessary, they will be referred, likely to one of the following:
Seniors v. Crime -- 1-800-203-3099. This AG's project involves local senior volunteers who assist individual consumers by investigating complaints, contacting perpetrators, and generally attempting to get positive results.
Department of Business and Professional Regulation -- 1-850-487-1395 (main number). For complaints against licensed (usually "structural") contractors (distinguish painters, kitchen remodelers, etc. who may not be required to be licensed). The Complaint Division number is 850-488-6603.
Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - "General" Consumer Hotline- 800-435-7352. For a wide array of consumer issues; also for home repair contractors who do not require a license.
DBPR also administers the Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund -- 850-487-1395. The Fund reimburses certain qualified homeowners w/ a final administrative or court judgment against a contractor. Note: Filing a complaint is not the same as filing a claim on the fund.
Department of Finance -- 1-800-342-2762. This agency is concerned with insurance, mortgage and other financial issues. Also, if the home repair in question was financed by homeowners' insurance, this agency is interested.
Re: Mobile home Repair/Replacement/Sales, etc. Depending on the issue, DBPR may be helpful. For issues with mobile home parks with condo/co-op ownership structures, call 850-488-1122.
For mobile home parks where lots are leased only, call DBPR main number (850-487-1395).
For construction problems involving mobile homes, call 850-488-8600.
For transfer of title issues re: mobile homes, call the local office of the Department of Highway Safety and Transportation. Florida Attorney General: General Fraud Helpline -- 1-866-966-7226.
The Fair Housing Program improves our communities by providing community education on how to establish and preserve assets, and by representing residents with fair housing issues. It helps residents of Hillsborough County by obtaining accommodations for persons with disabilities, increasing knowledge of lending options, increasing the potential for homeownership among first time home buyers, and preserving housing.
Below are links to learn more about fair housing practices.
HUD Homes and Communities U.S. Department of Housing Fannie Mae more information about homeownership
We are a 501(C) (3), a copy of the official charitable organization registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (1-800-435-7352) within Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Registration #CH1969.
