On Friday we had some bad thunder storms. My basement got flooded almost to my knees. I store stuff in the basement like my kid’s toys and winter clothes. I also had clothes down there to wash and every piece of clothing is moldy. I can not wash them fast enough and it just getting worst. Me and my husband cleaned out all the water after waiting 4 days for the landlord to call or come over , but the smell is so bad I used bleach and pine sol it still smells bad. My question is, is the landlord responsible for damage and what can I do to get the smell out. My son has bad asthma attacks and I don't want this to affect him.
2006-08-02 05:20:42 · 8 answers · asked by KANDIGIRL 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I have section 8 and you are not allowed to have no type of insurance while applying. I am not sure why but this is the type of imformation that they tell us.
2006-08-02 05:39:13 · update #1
Assuming you called your landlord and informing of the problem then the answer is yes he is responsible to a degree. However if he is busy avoiding his responsibility then you may have to take action. Make sure you read every bit of info on your lease. Two, you can start calling rental agencies and informing them of what he has done, your D.A. can be contacted for criminal negligence, and the Better Business Bureau. Don't say mean things about him, just give them the facts. If he doesn't take care of his renters this how renters can get back at slumlords.
2006-08-02 05:30:14 · answer #1 · answered by raiderking69 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ever hear of "renter's insurance?" It insures your stuff inside someone else's house. It is pretty cheap, and would come in handy about now.
Your landlord is NOT responsible for your stuff. He is responsible for the basement being repaired, if he WANTS to do it. HIS insurance will pay for that.
Call the Health Department and ask to have the basement tested for mold. If there is a charge, talk it over with your landlord. He should pay for it. Landlords hate the Health Department, because HD can fine him or say his place is uninhabitable, and then he can't rent it out, till he fixes it.
If he knows you have contacted the Health Department, might evict you, so he doesn't have to deal with you.
Black mold can KILL you.
2006-08-02 05:35:07 · answer #2 · answered by Lottie W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your lease probably states that the landlord is not liable for any damages resulting in fire or flood. Contents Insurance would cover this. Section 8 you cannot have Property Insurance, but anyone is entitled to Contents Insurance. Section 8 holds landlords responsible though to correct problems like this ASAP. Contact them.
2006-08-02 06:53:51 · answer #3 · answered by educated guess 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This depends on the terms of the lease. If the lease makes you responsible for repairs and maintence - it is a tenants repairing lease- then you will be liable. Otherwise the landlord is going to be responsible. This will also be affected by any landlord and tenant laws in your area. Go to the local law center and they will be able to advise you more fully.
Also from what you say it would seem that the problem is getting really bad and you should get in contect with city hall and tell then what is going on.
2006-08-02 05:30:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your landlord is responsible if your basement pump is not expelling the water...to remove the smell once you have the water out lay out bowls of white vinegar to absorb the smell. If it does not go away in 2 days you may have a toxic mold issue that again would be the landlords responsiblity to clean up.
2006-08-02 05:25:55 · answer #5 · answered by Pixie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a health hazard, yes. He is responsible. It is his property and he MUST conform to codes for it to be habitable. If he refuses, call the local Health Department. They will issue him a citation and fine. As for your belongings, he is NOT responsible for those. You should have Renter's Insurance. THAT would cover items damaged while living in a rental property.
2006-08-02 05:26:03 · answer #6 · answered by Quietman40 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say so if flooding is caused by failure to maintain.
In our apartment building we had a problem with water seeping in through the walls...it's not too bad, but still. Our landlady hired a contractor to fix the problem.
2006-08-02 06:02:18 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are responsible...that is the purpose of renters insurance.
2006-08-02 06:53:39 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋