Apartment Question...please read.?

Question

I was wondering if it was possible for me to force my apartment manager to pay for my doctor bills now that I'm suffering from mold.

I know that I'm allergic to mold and before the new neighbors upstairs moved in I was fine. But now that they use their washer everyday I've noticed water damage behind the washer. I know that this indicats that there is a possiblity of mold back there...but everytime I'm near that room I can't stop sneezing.

Since the water damage appeard I can't breath, I've been having problems hearing.

This was the reason I moved from my last place and I can't handle the mold.

Is there anyway I can get them to pay for any doctor visits I need now due to the water damage and mold?

The water damage is new. The neighbors recently moved in upstairs about a month ago and brought with them their own washer...these apartments have washers and dryers included.

But like I said the water damage is new...I only first saw it last night...and alot of things have been explained by these stains.

The wet carpet near the laundry room, the nasty wet smell...you know, when you leave something in water TOO long and it has this discusting smell....

Answer 1

yes, but dont just go demanding they pay your bills right off. Tell thenm they need to get the mold issue resolved immediately. If they drag their feet, contact H.U.D. If housing and urban development is not an authority in this area, they will refer you to the place that is. Once those organizations get involved, believe me, your landlords will do whatever you say, and pay any related expenses

Answer 2

Well maybe. You would need medical proof the reaction you had was due to that mold in the current apartment you are staying in and not due to the previous apartment you lived.

They do have to provide you with another unit within their building, if they can not due that then you should be able to end your lease so that you can find other living arrangements. Also if they move you to another unit ask them to do an inspection or mold. And they may be responsible for the moving cost to move to another unit.

Answer 3

Not unless you had previously notified your landlord of the leak in the washing machine(and have documentation of it). However, if you notify him in writing of the leak in the apartment upstairs more than twice (and keep a copy of the notifications) and he still fails to repair the leak within a thirty day period of time from the first notification, then you have just cause to go to court and request to set up an escrow account. In this case, he will recieve no more rent until he performs maintenance on your apartment. Unless you have any documentation that you had previously requested your landlord to repair the leak, the you legally have no recourse as far as medical bills are concerned. Sorry for the bad news.

You should check the website I provided below for more information, though.
http://www.nolo.com

Answer 4

The apartments have a responsiblity to you...when you signed your lease...to provide a safe, healty, quiet living arangement! You need to put everything in writing...and make copies. Request written answers to your complaints and questions!!

Mold is a serious thing...it could give you grounds to terminate your lease and be able to move!!!

Answer 5

you will need documentation from the doctor stating the main reason for your breathing problems is the mold from the apartment,

Answer 6

Did you try asking your landlord to repair the water damage?

Answer 7

the apartment's liability insurance may cover mold, see a lawyer with all your doctor's documentation.