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Since June I have been going back and forth with my landlord to repair our problems in the apartment. (will list below) I am in the end of a high risk pregnancy, I dont want to have to move because of this since my baby is due in November, but I dont know what type of lawyer or people I need to be talking to.

We have sent letters (registerd) with-held rent (put it in escrow) and complained... These problems are costing us a LOT of money and inconvience and they arent doing ANYTHING but coming up with excuse afer excuse on what 'could be' the problem...

So here are the issues:
For about 4 months now we have been going back and forth with our landlord to get our A/C unit in our apartment fixed.

here are the problems:
1. The central A/C unit does not work
2. The dishwasher spits up dirty nasty water up through the sink, and faucet
3. The tub in the bathroom leaks
4. The windows either dont open or they fall open and let bugs in
5. The closet doors keep falling off

2007-09-16 13:40:57 · 4 answers · asked by *meh* 3 in Business & Finance Renting & Real Estate

There are a few other problems as well, like the carpet being soaked from the A/C and mildew/mold growing on it...

So what type of lawyer do I need to get this taken care of? What should I do from here?!

Thanks!

2007-09-16 13:42:12 · update #1

PS: Rent IS in Escrow, that is legal in St. Louis, they had over 60 days to fix the problems, by law I could have with-held after 30 days. I am paying the with-held rent this month (the cheque was in the mail before I realized that the problems were NOT fixed). The A/C unit is a Central Air unit. It was part of the rental agreement and if we didnt want a unit we could have taken an apartment without one. The reason the A/C is a problem because of the mildew/mold issues and the fact that I'm about to have a baby. Its a high risk pregnancy and being in an apartment thats over 80 degrees 85% of the time is not healthy...

2007-09-16 16:19:32 · update #2

4 answers

You could have several problems. The first is withholding the rent. Unless you went thru a legal proceeding, that probably is going to get you evicted. At least you have the rent in escrow.

Second, depending on the laws in your state, AC may not be a requirement. But I would have called an HVAC company to looke and provide an estimate to repair. Might have even paid for the repair.

If your dishwasher is backflushing waste water thru your faucet, you have a very major problem. Much worse than the AC not working. However, if this is just the waste backing up from the dishwasher to the sink, it's just the drain line needing cleaned out.

Your best bet is to contact the health department. But be prepared to pack and leave.

How long have you lived there and were these problems there when you moved in?

2007-09-16 14:47:39 · answer #1 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 0 0

First call the county for code enforcement/health dept and let them talk to the landlord-but, understand that if they find bad conditions they may force you out. Frankly that may be the best thing that could happen for you and the baby! The mold can be dangerous depending on the kind. You can test the mold for yourself by getting a kit from Home Depot? or an Allergist (doctor) but, I heard it takes time. The attorney that you would call is a REAL ESTATE attorney and you can find the right kind by looking up Title companies under the yellow pages-get the guys who practice this kind of law all of the time! God Bless and good luck!

2007-09-16 13:56:21 · answer #2 · answered by helprhome 5 · 1 0

I highly suggest calling your local Health Department for guidance. Also, I would check on whether or not holding your rent is a good idea. In my area, it is illegal to not pay rent regardless of the type of dispute. Not paying the rent provides legal standing for eviction of the tenant. The correct way is for the tenant to take the landlord to court, and sue for the return of the rent and other expenses. I know it sounds crazy but you would not want to give your landlord any further ability to mess with your quality of life. On another note, when I was pregnant, my apartment kept getting mold in the kitchen along the refrigerator. My landlord would not address the issue. After talking it over with my doctor I moved. The doctor told me that mold gives off fumes that could harm my baby. At that point it was not worth it, so I moved. Also, when your child is born you will be so busy providing for him or her. You will want your home environment to be calm. If I were you I would give a lot of thought to moving. The stress of dealing with the landlord is not good for an expectant mom either. I moved in my 7th month, and the difference was immediate. Especially after the baby was born, because I did not have to deal with my landlord.

2007-09-16 14:08:19 · answer #3 · answered by Keryne 3 · 1 0

Call the health department in your town as well as the codes enforcement department.

2007-09-16 13:44:57 · answer #4 · answered by barb j 4 · 1 0

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