I moved to an apartment in the middle of March. Maybe a month later I found out that it had a leaking problem in the kitchen. It is now to the point that it is leaking above my sink and above my stove. My landlord has known for months, but still has done nothing. It is causing mildew/mold really bad. I have a 4 year old son. Also September 24, 2007 I smelled smoke. I called the gas company and they came out. It was the stove that had a leak, so they turned off my gas at the stove and where all the lines are. I am the only one without gas. He has known since the day that they came, because I called him while they were still at my home. I still have no gas. I don't know what to do. Legally we have no lease so I can go. But he said in front of my older sister and sister-in-law that if it cost too much he would give me back my rent for this month, October, and then I would have to get out. It is difficult because I cook dinner 5 or 6 times a week and now I can't. Help!
2007-10-31 07:43:56 · 10 answers · asked by Mother of one 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Thank you everyone that has answered. I have gone to the housing inspector. They came to my home to see what was wrong, and spoke to my landlord telling him what was wrong and what he has to fix. I also have called the Tenants Association where I live. They told me to write him a letter telling him everything that was wrong with the house and what he needed to fix. Then give him a month from the time that he got the letter to fix it. If he didn't he would be put in escrow. That was a month yesterday, he hasn't done anything but fix the leaking sink in the kitchen. I don't want to be their anymore in the first place. I don't think that he wants me there either, which is why he hasn't even called me to discuss anything that he said he would do or if he is even going to fix the kitchen . I don't have a problem with not having a lease. If I had a lease now, I wouldn't be able to move out before it was up, I don't think legally anyway. I have been looking. It is just not right!
2007-11-02 07:14:02 · update #1
Where do you live? You may want to contact your housing agency or housing advocate and get them to help. You can tell him that the living conditions are unacceptable, and if he won't fix the problems you will and then deduct it from the rent that he would get. That may bring him to the table and force him to make the changes. He would ultimately have to evict you and has to do this through court, which is costly for him, and that might not be worth his hassle. It sounds like you have to get tough with him and lay down your foot.
2007-10-31 08:00:45 · answer #1 · answered by redwine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without a lease you may be out of luck. There are laws for a verbal agreement, but they are hard to support. Short of getting a lawyer, there may be nothing you can do.
If I were you I'd just walk away and accept the loss. Next time, get a lease. Leases can be a pain, but they also protect you in cases like this one.
2007-10-31 14:54:19 · answer #2 · answered by Wundt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you have a lease? Is it an illegal apartment?
He needs to fix those problems ASAP, you can go to town and put in a grievence (complaint) and they have to look into it.
Personally, I would move, being around mold is not healthy for you or your 4 year old son.
2007-10-31 14:53:38 · answer #3 · answered by Kristy Lynn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell your landlord that you will call someone to fix the problem and he'll have to pay for the expenses. He'll understand how major this problem is and will eventually fix the problem. If that doesn't work, tell him that you will call the housing authority and report the problem. The worse thing he'll do is kick you out, but at least the housing authority will know.
2007-10-31 15:57:04 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs Apple 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could report him to the Health Dept. because of the mold. Take LOTS of pictures so you can make a claim in small claims court if you wanted. Then call the housing dept. where you live and report the violations. DO IT NOW.
2007-10-31 14:53:24 · answer #5 · answered by just me 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local government tenancy board. Lease or no lease, the tenancy act applies. You don't deserve to live in sub-standard conditions.
2007-10-31 15:02:10 · answer #6 · answered by Celtic-Candy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a real apartment with a real lease.
2007-10-31 15:36:25 · answer #7 · answered by Brian A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First - WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A LEASE?!!!!
WITH OUT A LEASE YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS OR PROTECTION!!!!
Find another place and get a lease!!
2007-10-31 14:50:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to your state government - every state has departments that regulate renting, there should be a department that can help you and direct/guide you. Contact your state government now!!!!
2007-10-31 14:48:49 · answer #9 · answered by l8tr g8tr 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why waste your time with this person..Move now
2007-10-31 19:19:23 · answer #10 · answered by overhereyoupretty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋