We are living in an apartment. A few weeks ago the washer (on the 2nd floor) overflowed. We turned off the water immediately when it started overflowing, but it had already flooded half the upstairs and the water was pouring down through the ceiling on the 1st floor.
We called the landlord and notified them immediately. It took them 3 weeks to come and do anything...the only thing they have done so far is vaccum the carpet and it's still moist (keep in mind it's been 3 weeks). They didn't pull it up like I thought they would have. Also the sheetrock on the cieling downstairs is discolored and hanging about 1" down...they still have not done anything about it.
I have expressed that I was worried about mold growing in the house. They told me that since we've had the a/c on mold won't grow...I know this is b.s.
Am I endangering my family by remaining in the house??
2007-12-12 13:57:35 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
To answer the question about the A/C running in November...we live in south Louisiana and it's been 80 degrees constantly since the flooding. It's supposed to cool down into the 50's next week, but that will be the 4th week after the flood.
On a side note we have been smelling this musty/nasty odor for the last 2 weeks. It smells like wet garbage that has been sitting out in the sun...it's horrible and they aren't doing anything about it. I'm worried about the health issues because my daughter already have respiratory issues...
2007-12-12 15:12:54 · update #1
"If you let the washer run over, you are responsible for the damage so be glad he isn't in too big of a hurry. You should have rented a carpet cleaner and sucked the moisture out of the rug. Why do you think the landlord should have to clean up after you let a washer run over? Mold will grow when the a/c is on. You must really be in a slummy place. But when you make a mess, clean it up yourself but report it to the landlord. Landlords aren't your maid service. . ."
You must be one of the slumlords I take it. Our rental contract states that the landlord is responsible for their own appliances if they break. It was not simply the fact that we "ran over" the washing machine...a part broke that caused all the water to drain out of it. It's not our fault they bought crap appliances.
I am also sure that if I were to call the health board on this they are going to go after the landlord and not me.
2007-12-12 15:18:08 · update #2
I'm not sure where you live where the a/c is on in November, but heat and moisture mean mold.
Whether or not mold means health issues varies by individual.
When rain came in sideways into our rental house, we hired a firm that came in with super strong fans and vacs to dry everything out. (We were the landlords).
I am surprised the LANDLORD isn't worried about mold. If you don't smell musty nasty odors, it probably isn't a major issue yet.
Call your local health department and ask questions. If they think it is an issue, they can perhaps refer you to the department where you would report this landlord.
Good luck!
2007-12-12 14:53:00 · answer #1 · answered by starrystarrynight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just in case it happens again, poke a very small hole in the ceiling and put a bucket underneath it and the water will drain out of the ceiling. If you let the washer run over, you are responsible for the damage so be glad he isn't in too big of a hurry. You should have rented a carpet cleaner and sucked the moisture out of the rug. Why do you think the landlord should have to clean up after you let a washer run over? Mold will grow when the a/c is on. You must really be in a slummy place. But when you make a mess, clean it up yourself but report it to the landlord. Landlords aren't your maid service. . .
2007-12-12 23:01:02 · answer #2 · answered by towanda 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It appears the landlord (despite being offered reasonable time to respond) is not adequately resolving your situation.
If any ill health is suffered i would seek legal advice.
2007-12-12 22:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋