Once upon a time,
our gas bill was very high
and I wrote this post.
Called to complain to
the Property Management.
Something must be wrong!
Owner of this home
didn’t care to make it right.
“Let’s just ignore it!” 
We wanted to move.
Instead we turned down the heat,
trying to save cash.
Latest water bill
clued us to the real problem.
And then the gas bill.
This time the gas bill
was a whopping three-fifty.
And from LESS HEATING!
Checked water heater.
OH MY LORD, it is leaking!
Both water and gas!
And, oh my, the mold!
It is being birthed right here,
then coming inside.
This mold in Braden’s
room is growing because of
leak in the heater.
Mold on all windows,
making us sick for a month…
now we know the “why.”
Inform the owner…
“Someone will be out sometime,
for an ESTIMATE.”
But we need help now!
Leaking! Dangerous! COME ON!
But they do not care.
Two days after that,
our hot water is all gone…
check water heater.
Both water and gas
spraying out of the unit.
This is REALLY BAD.
Call and tell the turds
“property being damaged.”
Here within an hour.
“It must be replaced,”
says the contractor who comes.
But then what happens?
They send another.
Owner did not like the first
estimate he got.
So still we’re waiting.
Now owner says “his man” will
fix the old heater.
But this is not good.
It is beyond fixing, and
this is dangerous.
And while we still wait?
We have no hot water here.
Wash dish? Take Bath? NO.
I bet that you can
smell me from where you are now.
I really stink. Yuck.
I look at this shot,
and I long for my shower.
It’s now but a dream.
Oh, yeah, and the mold?
Will cost a lot to clean up.
We doubt it gets done.
Can’t stay here like this!
Our health is compromised, and
that is not okay.
But lease runs through May.
Will they let us out of it?
What do you guys think? :-S
But look at this face.
We will do whatever it
takes to protect him.
We must get out now.
Things might get pretty ugly.
Please send us good vibes.
#1 by Sadie on March 7, 2008 - 12:12 AM
OMG!!! YEs, you MUST get out now!!! That mold is horrible!! Your health and Braden’s health must be a priority. If the property managers give you issues, tell them you’ll get a lawyer. It should NEVER have gotten that bad!! And a $350 gas bill?!?!? WTH? OMG I’d be calling my local news channel investigation guy and ratting this property manager out BIG TIME.
Wishing you the best of luck…Good vibes only heading your way!!
Sadie’s last blog post..A dinosaur is in my kitchen!!
#2 by sugarplumsmom on March 7, 2008 - 12:14 AM
Oh that is horrid… I would tell them they will put you up in a hotel beginning tomorrow until it is fixed and the mold is cleaned up or they will be getting a call from your lawyer for not properly taking care of the house and jeopardizing your health. There has to be some law for that.
sugarplumsmom’s last blog post..Not Born Yet
#3 by Mrs. F on March 7, 2008 - 12:18 AM
They can not hold you to the lease if the home is uninhabitable. Mold should be grounds for that. Get out while you still have your health. Google your states tenant rights or something like that…
Good luck.
Mrs. F’s last blog post..Present opening Etiquette
#4 by Xbox4NappyRash on March 7, 2008 - 12:23 AM
the very very best of luck.
Just get out, it can’t be worth it.
cheers.
Xbox4NappyRash’s last blog post..La Blitz Du Ovulation!
#5 by Mrs. F on March 7, 2008 - 12:27 AM
Put your request for repairs in writing and keep a copy of the request for your records. If all else fails, I found this—
TENNESSEE: The landlord cannot turn off utilities while a tenant is living in the rental unit, even if the tenant is in default on the lease. Lockouts are not permitted. If the landlord refuses to make repairs within 14 days after a written request from the tenant, the tenant can break the lease and can sue the landlord for damages caused by the landlord’s refusal to make repairs. A 30-day notice is required prior to filing for eviction for non-payment of rent unless the lease provides for a waiver of notice.
I got that info here:
http://www.enotes.com/everyday-law-encyclopedia/landlord-tenant-rights
Mrs. F’s last blog post..Present opening Etiquette
#6 by Maggie on March 7, 2008 - 12:36 AM
Lotus, that’s just plain scary, pain in the ass aspect aside. I do not know what the laws are, but there have to be some, and meanwhile, I think Sadie has the right idea with involving the local news if they are interested because sometimes that kind of exposure gets results more quickly. The health of your family comes first, so whatever you can do and the sooner you can do it, the better. That can’t be good. I’m so sorry. That just sucks and makes me angry that people like your landlord can’t just be decent and do the right thing.
Maggie’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen 3/6/08
#7 by Making My Own Fun on March 7, 2008 - 12:41 AM
Holy crappers, girl! Mold is dangerous. That’s the first thing they tell you on all of those flip-that-home shows. There has to be recourse for this. Your landlord can’t possibly hold you to your lease given those conditions…
I hope you get out as soon as possible (and with as little financial/mental strain as possible)
Making My Own Fun’s last blog post..Whew!
#8 by Lightening on March 7, 2008 - 12:54 AM
Ummm…..all that wouldn’t be legal here. Do you have any kind of tenancy rights organisation there????
Sending those vibes….
Lightening’s last blog post..Rewarding our Frugality
#9 by zoeyjane on March 7, 2008 - 1:00 AM
seriously, threaten to sue. mrs f’s advice is sound, so really…the law is totally on your side. xo. i’ll be thinking of you guys and all of your little lungs.
zoeyjane’s last blog post..Just Sayin’
#10 by river on March 7, 2008 - 1:01 AM
Yes, absolutely! You need t0 get out of there. Follow Mrs. F’s advice and go to your tenant’s rights association or whatever equivalent you have there. The situation as is must not be allowed to continue. Moulds and mildews are exremely dangerous to health, your baby is being compromised. (Mould and mildew spores are one of the main causes of my sinusitis and migraines.) Get the property manager to inspect the premises (don’t they do this on a regular basis anyway? Mine does and problems are fixed immediately, often on the same day I call about it,especially if it’s a plumbing problem), once he’s seen the living conditions you should have no trouble getting out of the lease. The question then becomes, do you have somewhere to go? Can you find another place to live in a hurry? Good luck with all of the above. (wondered where that smell was wafting from…………hee hee…. just kidding)
#11 by Tootsie Farklepants on March 7, 2008 - 1:01 AM
You need to call some authorities. Do you have anyone you could stay with in the meantime? Or a hotel and send your landlord the bill? Or sue him? That is unacceptable!
Tootsie Farklepants’s last blog post..I Can Haz Pretty Pictures
#12 by melissa on March 7, 2008 - 1:31 AM
Wow. Yeah, definitely check on your rights here. You may have something to help you there. And the suggestion for the local watchdog group isn’t bad, either. Hang in there!
melissa’s last blog post..Friday Haiku 3/7/08
#13 by Jennifer on March 7, 2008 - 1:46 AM
There must be something in the lease? That is terrible.
Get out, get out.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Fears and events and prayers, Part II
#14 by Taz on March 7, 2008 - 1:54 AM
sending you all the best of vibes and good luck..
take care..
Taz’s last blog post..19 weeks old
#15 by Huckdoll on March 7, 2008 - 3:01 AM
We had a mold problem in our apartment bathroom when i was pregnant with the girls. We left early, broke our lease and they held our security deposit.
I documented everything before we left and threatend to take the property managers to court because my unborn children’s health was in danger. Three days later, I received a check. You guys gotta go! Can you go?? I sure hope so. Luckily, you have it all in photos. You might need that.
Huckdoll’s last blog post..The Unveiling
#16 by Kelley on March 7, 2008 - 3:03 AM
vibing so hard I am vibrating….
Oooooh that feels nice…… *snigger*
Seriously, this is the houses way of saying Get OUT!
Kelley’s last blog post..Randomness on drugs
#17 by Catherine on March 7, 2008 - 3:29 AM
You aren’t still living there are you? OMG YOU NEED TO CALL DR. PHIL or SOMEONE!!
Any type of pictures or video will break you out of your lease.
I am allergic to mold and broke out into hives when I saw the pictures!
Guess what? You’ve been tagged! Please visit my blog and read the “4×4 meme” post.
Also, I sent an e-mail to you as well. Please check it.
Thanks for a great blog!!
Catherine’s last blog post..4×4 Meme
#18 by Toni on March 7, 2008 - 3:38 AM
Yeah, call the “on your side” news team in Nashville. They love that kind of stuff here in Ohio.
Or call the health dept. or some sort of renter’s advocacy group to help you out. It seems to me they owe you for the huge bills at least!
This sucks. So sorry this is happening to you.
Toni’s last blog post..Haiku-versary
#19 by Christina on March 7, 2008 - 4:45 AM
Yes, get out now. Mold is toxic to your body, and can make you far more ill than you currently are. Looking at that mold, they’re going to have to take out entire panels of drywall to get rid of it.
Demand out of the lease now. Call the local news, call your local housing authority and report this guy, and demand to get out. This is neglect on the part of the owner, and even as a renter you have rights.
Good luck, and start looking for a new place right away.
Christina’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: Hai-ku-lujah, Oh Happy Day!
#20 by Marylin on March 7, 2008 - 5:03 AM
I’m glad you’ve got these pictures as proof. Writing letters (while keeping copies) is definitely the way to go instead of just calling constantly.
There’s no way you should be able to be kept in the lease if your apartment is in that state. Take more pics (with dates on!!) and get out asap.
so sorry you’re having to go through this, we were in a similar position when Zack was around the same age and in the end we just had to leave. The landlord wasn’t willing to fork out the amount needed and he couldn’t keep us there.
Really hope ya get this sorted soon xx
Marylin’s last blog post..He eats!!!
#21 by transplanting me on March 7, 2008 - 5:20 AM
i agree get out. poor family, that’s no fun at all.
transplanting me’s last blog post..cooking haiku
#22 by MizFit on March 7, 2008 - 5:27 AM
that’s your suckage?
I caint haiku.
Im a seuss/silverstein gurl.
M.
MizFit’s last blog post..Link Love and a Friday FREEBIE!
#23 by Secret Agent Mama on March 7, 2008 - 6:03 AM
I say screw the lease, these pictures are evidence that would hold up in a court of law. Find a new place, pack up, and move. It’s just not worth it when Braden (and you and John) are compromised! I’m sending good vibes, hon. You’re more than welcome to come take a shower here!
Secret Agent Mama’s last blog post..Haiku Friday
#24 by Jennifer on March 7, 2008 - 6:26 AM
That’s just…WRONG. Is there someone you can report this person to? Better business bureau? HUD? I don’t even know, it just seems so wrong.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Thy Name is Suzie Homemaker and I Must Be Stopped
#25 by Wendy on March 7, 2008 - 6:40 AM
Oh my word! That is horrible!! I HOPE that you are able to get out right away…there is no way that he can make you stay there with it looking like that. Totally sickening.
Wendy’s last blog post..It’s PARTY time!!!!!
#26 by melissa on March 7, 2008 - 6:44 AM
that is one of my fears…that one of the reasons my son is always sick, is due to black mold…the bad kind…the kind that they have to tear apart your house for and isn’t covered by insurance!!
i’m sending you major good vibes!! got them!!??
#27 by Nancy on March 7, 2008 - 6:51 AM
First …get out! That is making you all sick.
That would be so illegal here, to rent a house out like that.
Get out , then check into your rights for reimbursement , I’d ask an attorney. For back rent, medical bills, future coverage if needed.
This isn’t good … please move out ASAP. Do you have renters insurance? The home owner must have insurance … check into that too … filing against them to get you moved too!
Praying for you!
Nancy’s last blog post..Born in the “D” the 313
#28 by Ann on March 7, 2008 - 7:11 AM
I haven’t read any of the comments so someone has probably already suggested this but there HAS to be someone you can call to report your landlord! The Health Department or something. In our city (which is fairly large), you can call the Crisis Center for anything and they have all of the community resources RIGHT THERE. So, if you explain that you want to report a rogue landlord or a health code violation, they should be able to give you the number. Keep us updated! That mold is terrifying!
Ann’s last blog post..Blogging assignment announcement!
#29 by Suzanne on March 7, 2008 - 7:25 AM
Lotus, not sure what the law is in Tennessee, but if you are without heat or water in Maryland, you can withhold the rent until the problem is remedied.
I’m with the others, contact the various TV stations consumer advocate. Most have a link on their websites nowadays. Send those pictures!
Also, contact your health department. Your house should be condemned. They’ll have some guidance for what to do.
Have you contacted the gas company and water company?
Get yourself out ASAP. Long term exposure to mold can cause a lot of respiratory problems down the road.
Praying for you.
Suzanne’s last blog post..Getting support, giving support
#30 by Lou Lohman on March 7, 2008 - 7:42 AM
Motel 6. Forward the bill to the landlord. Do it NOW.
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..Fabulous Friday Haiku
#31 by Ree on March 7, 2008 - 7:47 AM
If they don’t let you out of the lease? Hire a lawyer.
Ree’s last blog post..Coffee Snortin’
#32 by MommyTime on March 7, 2008 - 7:57 AM
Call the Building Inspector NOW! Report this landlord. This is illegal, no matter what state you live in or what lease you signed. You are renting and they are legally obliged to make sure some things work — like heat and water. If you can’t find a number listed for a building inspector, call the city, county, township, or whatever the local authority is, and ask their main office what the building inspector’s number is. This landlord needs not only to clean this up; he needs a hefty fine and an inspector to ensure that he fixes the mess AND won’t pull this crap again.
MommyTime’s last blog post..Guest Post by The Dog
#33 by HappyCampers on March 7, 2008 - 8:00 AM
Are you guys in TX? If you need any advice, my mom is a Property Manager with 20 yrs experience and she can tell you what’s protocol in a situation like this (re: breaking leas without penalty).
The first thing I would do? Put together a letter stating you’ve hired an attorney (not that you need to) and will be filing a lawsuit if something isn’t taken care of in X number of days.
Mold is a SERIOUS problem. To clean, it requires a professional team, full body protection, and complete removal of mold.
I cannot express this seriously enough–you CANNOT stay in that house honey. What you see on the walls is a fraction of what is actually IN the walls and BEHIND the walls.
You will continue to be sick and it can get worse.
I’m not trying to scare you, but I want to help you be aware of the severity of the problem.
From the web:
You must also make sure that you have documentation of everything. Also, any problems pertaining to the mold must be in writing to provide backup, otherwise you may not have a legitimate suit.
If you signed a mold addendum when you moved in, make sure you read your copy thouroughly for more info. Since mold is caused from some sort of water, your landlord must fix the problem, it is most likely a leak. (Again, this must be in writing) In Texas, I know for sure after you give them 3 letters in writing (certified mail is a good way to go), you can break your contract and then I would pursue legal action.
Another word on breaking your lease:
in my past experience.. i had a similar situation so i contacted a lawyer and was told what i needed to do was send a certified letter to the apartment complex stating the situation and giving them 30 days to fix the problem.
if they fix the problem then you can not break the lease without penalty. If the apartment complex does not comply within 30 days on the 31st day you can move and legally can not be charged to terminate your lease.
In the letter, it must include your name, address, a 30 day notice to vacant without lease penalty if the situation is not fixed.. you must be specific to what the situation is and include any other helpful information. I had to do that about 3 years ago and the apartment complex did not comply so i ended up moving and was never charged a lease fee.
Sorry my comment was so long. But you DO have some legal power in all of this.
Also-one last word-if the landlord tries to send someone in to just scrub the walls, DO NOT assume they did a proper job. Google “how to remove black mold” and you’ll find it is a very serious, professional job and not something done half-assed.
HUGS to you guys….I wish I could help more….
HappyCampers’s last blog post..Check outthe Home Education Magazine Cover!
#34 by Rebecca on March 7, 2008 - 8:05 AM
UGH! That really stinks (no pun intended). Good luck… Keep us posted.
Rebecca’s last blog post..Party hat, anyone?
#35 by Jozet at Halushki on March 7, 2008 - 8:09 AM
Holy shit.
I hate to say this, but do whatever you can to get out of there right now.
My friend went through this and her youngest had bleeding lungs for over a year, tens of thousands in doctor bills, a few “prepare yourselves” hospital visits, and they are in the middle of an extended legal battle. All from mold. And they were only in contact with it for a few weeks.
The mold was in everything, even their car. They lost everything they owned.
I don’t want to be a downer – but I am – but this is a horrible situation. If there is any way you can get out pronto, do it.
#36 by Karen Sugarpants on March 7, 2008 - 8:11 AM
We had leaky roofs (rooves? kidding.) at the townhouse we lived in before this house. It caused black mold to form in the walls, ceilings, windows, and so, being a mom of a 2 year old at the time, I had it tested.
I forget the name but it was a deadly one that affected mucous membranes – causing ear, nose and throat infections & harming my reproductive system too. My friend and neighbour 3 doors down and I went through over a year of fertility treatment even after moving out and there’s no doubt in my mind it was the mold.
Please get out ASAP. Huge hugs to you all!
xo
Karen Sugarpants’s last blog post..One Thing At A Time
#37 by witchypoo on March 7, 2008 - 8:12 AM
Do you have the equivalent of a residential tenancies board?
With your documentation, you can present it after you move.
In fact, call a residential inspector to the premises. The health board would deem the place unfit for habitation.
Do it now, please.
witchypoo’s last blog post..A Visual Comment
#38 by Y on March 7, 2008 - 8:16 AM
call the EPA!!!! You have rights, tha’ts not ok. And then, get out.
My sister was FORCED To move out of her home because of mold and there was no “cleaning it up.” The entire wall had to be knocked out and replaced before it was deemed “safe” again. Also, she sued the previous owner for not disclosing the leak that caused the mold and my niece can sue until she’s 18 for health problems she’s had due to the mold.
It’s serious and you really can’t be living with that. Asshole landlords.
Y’s last blog post..Fanny
#39 by Josh on March 7, 2008 - 8:18 AM
Lotus-
Don’t pay that slum lord another dime. Withholding rent to get something done is one option (ie we don’t pay rent until you fix this adequately). Another option is call him and tell them that the home is unsafe for your young child to live in that he can apply your security deposit towards your last month’s rent and you will be moving on X date.
Mold is nasty stuff and it can make you really sick. Braden is too young and vulnerable to have to live there. I wouldn’t want to live there even if they did “clean it up.”
If the mold is showing up on the walls and the floors in means that to properly clean it up will require replacing the drywall and any other porous material that the mold spores have come in contact with. Mold is also likely to be present in the heating and air ducts. All houses have some amount of mold, but what you showed in pictures should make you happy that you are renting. The slum lord is finally going to get his. This will be pricey to fix, but I am sure that it will not be done properly.
I would urge you to spend the snowy weekend online looking for a new place to live!
Josh’s last blog post..Update on Spring…
#40 by Josh on March 7, 2008 - 8:29 AM
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
Oh and tenant rights in Tennessee are akin to the rights of an inmate in prison. Tennessee sucks in that regard. However, they can’t evict you in less than 60 days if they are ontop of their shit. It will normally take 90+ days. Either way, I agree that you should find a place and move asap.
I would seriously stop giving the slum lord any money. Period.
Their are a shitload of houses for rent in Nashville right now…. might I suggest East Nashville! Matthew and Braden can meet at the playground!
Good Luck-
Josh’s last blog post..Update on Spring…
#41 by HappyCampers on March 7, 2008 - 8:33 AM
Another thing I forgot to mention more clearly…
My comment focused on the “30 days to fix the problem” letter, which may address the mold issue.
But you cannot stay in that house for 30 days while you wait to have it fixed.
I agree with other commenters–contact the news channels, renters rights associations, property management associations.
If you do need a hotel or other housing, put it on a credit card if you must & pay it off later. The absolute danger of the mold is NOT worth any amount of money. Spend it some way & pay it later. Save ALL receipts so you can bill the owner/property management group if it comes to that.
But the one thing you absolutely cannot do is STAY PUT. You’ve GOT to go somewhere.
Follow this link (scroll down to find the article titled: Landlord Responsibility)
http://www.moldinspector.com/landlord_liability.htm
It defines what your landlord should be doing. And further down the page are exact legal notices you can copy & insert your information into and send to your landlord.
And going way back…mold can cause thyroid irregularities.
Another first step: go to the hardware store & purchase a mold identification kit. It should be able to tell you whether the type of mold you have is the very dangerous black mold (stachybotyrs) or some other kind of mold. Although–from the situation, symptoms, & look I would bet it’s the evil kind.
With your identification, you can press even harder with the legal action as you’ve confirmed it’s a major health hazard.
Can you tell I’m passionate about the dangers of black mold? And I care about you & your fam.
HappyCampers’s last blog post..Check outthe Home Education Magazine Cover!
#42 by HappyCampers on March 7, 2008 - 8:43 AM
For Nashville, the Code Violation hotline is
CODES HOTLINE @862-6590.
Call them to check out your problems….
HappyCampers’s last blog post..Check outthe Home Education Magazine Cover!
#43 by Scylla on March 7, 2008 - 8:49 AM
Okay, I am not offering you legal advice, because I do not know all the info needed to do so. However, here are a few things you should know about, and a few next steps you may want to take.
You need to look at your lease. It should have duties listed on their part. Including providing you with a habitable home.
It should also have listed the requirement that they repair issues within a reasonable time, or you get to repair them and deduct it from the cost of your rent.
I would send them a letter citing the clauses in the lease, and indicating you will have the repairs done and the cost deducted if they do not act immediately.
Also, speak to an attorney in your area about Constructive Eviction. That is behavior on the part of the landlord that renders the property unliveable, thereby acting as an eviction.
I am sorry you are dealing with this, but you absolutely have recourse. You can leave. It seems to me like you have a good set of evidence showing your landlord has broken the lease, so you can fight any claim he has to the remaining rent owed. In fact, you might be able to sue him for breach of the lease. Again, check with an attorney in your area.
There should be advocates in the area of landlord tenant law who work for reduced rates or for free. It is a hot topic in most areas, and many attorney’s are passionate about these issues.
Also, check out your area’s department of housing, these landlords are creating a health hazard and are likely violating some health laws.
I wish you the best of luck. I agree that you need to move out or have the repairs done immediately.
Scylla’s last blog post..Seven Days and Seven Nights…
#44 by amy on March 7, 2008 - 8:53 AM
Oh dear God that is awful!
We don’t live far from each other – ANYtime you want to come over and shower or let Braden splash around in Honey Bear’s tub or just get away from that stuff you are most welcome. Seriously! I will e-mail you my phone #.
amy’s last blog post..Dr.Lucky and Dr. Charm
#45 by Kathryn on March 7, 2008 - 8:54 AM
Um yeah!!!!!!!! They can let you out of a lease with a problem like that. If you can get an attorney to simply write a nasty letter to the landlord that should do it. Usually attorneys will do that for a straight fee (and usually small fee), especially in this case.
You have to get out of there. Mold is SOOO dangerous!
Kathryn’s last blog post..Hope
#46 by wright on March 7, 2008 - 9:01 AM
Oh my! This is terrible! I hope you get this fixed as soon as possible.
wright’s last blog post..Friday Haiku – Crawling Joys and Woes
#47 by Kitty on March 7, 2008 - 9:12 AM
Go to a lawyer.A place must be in good and ready to live in condition and safe.You have your documentation in photos! So sorry your going through this Lotus!
#48 by Jared on March 7, 2008 - 9:13 AM
Everyone is right. Get out now. Long term health problems are not worth whatever it costs to get out of there. Mold is dangerous, but gas leaking is REALLY dangerous. A guy I work with knows a person whos whole house exploded the other day because of a gas leak. Check it out here: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/03/05/house_explodes_in_pa_man_boy_hurt/
Not trying to scare you…but this isn’t something to take lightly!
Jared’s last blog post..Adventures In Parenting – Guest Post
#49 by justmylife on March 7, 2008 - 9:14 AM
Get out now! Call the local news station and the health department. I am sure the health dept. could tell you just how dangerous mold is. Get everything in writing and then call a lawyer! Surely the property mangement couldn’t hold you to a lease with that kind of problems. And the gas bill, call the gas company and explain that your slumlord will not make required repairs or is at least taking his sweet time and suggest perhaps they may want to send the gas bill to them! At the very least maybe they will give you some sort of adjustment. All the good vibes I can send are on their way. Good Luck! Oh a thought, go to a hotel and send the bill to the mangement company. Do something, just get out!
justmylife’s last blog post..Witchcraft?
#50 by MP on March 7, 2008 - 9:20 AM
I agree with everyone.
#1. Get out
#2. Contact the media..he is a slum lord and is taking advantage of a young family. Is the slum lord responsible for your doctors bills?
#3. Get an attorney, pro bono? Get reimbursed for gas bills. I hate people that “sue”..but get yourself at least $50,000…
Don’t look back.
MP’s last blog post..I’m all about STUFF – link to giveaway at the end
#51 by Hydes Like Us on March 7, 2008 - 9:24 AM
Get out! Good Luck! Don’t wait. Don’t question. Get out.
Keep us posted, and let us know if there’s anything we can do beside vibes.
Hydes
Hydes Like Us’s last blog post..Haiku Friday-dedicated to “The Road”
#52 by janet on March 7, 2008 - 9:37 AM
omg, hon. get out get out get out!!!!
i hear you on the hot water. my water heater was out for a week (YUCK) but the mold? no no. get out get out get out!
janet’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: the college behavior at 13 edition
#53 by Adrienne on March 7, 2008 - 9:45 AM
We had this problem in an apartment we used to live in. My advice:
1. If you have renter’s insurance, CALL THEM! Explain the situation. Our insurance company was going to sue our landlords if they didn’t get the problem fixed ASAP! Your landlord is not keeping the place in a liveable condition.
2. Take tons of pictures, and tell your landlord you are documenting everything.
3. Get out and stay out until the problem is fixed. My boys had numerous health issues because of mold that took years to resolve!
I’ll be sending you good vibes and prayers for a quick resolution to this!
#54 by Jessica on March 7, 2008 - 10:12 AM
As many have mentioned, he just let you guys legally break your lease. Look up you laws. Also, you just got your medical bills paid. And any furniture you have to get rid of because of this? He just paid for. Go to/call your physician explain mold, and see if what you’ve been suffering from matches get him to put it writing. You can probably get an attorney to do it for a percentage of your winnings. Best of luck and screw him to the wall.
Jessica’s last blog post..The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions
#55 by Melissa on March 7, 2008 - 10:18 AM
Ack! Your right, it’s time to get out. I hope that you manage to get some satisfaction from your landlord and if not I hope you guys can find a new place to live.
Good luck!
Melissa’s last blog post..Oceanography…
#56 by Tonya on March 7, 2008 - 10:29 AM
Dude, I am coming down there to help you move.
Tonya’s last blog post..I Cough. You Cough. We all Cough.
#57 by Angeline on March 7, 2008 - 10:41 AM
Oh no! That’s terrible! Get out before the house collapse!
Angeline’s last blog post..Exciting Day
#58 by Maria [Immoral Matriarch] on March 7, 2008 - 10:53 AM
You’ve gotta get out of there.
And if they don’t want to let you out of the lease – sue the assholes.
Maria [Immoral Matriarch]’s last blog post..Confessional Haiku
#59 by A Lil' Irish Lass on March 7, 2008 - 11:02 AM
Oh no! Lotus, get a lawyer and sue these mo-fos! I”m sending good vibes your way in mass quantities.
A Lil’ Irish Lass’s last blog post..The Only Thing Missing Was The Bouncing Ball
#60 by Alicia on March 7, 2008 - 11:08 AM
Good Lord, Lotus! What the hell are you doing taking pictures in a house with leaking gas? Mold growth will kill you slowly, leaking gas is not a picture taking matter.
Run now, ask landlord questions later.
Alicia’s last blog post..I See Dead People…
#61 by camdunson on March 7, 2008 - 11:11 AM
I think you need a young, hungry, energetic lawyer–fast!!
camdunson’s last blog post..My Life as a Tomato
#62 by Kay on March 7, 2008 - 11:15 AM
OMG yes get out, what all the others are saying! Black mold is the worst and did you know if you get the certain kind you cannot even take your belongings with you? Everything gets ruined because of the spores.
There are laws to this kind of treatement from the landlord. Yes there is.
I would get a lawyer with a free consultation and just see where you stand. Won’t cost you a penny, HUGS!
Kay’s last blog post..Write this date down
#63 by Sarah on March 7, 2008 - 11:28 AM
Holy crap!! Those pictures are reminiscent of our apartment in FL. They were going to charge us because we left it a mess (Josh even left the forwarding address for the bill), and never got anything. Most likely they finally saw the mold (I swear they had to be blind to miss it), and figured we’d sue if they tried to come after us (which we would have).
I agree with withholding rent. Start up a savings account or something for the money, put it into that account. Then, if they try to start anything, you can bring the proofs of deposit to show you were “paying” it just not to them until they fixed the problems.
Good luck, hon! You need to get out of there. That mold is going to cause serious health issues. My parents had the problem (didn’t realize the roof had been leaking as long as it had), and my sister now, at 18, has serious breathing issues and has been hospitalized 12 times for bronchitis due to the mold and complications from it.
Sarah’s last blog post..Kids and TV Habits
#64 by Mackenzie's Momma on March 7, 2008 - 11:37 AM
Uh, lotus? why the heck in the world are you still there? Seriously, GET THE HECK OUT! Do NOT wait another moment, get out! GET OUT! GET OUT!!!!!!!!
Braden, John, and yourself are NOT worth risking over some stupid mold and an idiot landlord.
Mackenzie’s Momma’s last blog post..Fight the Frump, Hair coloring adventures!
#65 by Gabriel on March 7, 2008 - 11:38 AM
Get out as soon as possible, Lotus. Your health (especially that beautiful child’s) is paramount.
I wish I could live closer to help you guys move. Least I can do after all the fun you bring to our lives with your blog.
Gabriel’s last blog post..Social Canada – Funerals (2/2)
#66 by Tommi on March 7, 2008 - 11:58 AM
Please call your states Landlord/Tenant Rights number. Mold is grounds for you to be removed from the location and housed in a suitable environment at the owners expense. I just had to do this myself when our daughter developed a breathing problem that stemed from a bathtub overflow which wasn’t cleaned properly awile back
#67 by Jenni on March 7, 2008 - 12:00 PM
Yeah, what they all said!
Jenni’s last blog post..Maybe March IS Spring
#68 by Krissy on March 7, 2008 - 12:19 PM
Oh No They Did NOT! You need to get a free consultation with a lawye and discuss your options. You could sue those bastards for all the health issues and doctor bills and medicines and grief. They are obviously slum lords.
You can work with your lawer on a contingousy (sp?) and he won’t get paid unless he wins the case. And, call the state and report them to the proper authorities. Do that NOW! Email me if you have any more questions b/c as much as it sucks, we are in a lawsuit due to someone elses structure flooding our basement and causing mold issues and health issues. I can give you some advise!!!
Krissy’s last blog post..How about my 100th?!
#69 by Kelly on March 7, 2008 - 12:21 PM
Like Tommi said, I would look into your rights, which I would guess would be favorable to your situation. That is atrocious, and you shouldn’t have to deal with the health consequences. So sorry. It sounds like a hellish, stressful time.
Kelly’s last blog post..Haiku Friday
#70 by Tasina on March 7, 2008 - 12:35 PM
I would do what others have suggested and try to find out your rights as a tenant based on state law.
How horrible.
:::good vibes, good vibes, good vibes:::
Tasina’s last blog post..Big Fat Ugly B
#71 by Marie on March 7, 2008 - 12:39 PM
In New Mexico, if there’s a problem with a rental property, the owners have 7 days to initiate repair once they’ve received written notice. If they don’t initiate repair, the tenant only has to pay 2/3 of the rent.
Also in New Mexico the landlord is required by law to ensure the tenant has adequate heating throughout the winter.
Find out what rental law is in TN, and call your local Fair Housing board and tell them what’s going on.
Marie’s last blog post..Tylenol Tuesday
#72 by Pocklock on March 7, 2008 - 12:40 PM
GET OUT! You have to. I have a mold allergy that was developed from years of living in a house with a wet basement. It’s scary bad.
You’ll have a lawsuit against your landlord if you decide to go to court. Get a lawyer now to compose the papers necessary to get your out of your lease. Once the landlord sees you have a lawyer, I bet they let you out immediately. If they fight it for the last 2 months of rent or try to touch your security deposit, you can fight it. And win. Small claims courts ALWAYS side with tenants.
Keep your medical bills, take as many photos as you can (duh – like I need to tell you that part), and document when you called them to report the problem.
It’ll work out. But, geez, get your family out of there soon. Sending LOTS of positive thoughts and energies your way.
Pocklock’s last blog post..Overheard In A Doctor’s Office Waiting Room
#73 by Honeybell on March 7, 2008 - 12:49 PM
Oh sweetie, you need out of there. If the landlord doesn’t take care of the problem, HE has violated the rental agreement I would think.
Honeybell’s last blog post..Phone Boy’s Bad Week
#74 by Kim on March 7, 2008 - 1:14 PM
I wish you lived closer I would take you guys in for as long as you needed.. but you need to get out of that place!! seriously.. I have friends that got seriously ill from mold..
Kim’s last blog post..Another Babble Babble Post
#75 by Anglophile Football Fanatic on March 7, 2008 - 2:01 PM
Have you documented when you called to report all of this. Keep your paper trail. Get an attorney. If your landlord knows what is good for him, he’ll let you out of the lease.
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..HF: When Murphy Strikes Back!
#76 by HRH on March 7, 2008 - 2:24 PM
Get out.
HRH’s last blog post..A few modest words…
#77 by Jenty on March 7, 2008 - 2:33 PM
Oi, you need to get out of there fast! Before you all get VERY ill. That can’t be good for you at all!
Jenty’s last blog post..Missing flowers
#78 by Sarcastic Mom on March 7, 2008 - 2:57 PM
Thank you all so much for all the suggestions, advice, and kindness. It means A LOT to us to have so much support from all of you, my internet friends from around the world. You guys rock!
Just wanted to say a few things:
*The gas is no longer leaking – water and gas to the water heater (where it was leaking) has been turned off for days – we wouldn’t be anywhere near here otherwise.
*We have still not seen the “handyman” or heard from him or the owner about when the water heater issue is going to be addressed. I had to boil water last night for Braden to have a bath, and today, to wash dishes for him to use.
*We’ve been looking into tenant rights here, and sorry to say that here in TN they suck balls (in a nutshell). But we’re taking certain steps based on what we have learned.
*Unfortunately, all our past complaints were NOT in writing to the PM Office, but via phone calls However, we’re in the process of writing up the “story” of what occurred this past week, and I have photos (and this website). We’ll be sending certified mail to the PM Office stating our current “requests” of them just to have a written document issued to them.
*We ARE currently moving as quickly as we can to get out of here (we looked at some houses today). Money is an issue, of course, as is availability, but we’re doing our best. We plan to be out as soon as that’s possible.
*We have discussed ending our lease with the Property Manager already, who is talking to the owner and has promised to give us an answer by “sometime today.” We have called once and got voice mail. If we don’t hear back soon, we’ll call again. We’re doing our best to “stay on it.”
*We have contact info for the Nashville Health Dept.
*We have further plans depending on what we hear, but we don’t want to screw things up by talking about them on the website in too much specific detail.
Keep sending us your advice, information, and love.
We appreciate it GOBS.
<3,
Lotus:)
Sarcastic Mom’s last blog post..Hai-This Suc-ku’s
#79 by Connie on March 7, 2008 - 2:58 PM
Please update and tell us that you have left that house with your baby!!
I’m so worried for you now and you don’t even know me. Oh well.
Praying for you!!
Connie’s last blog post..The One About The Frumpy Mommy Part III
#80 by heels on March 7, 2008 - 3:19 PM
GET OUT NOW NOW NOW. Document EVERYTHING you can and find some way to never go back. I know from experience that that mold NEVER goes away. They’d have to rip down most of the house to get rid of it. With good documentation, you should be able to fight to get out of your lease without penalties.
I see that you updated in comments, and it looks like you know what you’re doing. GOOD LUCK!!!
#81 by HappyCampers on March 7, 2008 - 3:42 PM
Thanks for the update on what’s done/being done. I’ve been worried about you all day
HappyCampers’s last blog post..Check outthe Home Education Magazine Cover!
#82 by regina on March 7, 2008 - 4:37 PM
Wow…
You better get a news crew over there, you know America loves cute little babies in peril, heck call Oprah too!
But seriously I would call the news dept and the health dept. Your landlord can’t evict you out of retaliation (at least not in NY State) so get those wheels rolling!
regina’s last blog post..Old School Friday #3
#83 by Vanessa on March 7, 2008 - 4:52 PM
That mold/gas/no hot water deal SUCKS ROCKS!
When we had a similiar situation and we were cash strapped, we contacted “Legal Aid” at our local major Law School. They wrote a legal-eeze style letter to our landlord stating facts, the landlords requirements by law and our planned “legal” actions if he did not follow through. We were released from our lease 5 months early, and received our entire security deposit back within a week. Didn’t have to pay a dime.
Key fact: Everything in writing. Insist on all the PM’s responses in writing as well, with dates and commitments. It gives you a much better negotiating position if they continue to *%$@# with you guys!!
Vanessa’s last blog post..Help! I’ve landed in Minnesota and I can’t thaw out!
#84 by Kate on March 7, 2008 - 5:14 PM
could be worse… you could be the owners! you are right it is going to cost them a fortune to deal with this… we had the same problem in an apartment ( in houston ) we moved in and immediately got sick… like sinus infection after respiratory infection after nasty cold for 3 months… we went on a 1 month vacation and were healed within days of getting out of our shitty little apartment… so when we got back we started looking and, lo and behold, totally moldy! we still had 8 months worth of lease, but found a house we wanted so i had a lawyer friend write a strongly worded letter ( she was a family lawyer, not even a property lawyer ) and they practically helped us move out! good luck with the situation… i hope it gets worked out quickly and easily…
#85 by Kat on March 7, 2008 - 5:17 PM
Wow, honey! Good vibes to you! That mold is disgusting, you’re doing the right thing getting out of there. Vanessa has good advice above – I was going to say, definitely get legal help, even if its just a letter – that landlord needs to know that you are serious and will make them follow the law. I just googled TN landlord tenant law and there’s tons of info to be found on the net.
#86 by Eve on March 7, 2008 - 5:17 PM
Call your local health department. Your landlord has created a health-risk by his neglect. I’d say you have a good case for a lawsuit against him – recover costs of heat, water, and medical bills.
Eve’s last blog post..Friday Memes – All Kinds
#87 by Melodie on March 7, 2008 - 5:58 PM
ACK! Get out now! I agree – call the Health Department. Call the Landlord / Tenant people (not sure who that might be – sorry). Call SOMEONE! Call the MEDIA!! YES The media is a very good idea! Then call the property management company and tell them you called the media.
Melodie’s last blog post..It’s official!
#88 by Gruppie Girl on March 7, 2008 - 7:16 PM
You poor thing! I know what it feels like to have your momma lion instict kick in and want to protect your little one.
Hope May comes soon for you.
#89 by Holly on March 7, 2008 - 7:31 PM
Yea. Not good. Beyond not good. There is NO way that any sane Judge (and surprisingly, most of them are) would penalize you guys for skipping out on the rest of your lease. I would document all your phone calls to the landlord back to the beginning when you kept reporting this (and yea, your blog should help with that). Write it all down, make a copy, contact your local/State bar for lawyers. I am pretty sure lawyers in all States have to do a certain amount of pro bono (freebie) legal work each year. The key here is document, document, document everything you do. Then you write a very clear, concise letter to landlord and state all the reasons why you are outta there and your demands with it. As in, you should still be able to get your security deposit back. Most important, get out now. You don’t know what kind of mold that is and don’t want to get even sicker. Actually, now that I think about it, you probably even have a better case against the landlord for negligence in maintaining the property. That would depend on your lease agreement and State laws. Go talk to someone though. Believe me, I’m not sue happy, but those people that are renting that place to you are gambling with your lives and that of your little one just so they can save a dime. Not right. Very wrong. Sorry for the soapbox, but that just really steamed me! FYI – I am not an attorney, but until last year I worked as a paralegal for some attorneys for the last nine years.
Holly’s last blog post..Best Buddies & Cool Cars
#90 by Jerseygirl89 on March 7, 2008 - 7:50 PM
I thirtieth everyone who said call the Health department, a lawyer and a TV station. I’m so sorry this is happening to you guys.
Jerseygirl89’s last blog post..Haiku Friday – The Park!!!!!!!!!!
#91 by PandoraWilde on March 7, 2008 - 7:58 PM
Everyone else has said what I’d say except praying for you all and hoping you get your happy asses out of there in a hurry! My PS’s niece had a similar problem, was sued for breaking her lease and won the case because she documented EVERYTHING, including bringing stored items that picked up the mold with her to court.
Good luck.
PandoraWilde’s last blog post..Don’t forget them? Who listens to them?
#92 by A Whole Lot of Nothing on March 7, 2008 - 8:45 PM
I feel so much good energy going to you here. Things WILL get better. Please get out now – whatever it takes.
Your bloggy friends are your rock. We are here for you.
#93 by Dawn on March 7, 2008 - 8:47 PM
Holy fuck! Um. Looking for the words that you can throw down to your landlord … If I can pull my head out of x@n@x land to make it happen…
Dawn’s last blog post..Haiku Increasing Blog Traffic
#94 by MommyTime on March 7, 2008 - 9:04 PM
A phone call to the local Building Inspector will tell you, without any further research, exactly what is legally required of landlords in the county in which you live. Ask them what it takes for a house to “meet code” regarding hot water and mold abatement. They will come out and do an inspection for free, typically, and they will document. Also, THEY have the power you do not to FORCE the landlord to take action. AND, they can say if the building is uninhabitable, which will get you around the problem of having to argue your way out of the lease.
Thanks for posting an update in the comments. That you have been days without hot water is unconscionable. I suspect the B.I. will get you out of that house post haste. Good luck!
MommyTime’s last blog post..Yup, it’s a brag post…
#95 by Redneck Mommy on March 7, 2008 - 9:09 PM
I’ve had a tough week and I’m just now catching up on my blog reading. How I’ve missed thee, Lotus.
But I am absolutely APPALLED at what is taking place in your home. I feel so bad for you.
I would offer advice, but it sounds like you’ve gotten some good stuff already. Just know I’m thinking of you.
REALLY dirty thoughts.
But that may be because you haven’t showered lately….
Redneck Mommy’s last blog post..Nightmare on Redneck Road
#96 by rachel on March 7, 2008 - 9:10 PM
Holy crap honey!
I can’t even say…. Oh my gosh, how frightening!
I hope this gets rectified quickly!!!
Praying for y’all.
rachel’s last blog post..Eye’ Ku Haiku with a little frump bustin’ too
#97 by Tracy D on March 7, 2008 - 9:13 PM
I was wondering what that smell was…. JK! Get out while you can! That is horrible. Your property manager has got to be breaking laws by not taking care of it ASAP. Hope it works out fine!
Tracy D’s last blog post..CVS Junkie
#98 by janethesane on March 7, 2008 - 9:47 PM
Stupid landlords. Get out as fast as you can. Sending you good vibes.
janethesane’s last blog post..Fiction Friday – Three Death Days
#99 by Junebug on March 7, 2008 - 10:36 PM
Yes, someway they should allow you out of your lease early and you should move if possible. That’s not right and it has been making you sick. I will be praying that you get a favorable settlement for this. I mean that you will find favor with the landlord and you find an excellent place to move to quickly.
Junebug’s last blog post..American Idol-Hallelejah
#100 by VDog on March 7, 2008 - 11:53 PM
That’s definitely grounds for breaking the lease.
Kick some ass and take some names gurl!
VDog’s last blog post..Lucky ~ March Blog Exchange
#101 by Carolyn on March 7, 2008 - 11:57 PM
Holy Crap.
Get out. Fast. Mold like that is EXTREMELY dangerous to your health. It could very well be the cause of many of the illnesses you currently suffer from.
I suggest:
Contact the MEDIA.
Get a LAWYER.
See a DOCTOR (or, even better, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine if you can find one in your area because you need some serious de-tox & healing).
Take NOTES and lots of PICTURES.
Ask for HELP (there must be tenant’s rights organizations in your area).
Good luck and be sure to update us.
Take action NOW!
Carolyn’s last blog post..you’re gonna be a rock star.
#102 by Kara - down to earth mommy on March 8, 2008 - 12:11 AM
I’m with all of them. Get out! Take action. Find out what your rights are and get that scummy land lord!
{{{HUGS}}}
Kara – down to earth mommy’s last blog post..The good and bad news
#103 by Veronica on March 8, 2008 - 12:19 AM
Oh HUN! Yuck yuck yuck!!!
Sending good vibes that everything gets fixed soon. I can’t believe it wasn’t done immediately. Would calling the Health Department work?
Also, I feel your pain. We went a few days with no water while we fixed the pump. *sigh*
Veronica’s last blog post..I’m All Out of Practise!!!
#104 by cyndy on March 8, 2008 - 1:00 AM
I have watched enough People’s Court and Judge Judy to know that THEY CAN’T DO THIS! You have rights. Keep taking pictures, gather up all of your paperwork, and get OUT! And let them try to hold you to that lease! Just call Judge Judy if they do.
cyndy’s last blog post..The Princess and the Peepee
#105 by Krissy on March 8, 2008 - 3:10 AM
I’m telling ya, threaten with a lawyer. A contingonsey means that you don’t have to pay any money up front.
This is very important for your rights. Most lawyers give you a free consultation. They then decide if it would be a plausable case.
As much as lawyers suck, they are your biggest friend in these situations. They want to get paid, so they will do everything they can!!!
Good luck! Also, if you have renters insurance contact your insurance company. They may step in and take care of the legal side for you!!!! Or even contacting the owners insurance company yourself. If it is significant mold issues, their insurance company will force them to fix it or they will be dropped!!!
Krissy’s last blog post..How about my 100th?!
#106 by Laura McIntyre on March 8, 2008 - 5:14 AM
Oh yes you must get out asap, sending good mov- y vibes your way
#107 by Kasey on March 8, 2008 - 7:01 AM
I agree with everyone else, get out now. Oh, and call the city inspector! They will make sure landllord does something or at least you will have back up that will help get you out of your lease. It doesn’t cost anything I don’t think to call the city inspector to come out.
#108 by Angela on March 8, 2008 - 8:28 AM
Sue them. I am not a lawsuit happy person myself, but this is disgusting, irresponsible….nothing short of abuse. Have you sent them the link to this post? They might be interested in the level of readership that you have…heh.
Angela’s last blog post..This is How We Roll
#109 by Lisa's Chaos on March 8, 2008 - 10:12 AM
That’s horrible! I hope you’re able to break your lease and move. Most likely the landlord won’t fight you anyway.
Lisa’s Chaos’s last blog post..The Sitting Round Robin
#110 by melissa on March 8, 2008 - 3:38 PM
I am so sorry. That is awful. Run! Run far far away.
melissa’s last blog post..Still Sick
#111 by zoe on March 8, 2008 - 8:35 PM
omg! you have to get out of there! take pics of everything and write down every time you have spoken with the landlord. there should be a fair housing/rental association in your area. contact them immediately!
zoe’s last blog post..Country Crock
#112 by Shannon on March 8, 2008 - 8:43 PM
WHY can’t people just be HUMAN BEINGS? That sucks. Hoping it works out for you.
Shannon’s last blog post..March: In Like a Lion
#113 by Andi on March 8, 2008 - 9:06 PM
OK, my husband is a health code inspector in Texas. He said basically the same thing. Call your city health code office. The fact that you have not had water is illegal. He said that his office would be “ALL OVER THAT SHIT” in like seconds. This is dangerous stuff and a big code violation. He would have given the landlord HUGE fines he said when I read this to him. I know that doesn’t help you today but call and raise hell with your city!
#114 by mountainmama on March 8, 2008 - 9:18 PM
Oh, babe…it’s all been said…hit the ground running! Take yourself and your precious ones and get out now.
Here in Aussieland, we have a TV program called A Current Affair who would be all over a situation like that…they would be there TONIGHT if you were here, and their attention usually makes things happen – magically. The media might be worth investigating if your state’s tenancy legislation doesn’t give you much immediate scope.
It’s so hard when you haven’t got much dosh to make drastic moves, but everyone is right – this is too dangerous a situation to ignore.
And hey! with support like this, how can you doubt that everything will work out?
mountainmama’s last blog post..Weekly Winners, Sunday Meme
#115 by Donna in Mid MIchigan on March 9, 2008 - 6:58 AM
I am a landlord. I am appalled. IF you have renter’s insurance (AND please anyone who IS renting..PLEASE look into it…it is CHEAP and can save untold heartache), your renter’s insurance will cover cost of hotel/move etc. I didn’t read the rest of the comments so don’t know if this was discussed already or not.
Donna in Mid MIchigan’s last blog post..Haircut needed…Ya Think???
#116 by Kay on March 9, 2008 - 12:45 PM
OK as someone in property management here is what I would suggest:
1. Your landlord is not required and therefore, probably won’t put you up in a hotel.
2. Don’t threaten to withold rent because of maintenance issues. The law says these two are not related and witholding rent will only damage your reputation and credit.
3. Call you local government office and ask to speak to someone in charge of these kinds of things (it varies from state to state).
4. Then tell your landlord you’ve filed a complaint with that agency (even if you haven’t) and that they say living in a home that is uninhabitable is illegal and that you have the right to sue for damages (even if this isn’t true. I’m not keen on lying but this is the real world and in these situations, you have to play hardball.)
5. Tell your landlord that you will give him one week to fix the problems, or produce proof that the problems will be fixed in a timely matter, or you will begin the procedures for a law suit. Tell him that you are fully within your rights by TN state law (again, you’ll probably be lying so try and throw in as much legal jargon as you can.)
6. I don’t advise actually filing a suit because they are very time intensive and expensive and usually end with a settlement that will only cover the rent, not the attorney’s fees.
Hope this helps. This is what I would do if I were in your position.
#117 by Fern on March 9, 2008 - 6:24 PM
We had a similar (not dangerous, though!!) situation in our apt. where we were living when our first daughter was born. The landlord didn’t pay the gas bill for months and months and eventually it was turned off. I wrote him a letter saying that we were moving out as of (as soon as we could pack, basically, but I gave him the date) and it was because he had failed to keep the property livable. Then I informed him that according to Ohio law he would be responsible for paying me double the security deposit if I took him to court, so I wanted him to return my security deposit. He did.
It was a much longer story than that with more problems leading up to the gas going out, but you HAVE to get out of there and you have documented the problem. I think you’ll be okay.
Fern’s last blog post..bloggaz an tha benjaminz
#118 by Fern on March 9, 2008 - 6:27 PM
Oh, I got distracted by my sons fighting and didn’t realize how that comment came out. I mean, I think you’ve documented the situation well enough that you’d have a good shot if you had to take him/her to court, but I bet they won’t make you pay out your lease. That is disgusting and dangerous. I am so sorry you’re in this situation — I remember well how awful it was to hunt for an apartment when you need one IMMEDIATELY and you have to cough up all that money when you hadn’t planned on moving, etc.
Fern’s last blog post..bloggaz an tha benjaminz
#119 by stephanie on March 9, 2008 - 7:21 PM
Big hugs, Lotus! So sorry you have to deal with all that. Not fun!
#120 by Dre the Texican on March 9, 2008 - 9:39 PM
I am so sorry and completely understand the utter frustration of having a craptastic landlord and problems in rental homes / apartments. Wishing you very good luck in tackling this problem. You can do it! Love, Dre.
Dre the Texican’s last blog post..Three Tasks for Tomorrow
#121 by Kat on March 12, 2008 - 10:21 PM
OMG. That is simply unacceptable.
Check the housing laws in your state, I know that here, things like that are not allowed, and grounds for breaking a lease, as well as suing for not fixing immediately.
If you need something, please let us know, we will help if we can.
#122 by Biddy on March 13, 2008 - 7:45 PM
lawsuit lawsuit lawsuit! that mold is deadly and it’s absolute crap your land owner (i dare not call the asshat a lord) is being so craptastic!
i went through this same thing in my old apartment. it wasn’t until i mentioned my lawyer that it got fixed and FAST.
Biddy’s last blog post..things i don’t understand…
#123 by Jenski on March 13, 2008 - 8:37 PM
I am only just reading this now and didn’t go through the long list of comments, but there has GOT to be some route you can take to get out of your lease and not be penalized!
Jenski’s last blog post..I suppose I shouldn’t…
#124 by old knudsen on March 14, 2008 - 2:03 PM
Its easy to say get out or lawyer up but if you have a lease then the landlord has a responsibility to pay for a motel in cases of health issues and safety while repairs are being done. Him letting you out of yer lease seems a shrewd move on his part. Is it the boiler or the pipes that leak the gas as the gas company may be responsible for that, you have to find out the tenant laws
old knudsen’s last blog post..A Rush Of Blood To The Head Cancels Date
#125 by Ashley on March 14, 2008 - 4:52 PM
Geez girl!
Sending prayers your way.
SURELY by LAW they would have to help you right? I’d check into that. I don’t think they can hold the lease against you if they refuse to have suitable living conditions. I’m pretty sure that HAS to be illegal. So, no matter what THEY say…please do check it out with some authorities/lawyers…whoever.
Much love!
Ashley’s last blog post..In the beginning…
#126 by Aurora on March 14, 2008 - 6:31 PM
Sorry to hear that things suck so badly. I hope you can get a sympathetic authority/lawyer to help you out. good vibes.
Aurora’s last blog post..Academic Acrobatic
#127 by Mariela on March 14, 2008 - 7:35 PM
OMG! I just saw this throgh a link on Kayla’s page. I’ve been slacking on my blog hopping….
You have to get out of there! I hope everything turns out alright for you guys.
~hugs~
#128 by Kim on March 16, 2008 - 1:59 PM
Call your local television station and get them to do a story. Have them come take footage and give them your landlord’s name and phone number along with all of the documentation of how many times you’ve called him about the dangerous conditions.
Not only will that get his lazy butt moving, but the t.v. station might have some tips on legal avenues you can take!
I’m not kidding. Local news people LOOOOOVVVVEEE stuff like this. If one station doesn’t bite, go to the next one!
Steaming mad for you! Let me at ‘em! GRRRRR!
#129 by Carrie on March 16, 2008 - 8:07 PM
I am so sorry. I’ll send all the positive vibes in the universe your way!
Hang in there and please, take care — all of you!
Carrie’s last blog post..The Switch
#130 by Nancy on March 16, 2008 - 8:19 PM
Getting out is easier said than done, we have been in your shoes once and it will haunt us for life! SLUMLORDS are everywhere, they will never understand what tenants go through because of them!
Good Luck to you and your family!
Nancy’s last blog post..10 Things I wouldn’t be able to live without
#131 by Morgan on March 17, 2008 - 11:34 PM
Yeah, you do need to get out. We lived in a house for 3 months that had been a meth house and it made my son horribly sick, and the landlord? Didn’t care at all. I hate people like that.
Sending you good thoughts.
#132 by Maria on March 20, 2008 - 9:48 AM
Blog hopping (that’s really called blurfing blog +surfing) and I found you site. Best kept secret (or not, cause I”m behind) on the web. Anyway, what I’m saying is Do you want me to come down and hit that creepy slum lord you got? That’s sheer incredible craziness!! I know from slum lords. Isnt’ there some sort of legal kinda thing you can do? Probably not, because renters have NO RIGHTS!!
Here’s to your new home…may the force be with you. And hot water.
Maria’s last blog post..YOO, HOO?? Johnny, I’m Over Here!
#133 by Jenny on March 22, 2008 - 1:46 AM
Holy shit! I’d be kicking ass left and right!! CALL THE CITY!
Jenny’s last blog post..Dear Possibly Annoy’d and/or Ex Reader
#134 by Jessica (aka Rose) on March 23, 2008 - 1:20 AM
That is absolutely horrifying! I agree with everyone who has said, get out and get a lawyer! There are laws that protect tenants like you from scumbag landlords like them!
I’m crossing my fingers for you that things get fixed sooner rather than later!
Jessica (aka Rose)’s last blog post..T.G.I.F., no joke
#135 by Jessica Taylor on May 3, 2010 - 12:31 PM
i have been suffering from sinusitis for so many years and i can only relieve the stuffiness of the nose by means of decongestants.*,;