Bad luck or

[Deleted]

If you look up renters rights per your state then it may have a policy about how if something isn't fixed in a timely manner then you can hire someone to fix it and deduct the cost from your rent.

[brandienee]

Mold is a serious issue that needs to be addressed ASAP. You need to light a fire under his ass to get it fixed or move.

If I really liked the house, I would tell myself to get over it, because living in that isn't worth it. Especially if there are good places to rent around you. It isn't worth risking your heath over.

[basilosaurus]

It's been over 3 months? Unacceptable. I think most states have a less than 72 hour requirement. Not to mention it costs the landlord more to fix the longer it goes on.

[amaristella]

I think that your health is more important than the cutest house in town.

[brandienee]

Sept 6, 2012 20:14:59 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

It's been over 3 months? Unacceptable. I think most states have a less than 72 hour requirement. Not to mention it costs the landlord more to fix the longer it goes on.

Exactly. The mold has most likely spread.

[basilosaurus]

What does your lease say? It should list turnaround time for routine and emergency repairs. I would think that a leaking roof constitutes emergency in FL (I know plumbing issues generally do, but that's a different water source)

Your landlord has the requirement to not violate health codes. I'm guessing rampant mold does.

I can't imagine liking any house more than I like to keep my lungs free of mold spores.

[basilosaurus]

Here are guidelines www2.fiu.edu/~caj/landlordtenantinformation.htm

Specifically "the roof must not leak"
and


If your landlord has failed to comply with the previous listed code responsibilities,
and has ignored your request to undo their unlawful action, you can contact The
Code Enforcement Branch of city or county in which you reside and
request that they contact your landlord and explain that their action is illegal and
violates your local code.

* If your landlord fails to do what the law or lease requires, you may be able to
withhold the rent. You must give notice of your intention by certified mail at
least seven days before the rent is due to allow time for the landlord to remedy
the problem. If the problem is not corrected within seven days and you withhold
the rent the landlord may take you to court to collect it. You must them pay the
rent into the court registry pending the judges determination of the case.

* Always call the Consumer Affairs Division in your city or county regarding your landlord/tenant rights before withholding rent!!!

[amaristella]

You don't have a lease? Did you sign anything when you moved in?

[brandienee]

Sept 7, 2012 13:41:36 GMT -5 Stan said:

I can't even fathom not having a lease. I don't even know what to say.

This. OMG This.

[amaristella]

Just to head this off at the pass. Nobody wants to make you feel stupid today, but please treat this as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and move on.

[basilosaurus]

Hard lesson learned! Even without a written lease, you still have entered into a rental agreement with him, and he's still bound by FL laws, and yous still have rights.

You should for sure report him. He's still in violation of maintaining a safe property and is violating health codes. Here are the Florida statutes. I'm having trouble finding the Florida reporting number, but I found a federal one for HUD. They might be able to point you in the right direction. 1-800-685-8470

www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2012/83.51

Call FL Dept of Health, too 1-850-245-4288
1-800-543-8279

Here's FL's info on mold
www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/community/indoor-air/Indoor_Mold_and_Health.pdf

[basilosaurus]

It doesn't matter what's fair. What are your rights, and what are his? He sounds like a sleaze, and you don't want him coming after you if you haven't followed the law.