I know this is the least of your problems, but missing or damaged screens are a safety hazard because a child could fall out of an open window. Sorry to hear you're dealing with this.
Screens DO NOT prevent children from falling out of windows. I know you meant well, but this advice bothered me because it isn't true. Screens are meant to keep things like insects out, but not keep children in. Yes, an open window might be more dangerous, but I would hate for anyone to read this and continue to think a screened window is safe.
OP, you got some good advice. Your situation sucks and I hope it can be remedied in some way soon. We dealt with mold in our condo once, and the gross thing is that if you can see a little mold on the walls, it often means there is a ton of mold on the inside that you can't see. I hope you can get out of the place ASAP.
I guess I worded that poorly. I certainly don't think screens can keep a child from falling out a window, I agree that's silly. But a missing screen is considered dangerous. I worked at a Section 8 rental property for a few years and it was a BIG deal to have missing or torn screens, the inspectors looked for them and they needed to be corrected or it was considered a violation. That's what I meant and why I chimed in on this post. I hope OP can gather enough evidence break her lease or hold rent in escrow until all her problems are resolved.
Another idea would be to see if the landlord would agre to reimburse you for the repairs. You may be rolling the dice to a certain degree but something to consider so as to not wait for him to complete it and to ensure the repairs were completed by a legit company. This would allow you to get the repairs fixed and to deal with the money issue after.
It is something to consider. I would make sure everything is in writing and both agree to every step of the process. I.e. agree to the company, the repairs to be completed and the estimated amount. If they fail to pay you will be able to sue them which may be some time but you will not worry about having to find a place or wait to for the repairs to be completed.
Do you have any family that can take a look? See if they can help trying to re-route the water way from the damaged areas of the roof for the time being?
I am sorry.
Yeah I tried that one. I told them I would be willing to take care of some things and turn in receipts and they said, "no, we are concerned that you'll spend too much. Just let us know and we will send the handyman." Guys. The "handyman" is so incompetent. He isn't licensed or anything, he's just a guy who thinks replacing switch plates is the fix for everything. "Oh, the dining room light blows bulbs? Let me replace the switch plate. That'll fix it." No, no it won't. They won't hire actual companies (tree trimming, roofers, exterminators, electricians) they just try to find cheap guys to do the work.
I did re-route the water as best as I can, but it still comes in to the bathroom through the roof. It was pouring into a light fixture so I taped a sheet of plastic under the leak and funneled the water into the sink. But it's still damaging the roof/ceiling and now that whole wall is covered in mold. And I just discovered more water seeping through the wall of a closet and the whole carpeted closet floor is soaking, so I can't imagine what's lurking there.
Thankfully the rooms w water damage are at the back of the house away from the kids rooms and they don't have a need to go back there. It's the laundry room, 2nd bathroom, and an extra room/office.
textbookcase It is time to GTFO of the there. I'd be searching high and low for an apartment/home ASAP. While putting the nights I had to stay at an extended stay type of hotel. Because when you go to small claims court he will have to pay you for not giving you a livable place to stay.
Really, look up everything you can that possibly ties into housing, board of health, someone makinf sure things were up to code, etc. Oh and start PACKING!! It's gonna be rough as hell I tell you, but you cannot keep living like this.
My landlord did the same crap last year, I ended up with ecoli in my lungs and not being able to breathe/almost passing out as I took a step. We had to call 911.. 3wks later he gets the info sin from the only company he hired that was leg to do it. Otherwise it were handymen galore.
Post by alexithymia on Jan 7, 2017 12:30:27 GMT -5
With that much water leaking, you need to find other arrangements ASAP. Who knows what will start growing/living in there. This isn't just inconvenient, it could start causing health issues. Get out now.
You're in CA, right? The relevant laws tend to heavily favor renters. Start blowing up the phone lines for code enforcement and environmental health services on Monday so you can build your case that the place is uninhabitable.
You're in CA, right? The relevant laws tend to heavily favor renters. Start blowing up the phone lines for code enforcement and environmental health services on Monday so you can build your case that the place is uninhabitable.
Yes I am, I am planning on calling them on Monday. I think I've been pointed in the right direction to start taking action against them.
Another idea would be to see if the landlord would agre to reimburse you for the repairs. You may be rolling the dice to a certain degree but something to consider so as to not wait for him to complete it and to ensure the repairs were completed by a legit company. This would allow you to get the repairs fixed and to deal with the money issue after.
It is something to consider. I would make sure everything is in writing and both agree to every step of the process. I.e. agree to the company, the repairs to be completed and the estimated amount. If they fail to pay you will be able to sue them which may be some time but you will not worry about having to find a place or wait to for the repairs to be completed.
Do you have any family that can take a look? See if they can help trying to re-route the water way from the damaged areas of the roof for the time being?
I am sorry.
Yeah I tried that one. Two things:
1. Do you have access to the roof? If so, there are a few products that can be placed over the holes- like a patch, to stop the water. I know it is crazy and you should never do this in a rental, but that water needs to be stopped, now.
2. Put pressure on your landlord. There are people here, including myself, that can help with wording a letter to your landlord. I am positive there are clauses in your lease about the responsibilities of the landlord and their requirements. We have a very generic lease and there are specific clauses about these exact type of issues and the landlords obligation.
I would have that letter overnighted to him and pray that the fire under his ass would get him to fucking do something.
Also, start calling county offices, better business Bureau and even the local news channels. They do special investigations all the time. Take a video and pictures and send it to every news channel. Squeaky wheels and all that shit.