Ok ladies... I have a series health concern going on right now in my home. To start, I had Pro Carpet come and clean, sanitize my carpets etc on Thurs(btw they are AWESOME-HIGHLY RECOMMEND) We have been renting an apt. for the past 7 months and for about 6 weeks my son has had a chronic cough, rash, mucus, you name it. Been to the doc. atleast 3 times and all they ever say is it will pass, blah blah blah.Finally had enough and toolk him to the ER and they ran a series of tests and put him on a breathing tx. Well when I was explainig all this to the technician he asked me to turn off the furnace and took a look at it and well, needless to say, the thing is covered in mold on the filter, as well as wet with "puddles"of black mildew/mold gunk for lack of a better word along the back end of it. Now living in an apartment I believe this is the maint. responsibility and had I not had this nice man be so informative we would still be wondering what the heck is going on with our normally halthy soon to be 2 son on Monday. For now, we are staying at our in-laws for fear it will worsen. I have documented everything from the medical issues, pics, videos etc... We are not dirty people and keep a clean house so how does this happen? I will be checking with my neighbors as well to have them take a look at their furnaces. Due to my son's illness and now having to undergo breatheing treatment 4x'/day this is a serious health concern. Has anyone experienced this and where do I stand legally? I really want to refuse to pay the rent and expect a full refund for the 7 months we've been there. If it weren't for these darn economic times we would be in our house with hardwood floors and no problems to speak of.
Sorry for rambling, I just really need some good M. advice from those who have experienced this or know of an attorney to call etc...
I would consult with an attorney more then one. I would also start buying my own filters (I did when we lived in an apt) the ones they put in don't help anything. I know it's another purchase but there are better types then the ones they use (firm believer).
My best wishes to your and your family, I hope this is just temporary with your son and not an on going health issue.
Hi M.,
I had lived in an apartment when we discovered mold. I think in the state of GA when you sign your lease you also sign an agreement about mold. The apartment complex has the right to treat it; if after so long (not sure how long) and if not corrected they are responsible for transferring you to another apartment. So check with your lease information.
Best of Luck
Call the health department and google. I know builders in California had to pay a good deal of money to people who bought their homes that had black mold. Not sure about rentals though. You may also want to call a property manager for advice. They knows the laws and such with renting.
Good luck !
J.
I remember in our apt. calling maintenance every month to change the filter and discovering that a friend hadn't had her changed in the entire two years she'd lived in her unit! So, I think a LOT of people don't know. I don't know what the apt. people think you're doing -- changing your own? Anyway, I would continue to pay as agreed in the contract you signed for now. I would contact an atty. and discuss what, if any, your options are.
I am so sorry to hear about your son! I'm impressed with you for being a go-getter and not just sitting back forever waiting. Good luck to you and your family.
