I have 2 very different questions:
1) My 1 year old daughter is teething. She acted fine all day today until she woke up from her afternoon nap. She had a low fever and seemed a little out of it. I gave her tylenol and thankfully the fever never returned. The question I have is if the fever is a result of the teething. I have bought a few teething pain relievers (teething tablets/drops, etc.) and on the back of the boxes they say that a fever is not a result of teething, and that if it is persistent, you should contact your doctor. I have always understood that fevers were common with teething and they were nothing to be too concerned about. Is this true or is whats written on the boxes of the pain relievers accurate?
2) My boyfriend, daughter, and I live in a home we have rented for the past 4 years. Our landlord live about 4 blocks from us, although we have only seen him maybe 5 times in those years. In our small town there is currently a serial rapist on the loose. This concerns me greatly, as I am sure everyone can imagine! The problem is that in our home none of the windows lock. There are tabs on some of the windows that only allow a person to open them so far, but that is our only protection. I am very worried right now. However, I have tried to contact my landlord in the past about a few other things that are not quite right about the house and he either brushes it off, or tells us its going to cost us money to fix it . We can hardly afford groceries, let alone new windows (which I can imagine he'll tell us we have to help pay) Do I have any rights here? I dont normally complain very loudly but this has always concerned me since my daughter was born, and espically in this situation. I have absolutely no idea what my landlord should provide for me, etc. Unfortunately we dont have the money to move right now. Can anyone provide me with advice on this subject?
Look into your local renters rights. Your landlord is not a stand up guy. Meanwhile, cut 2x4 to the size of your upper sash and put them there at night. It will be impossible for anyone to open your windows. Good luck.
Your landlord should fix those problems. Check your rental agreement and see what it says, but I believe that there is also a rental bill of rights.
However, in the meantime - get some 2x4s and cut them so that you can wedge them between the windows and sliding doors so that they can't be opened. It works great!
My children always ran a low-grade fever with teething. I would give Tylenol and it would pass. If the fever becomes high (over 101) I would call your pediatrition and ask what to do. Or, if it doesn't come down with the Tylenol, just call and ask. That's what they're there for!!
In regards to the landlord issue, I am speaking as a landlord. First, if you were my tenant, I would hope that you had done your research and know your rights as a tenant before badgering me about a complaint. I'm not trying to sound rude, but you get further with sugar than vinegar! =) So, check with your state housing and find out what your rights are in your particular situation. If the windows are up to city code, there may not be much you can do to "force" him to install locks. Most states require that landlords keep the property in working order and meet local codes and ordinances, beyond that, certain features may be considered "optional". I would probably respond the best to a tenant that approached me in a professional and respectful manner. Maybe first call the landlord and explain your situation. Tell him/her that you understand that he may not be required to install locks, but that you are concerned for your safety and would like him to consider doing so. Discuss the current neighborhood situation and see if he'll do it. If not, and if you don't have the legal grounds to force the issue, try some of the other advice you've been given (using a stick, installing a window open alarm, etc.). If you've been there for 4 years and have only had to make one request, probably your landlord is doing a pretty good job and keeping the place up. Put yourself in his/her shoes and think about how you would like to be asked, and then approach.
Best wishes!
'
My kids always ran low grade fevers with teething. If it goes up to 101 or so then it might be something else also. I would give the pain killer to her and make sure she is comfortable.
Your landlord has a responsibility to keep your home safe and up to building codes. You have the right to expect the windows to lock so I would bring it up to him and not listen to the threats of you having to pay for it. YOU are not responsible to replace worn out or broken windows unless you are the one who caused them to break. It sounds like your landlord is using the excuse of making you pay for stuff to keep him from having to do the work. If your hot water heater goes down, he has to replace it, if your shower or plumbing leaks, he has to fix it. If you break a window you have to replace it. If it would make you feel better talk with legal aid on what is your responsibilities and what is the landlords responsibilities so you aren't paying for things you shouldn't have to. I know some landlords will even subtact cost of paint or carpeting from the rent if you replace carpet or paint with white paint.
You have every right to insist that you be safe in your home with doors and windows that lock!
I believe that you should be entitled to have those fixed by your landlord at no cost to you. Your landlord has to keep your residence in a safe working order. You should be able to get a booklet or information from your state about tenants/landlord rights (probably look it up on the internet too). I know WI has it so other states should too. I would tell him that keeping your home in safe working order is his responsiblity and have that booklet to back you up. The only way I believe that you should be able to be charged for something is if you broke it. Make sure that you put everything in writing to him. Do not just call. If you put it in writing and send it to him-maybe by certified mail, you have proof you gave him it.
I just read through some of the other messages and was appalled that some people told you that you should worry about being evicted if you complain. Like that's something you want to hear. I would not worry about being evicted-he does not have grounds to stand on. A landlord cannot legally evict you until he takes you to court. The judge would find it funny if all of a sudden you are getting evicted after you made a complaint about not feeling safe and wanting your rental place fixed. (keep records of when you have called him, what his response was and all paper work you have, letters you wrote, etc). He has a right to evict you if you do not pay rent, are a loud abnoxious tenant, get tons of police calls at your residence, destroy his property and such, but he DOES NOT have the right to evict you for asking for what you are legally intitled to.
If the fever is persistent then yes you should contact your pediatrician about it.. but that's so wrong that teething doesn't cause fevers. The thing is that they shouldn't cause high or persistent fevers. A very low grade fever that is easily controlled by meds according to the pedi my son sees is okay along with teething as long as there aren't any other symptoms associated with it. My kiddo got a decent fever when his bottom two teeth broke through (day of basically, didn't last past that) and it was controlled by motrin and we never saw it again. You'll probably see some loose bms with teething too because of the extra saliva. Try wetting wash cloths and sticking them in the fridge or wrapping an ice cube in a wash cloth. The texture and cold will help numb a little and give some relief.
About the windows.. I don't know what your rights are exactly. I've never had that issue. It does sound like an issue to me and I understand why you're nervous and wanting this done. Another poster suggested getting only the hardware for the windows. I agree with that. Perhaps instead of asking for new windows work up what the cost would be of installing the hardware for locks on them instead. This will probably be cheaper and just as effective. Bring this to your landlord and try that one instead. That way if he still refuses you have an idea of what you might need to look at for cost.
Sometimes with teething they can also develop a ear infection. If she is crying at bedtime, fever, or pull at ears get her ears checked.
Also your landlord is suppose to fix/pay for everything to keep your house intact and safe. Unless you break or misuse something it's his responsibility. He has to fix those windows etc..
It's your landlord's house, not your's so he should be the one to fix it so it's safe. I saw something on tv a while back about motion sensitive alarms that you can put on your windows. If I remember right they only cost about 10 dollars. There's two pieces that go on different parts of the window, and if it's lifted up and the pieces seperate they let off a loud noise. You might want to check Home Depot or a Lowes if you have one near you.
my kids always ran fevers with teething-i was told their not suppose to but every kid ive ever heard of runs a fever while teething.
as for your slumlord-you have the right to live in a safe enviroment-your paying for it.i know alot on this subject.give it to him in writing-give him one week to respond-if he doesnt-contact the city-call 211 they will direct you-you also have the right to with hpld your rent until repairs are done.he cannot charge you extra for doing the needed repairs.its his duty as a landlord..any other questions-feel free to email me.
Your Landlord has to provide shelter and working utility lines for the most part. Otherwise you're basically on your own. He cannot make you pay for improvements to your place unless you are proven neglegent and the reason why the repair needs to be done. Windows are not cheap, so I'm pretty sure he is not going to fork over the money to have new ones installed. Your best bet is to cut a 2x4 to size and stick that in your window as someone else suggested or go to the hardware store and pick up window locks yourself. You may be able to talk the landlord into picking up the window locks however since they are rather inexpensive and it's a security thing and all. Good Luck!
For the landlord question. Check with your health insurance or union if you belong to one and they may have a program that is set up that provides you with so many limited (time wise) sessions with a lawyer. I had a similar situation with an apartment that I rented and all it took was a letter from the lawyer to get some things fixed (we were lacking blinds on our bedroom and bathroom windows and had a broken fridge setting on out from step for over a month.) If you dont have either the insurance or are part of a union check with DHS or a red cross type of place.
For #2 you can usually protect yourself with some fairly inexpensive ways. One they have small battery operated devices you can get at a hardware store to put on each window that will sound an alarm when it is opened. Usually that sound will make any intruder run but will also allow you time to call 911. Or in a really cheap way you can cut a piece of wood to fit in so that it can't be opened and any breakage would alarm you to someone breaking in. I know we use a block of wood for our patio door just to be safe. It will not fix your problem with your landlord but may help you for the time being. Good Luck!
Your landlord cannot ask you to pay for improvements to his property. Contact the local health department and ask about housing codes. Be aware though that if he is in serious violation of the housing code and you report him he may evict you. You may also get assistance from legal aid, usualy a free service offered by your county. There are also landlord/tenet organizations in many areas they can too offer advice about the codes and laws in your area. The laws differ in many states but basic safety and upkeep are fairly general all over.
My son often gets fevers when teething - mostly low grade ones. I feel comfortable chalking such fevers up to teething and only contact his doc when the fever is higher or has gone on longer than a day or so.
About your landlord. I hate bullies and it sounds like your landlord is using your lack of knowledge about your rights to not fix things and/or get you to pay for his responsibilities. If your windows are less than 20 feet from the ground (or within 10 feet of an adjacent roof, outside stairway, fire escape, ramp or porch which can be reached from the ground) then it must have a sash lock. The tabs you are talking about that allow the window to open about 4-6 inches, then lock in that position are ventilation locks and they must be on all of your windows.
By law this is your landlords responsibility and obligation. He must pay for the installation of those locks and keep them in good working order so you can continue to unlock and lock them at will. In some states, you even have the right to pay a locksmith to install them if you give your landlord written notice of your need for the locks and he does not respond in 14 days. You can then deduct the amount you paid from your rental payment. Again, I'm not sure about your state for that portion, but the dude does need to keep your property safe and secure. Lights in public areas need to be in working order, steps need to be safe, furnaces must work, plumbing must be working etc. None of those things are your responsibility. If you break it you pay for it, but otherwise you are renting so you don't have to take on those obligations yourself.
Good luck. Please contact a legal aide rep if your needs are not being met. People without much money have just as many rights under the law as the wealthy, but are often treated as if they don't.
Fevers ARE common with teething, as are runny noses and ear infections. Of course, she could also be coming down with a virus which would cause a fever, but it's a good sign it didn't return. The doctor won't be concerned about a fever unless it doesn't go down, is accompanied by other symptoms, etc. Here are some good guidelines:
http://coldflu.about.com/od/whentoseeadoctor/qt/seedoctor...
Here are your rights as a tenant:
http://www2.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/2003/562A/
If your landlord won't install locks (I don't think he's obligated to if the windows are up to code), you can get alarms for your windows and doors that will go off if they are opened. One of my friend did that to not only keep people out, but to keep their kids safely in. I don't think they cost very much (less than $10) and you should be able to get them at a hardware store.
Teething:
Every child reacts slightly different. Our daughter ran a HIGH fever EVERY time she was breaking a tooth. Our son never had any symptoms..... I did daycare for 5 years and MOST children ran low fevers with teething. I've found that Highlands' Teething Tablets work great for babies having a hard time teething.
If she runs a fever again, try giving her a luke warm bath or cool wash cloth on her head before giving tylenol. This has always brought my kids' temps down. It's best to save tylenol for when it's really necessary so it works good when the time comes.
