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? asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw & Ethics · 1 year ago

Slumlord help revised?

After fielding complaints on how long and wordy I addressed my issues, I'll give it a shot at simplifying. My landlord has no follow through!!!! First I find safety issues, including a key broken off in my external deadbolt. Anyone with a butter knife could gain access. I resolved this issue myself and sent him a copy of the new key. He asks me not to use the external stairs, and in a freudian slip acknowledges that it isnt up to code and that he doesnt want to fix it. Also the window isn't secured on the external door. It's completely possibly to reach through the gap and turn the deadbolt from the outside. Then I uncover mold. Mold isnt healthy for anyone. I am allergic to pennacilin so it is assumed at least that i could have a very negative reaction to certain molds. Also appears black, though I cant prove its type for sure. Faulty wiring. The overhead fan worked for about two seconds, then shorted out. Occasionally I can hear electrical buzzing coming from the overhead as it fails to spin the fan blades. I have verified this issue existed before I signed my lease. Then the infestations. First I saw stink bugs, no big deal. They were localized to the back door and died at the end of fall. Then mice. LOTS of mice. There are multiple units here that house pets, and my landlord laid poison around the building. My pets are hunters. Fortunately I caught it quick and removed the poison. Notified the landlord who assured me pest control would fix it.....

Update:

Pest control came once to lay live traps, and never returned. The mice continue to inhabit the building in droves. Then bed bugs. When I called the landlord he admitted they were treating the unit below me, and that he would cover the cost this time, noting that it would cost $250 a visit if the problem occurs in the future. The same laughable pest guys came to spray for the bugs. At first they were punctual, but the problem got worse not better.... 

Update 2:

I communicated with the landlord that I felt they weren't diligent, only spraying my mattress and couch, then leaving. I asked if I should do anything on my end and was told to vacuum and wash my bedding. That's all. I did my research, and demanded that they treat thoroughly. They then started showing late, or several weeks not at all. I remain in contact with the landlord, reporting more and more bugs, and discontent for the situation. No change. 

Update 3:

And then theres the skin issues. My dog and I have both suffered what I had assumed was hives. Pest control said we were safe and to not bother vacating the unit while they sprayed. Then this rash drops up. I treated it with antihistamine, and the rash festered and spread, resulting in an infection costing hundreds of dollars to fix not to mention time off work. Could their pesticides have caused the itchy rashes on me or my dog? Can anyone verify they lack follow through? 

Update 4:

Can anyone point me to a website link I can challenge their practices with? Moving isn't an option as the infestation has rooted into all of my furniture, some of which are family heirlooms. And I dont have money for deposit and first month as I have spent loads of money trying to control the infestation. And largely, does anyone have advice for how and what to document if this issue winds up in court? How do I quantify monetary losses in things such as clothing or mattresses? Any advice welcome

3 Answers

Relevance
  • realtor.sailor
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    Landlords and tenants are governed by state law.  Google "landlord tenant law" and your state's name.

  • Anonymous
    1 year ago

    Quit wasting money on things your landlord should address.  Move out as soon as possible.

  • Maxi
    Lv 7
    1 year ago

    Report to the city's health /housing/enviornmental  department who will investigate and require the landlord by law to make the property inhabitable/safe/up to code

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