Apartment won't fix my unit

deafdrummer

deafdrummer

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I've got a story for you. I had a water leak happen twice last year, about February and November. They fixed the leaks (in the ceiling above the kitchen in the same general location along the pipe), but they did not replace the rest of the kitchen, including water-swollen cabinet, warped counter-top, and carpet that was damaged by both leaks. There is mold in the cabinet and possibly in the affected area of the carpet, which I still have peeled back in case it leaks again. The hot water line is partially blocked in the kitchen and bathroom sink as of the past two weeks or so, and I have asked them to get the water line blown out. They still haven't done it. This is in Houston, TX.

Does anyone know specifically what I need to do to get out of the lease? An attorney is not an option.
 
Firstly...I would take many, many pictures of the damages...especially the mold!....Then request an appt. with the Complex manager and if repairs are not done, then I would give my notice to vacate the apartment, the reasons why....and keep a record of the many times you have requested they make repairs.

It happened to me before also...the AC unit (window) was leaking and the sewer backed up...the Landlord would not fix it so I had to move...he took me to Court over it...but I had taken pictures and everything...and the Landlord winded up having to pay me over $2,000....I had no Lawyer, just an intrepretor.....
 
Document, document, document....take photos, write down the days and times you attempted to call to resolve this - number of attempts to get through, how many messages you left. If you don't get results, pay for the month to allow him/her to find another person to rent and just move. If they try to take you to court, small claims, they won't have a leg to stand on.

Laura
 
I forgot to add in that I tried to go into the office about every two-three weeks to ask about whether they would be getting closer to fixing my apartment.

As a last resort, I'm considering walking around with a big sign describing what happened. I've got photos!

And Robin, I can't believe the MF took YOU to court even though it was his GD fault. He should be shot for doing that!

I am getting to the point I want to vacate the city and live the rest of my life in a small town with as little contact with people as possible...
 
I'd pay a safey inspector to give an assessment of your apartment. I know you probably don't want to spend money but it's a good way of protecting yourself if they have the stones to take you to court. Keep a copy of his findings and just move. If the place is a safety risk, and mold is, you have no obligation to stay.

Laura
 
GD it!! Money isn't an option!

Edit: Sorry about the outburst. I'm trying to save as much money so that I can evacuate from Houston ASAP.

AND, I have photos of my text messages to a friend of mine in which I complained about the water leak happening again, and it was sent November 6, 2012. And the photos on my camera with the damage show that nothing was done as of this month with the date stamping.
 
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I have no idea where you live but sometimes there is ordiance there that landlord must comply, you could have contact city or town inspectors, they usually don't charge you a penny and can easily create case for you. Most areas that Tenants do have more rights than Landlord does.

You may have case, but if you don't do anything and in the end, landlord can sue you for damages and you gonna to have to figure out where to come up with money to defend yourself, either way, it is your call.
 
1. Don't fix by yourself.
2. Take picture for evident.
3. Don't pay rent until landlord fixed
4. Report to public newspaper to make apartment look bad.
 
deafdrummer said:
I've got a story for you. I had a water leak happen twice last year, about February and November. They fixed the leaks (in the ceiling above the kitchen in the same general location along the pipe), but they did not replace the rest of the kitchen, including water-swollen cabinet, warped counter-top, and carpet that was damaged by both leaks. There is mold in the cabinet and possibly in the affected area of the carpet, which I still have peeled back in case it leaks again. The hot water line is partially blocked in the kitchen and bathroom sink as of the past two weeks or so, and I have asked them to get the water line blown out. They still haven't done it. This is in Houston, TX.

Does anyone know specifically what I need to do to get out of the lease? An attorney is not an option.
Click to expand...

Why is an attorney not an option?
 
Lau2046 said:
Document, document, document....take photos, write down the days and times you attempted to call to resolve this - number of attempts to get through, how many messages you left. If you don't get results, pay for the month to allow him/her to find another person to rent and just move. If they try to take you to court, small claims, they won't have a leg to stand on.

Laura
Click to expand...

Actually, they will. In my biz I have seen many people try this. The resident could lose in court AND have credit damage. Iris sad but true.
 
PowerON said:
1. Don't fix by yourself.
2. Take picture for evident.
3. Don't pay rent until landlord fixed
4. Report to public newspaper to make apartment look bad.
Click to expand...

Most slum landlords have no shame. Going to the papers solves nothing, so the better plan is to document, take pictures, get an safety assessment and just move.

Laura
 
rockin'robin said:
Firstly...I would take many, many pictures of the damages...especially the mold!....Then request an appt. with the Complex manager and if repairs are not done, then I would give my notice to vacate the apartment, the reasons why....and keep a record of the many times you have requested they make repairs.

It happened to me before also...the AC unit (window) was leaking and the sewer backed up...the Landlord would not fix it so I had to move...he took me to Court over it...but I had taken pictures and everything...and the Landlord winded up having to pay me over $2,000....I had no Lawyer, just an intrepretor.....
Click to expand...

That is awesome. It is also rare.
 
TXgolfer said:
Actually, they will. In my biz I have seen many people try this. The resident could lose in court AND have credit damage. Iris sad but true.
Click to expand...

If there's a health risk involved, I'd find it hard to believe, which is why I recommend having someone inspect the place. I can't see on what basis a person would be legally bound to live in a place that's not safe.

Laura
 
Lau2046 said:
If there's a health risk involved, I'd find it hard to believe, which is why I recommend having someone inspect the place. I can't see on what basis a person would be legally bound to live in a place that's not safe.

Laura
Click to expand...

What I have seen, is that the judge will rule breaking the lease will forfeit the claim. University of Houston has a good law school. I would seek their help in writing a certified letter. By staying and filing a lawsuit, you gain leverage (court sympathy).
 
deafdrummer said:
I've got a story for you. I had a water leak happen twice last year, about February and November. They fixed the leaks (in the ceiling above the kitchen in the same general location along the pipe), but they did not replace the rest of the kitchen, including water-swollen cabinet, warped counter-top, and carpet that was damaged by both leaks. There is mold in the cabinet and possibly in the affected area of the carpet, which I still have peeled back in case it leaks again. The hot water line is partially blocked in the kitchen and bathroom sink as of the past two weeks or so, and I have asked them to get the water line blown out. They still haven't done it. This is in Houston, TX.

Does anyone know specifically what I need to do to get out of the lease? An attorney is not an option.
Click to expand...
I googled it and most of the answers is to call a health dept.
 
TXgolfer said:
What I have seen, is that the judge will rule breaking the lease will forfeit the claim. University of Houston has a good law school. I would seek their help in writing a certified letter. By staying and filing a lawsuit, you gain leverage (court sympathy).
Click to expand...

I already did. They would not give me any GD advice, just told me to call a number that is now defunct (Texas Tenant Council) and another number that hasn't been answering so far.

I have sent the complex two certified mail letters, return receipt requested. I will mail one more requesting repairs, and then a fourth one saying they have broken the lease by not making repairs to the apartment as promised and that mold is involved, therefore, I am moving out to protect my health.

An attorney is NOT an options BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY!!!
 
deafdrummer said:
I already did. They would not give me any GD advice, just told me to call a number that is now defunct (Texas Tenant Council) and another number that hasn't been answering so far.

I have sent the complex two certified mail letters, return receipt requested. I will mail one more requesting repairs, and then a fourth one saying they have broken the lease by not making repairs to the apartment as promised and that mold is involved, therefore, I am moving out to protect my health.

An attorney is NOT an options BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY!!!
Click to expand...

No need to be rude. You should calm down and do more research. You can get free legal aid, even for civil cases, through the County Public defender. There is also a Tenants Union in Texas with a lot of help and information. Mold problems are handled through the Texas Dept. of Health Services. County Health might help as well. You can also file a complaint with county code compliance.

You have to be an aggressive advocate for yourself. Walking to the office every couple of weeks isn't going to cut it. You should do it daily.....become a pest. They are obviously HOPING you will break the lease at this point.
 
TXgolfer said:
No need to be rude. You should calm down and do more research. You can get free legal aid, even for civil cases, through the County Public defender. There is also a Tenants Union in Texas with a lot of help and information. Mold problems are handled through the Texas Dept. of Health Services. County Health might help as well. You can also file a complaint with county code compliance.

You have to be an aggressive advocate for yourself. Walking to the office every couple of weeks isn't going to cut it. You should do it daily.....become a pest. They are obviously HOPING you will break the lease at this point.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I have a very high credit score and I would never walk away until I completely covered myself. You have to be your own advocate and be aggressive in a nice way. This is actually a good thread. I've always wondered how to get out of the apartment from Hell if you had the bad fortune to land in one.

Laura
 
deafdrummer said:
I've got a story for you. I had a water leak happen twice last year, about February and November. They fixed the leaks (in the ceiling above the kitchen in the same general location along the pipe), but they did not replace the rest of the kitchen, including water-swollen cabinet, warped counter-top, and carpet that was damaged by both leaks. There is mold in the cabinet and possibly in the affected area of the carpet, which I still have peeled back in case it leaks again. The hot water line is partially blocked in the kitchen and bathroom sink as of the past two weeks or so, and I have asked them to get the water line blown out. They still haven't done it. This is in Houston, TX.

Does anyone know specifically what I need to do to get out of the lease? An attorney is not an option.
Click to expand...

Fair Housing Tenant Law
this tell how to free legal advice . You could also call the health department and building inspector and have them come out and see the damage. If they think it a code violation or health violation your landlord will have to get it fix.
You should be sure to have dates on the photos. If you send any letters to your landlord make copies and send them to yourself and DO NOT OPEN them. Keep them in a safe place as the letters are leagal documents, the stamp on the mail make it a leagal documents. If you do have go court
you bring the unopened letters and this proved to been after your landlord to fix your apartment
You should look on line to find how to get free legal advice.
 
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