Apartment won't fix my unit

[CrazyPaul]

If you have difficulty breathing right now, see your dr about it and let him/her know that you have mold in your place. Get the dr's note and make a copy along with photos of mold for faxing to the health dept so they would show up for inspection ASAP. If they tell you to abandon your place immediately after inspection, you win. And don't forget to file a lawsuit against MFing apt owner.

 

[Lau2046]

I would cc the health board and put him on notice that you're not going away until he fixes this....

Laura

 

[TXgolfer]

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

I read this post more closely, having been in the business most of my life as a mold remediator and also as a countertop guy it is highly unlikely that a counter top or cabinet would be damaged from a ceiling leak. In fact I have never heard of that happening, so that might be a problem. carpet is usually ok too as long as the water doesn't sti for days.

Hot water lines don't really block unless the water heater has gone bad. If you don't see rust in the water that is unlikely. The 2 more likely scenarios are a clogged filter on the end of the faucet (take off and clean) or air in the lines. You might get air in the lines being in apartment if a neighbor has had there water shut off for repair. You can get air out of the lines by turning on all faucets at the same time and letting them run for a minute.

 

[CrazyPaul]

I read this post more closely, having been in the business most of my life as a mold remediator and also as a countertop guy it is highly unlikely that a counter top or cabinet would be damaged from a ceiling leak. In fact I have never heard of that happening, so that might be a problem. carpet is usually ok too as long as the water doesn't sti for days.

What? Then how did they get damaged?

 

[TXgolfer]

What? Then how did they get damaged?

Many possible causes.

 

[Foxrac]

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.

I recommended you to follow RR (rockin'robin) and CP (CrazyPaul) advice because they have great advice.

If you are allergic to mold - get out of this property immediately (I will do it if happens to me).

I'm sorry about you have a terrible problem.

 

[lovezebras]

Does your state not have some type of landlord and tenant board? If your landlord isn't following certain rules that he has to uphold then you have more leverage for breaking tenancy...especially because mold is a health issue.

But I agree with TXGolfer about the cabinets and countertops. If it was a basement leak and there was furniture submerged for many days and weeks yes...but a ceiling leak would damage the ceiling and floors before it would damage the cabinets and counter tops. Cabinets and counter tops are made to be more durable in case these things happen...the only time I've seen a problem with countertops in an apartment was from stuff being placed on the countertops that were too hot.

I doubt there was more that a few inches of water in your apartment to do that much damage to counter tops and cabinets..but your landlord still has to fix these probs if they weren't your fault however they were damaged. And mold IS an issue that has to be fixed no matter what.

 

[rockin'robin]

That is awesome. It is also rare.

The landlord tried to bully me...saying I needed to pay another months' rent and forfeit my deposit and if I moved out he would take me to Court and I would wind up paying a "lot more" than what he was asking....HAHA...I told him "go ahead and take me to court"...

He did...and he lost....I had pictures,,he also said I left the house "dirty"....I had pictures of it before I moved out....so he lost that case too!...

The AC was leaking (window AC)...the carpet became moldy, toxic...and even "mushrooms" were growing!....Also, the sewer backed up....the toilet and the bathtub!....I had called him so many times...and he never responded....

The house was very nice actually...in a good neighborhood...he just would not do any repairs to it when necessary....and I'm glad I stood my ground and had the pictures, even my friends words about all the damage.

 

[TXgolfer]

Does your state not have some type of landlord and tenant board? If your landlord isn't following certain rules that he has to uphold then you have more leverage for breaking tenancy...especially because mold is a health issue.

But I agree with TXGolfer about the cabinets and countertops. If it was a basement leak and there was furniture submerged for many days and weeks yes...but a ceiling leak would damage the ceiling and floors before it would damage the cabinets and counter tops. Cabinets and counter tops are made to be more durable in case these things happen...the only time I've seen a problem with countertops in an apartment was from stuff being placed on the countertops that were too hot.

I doubt there was more that a few inches of water in your apartment to do that much damage to counter tops and cabinets..but your landlord still has to fix these probs if they weren't your fault however they were damaged. And mold IS an issue that has to be fixed no matter what.

Exactly. Usually the only way a countertop can be damaged by water is if there is a problem with or lack of caulk. But, 1) The apartment management will claim that the resident should have reported that before damage was done. 2) Still extremely unlikely a ceiling leak would damage the countertop because of the upper cabinets. Countertop water damage is usually caused by a combination of splashing water over the backsplash and poor caulking.

 

[TXgolfer]

The landlord tried to bully me...saying I needed to pay another months' rent and forfeit my deposit and if I moved out he would take me to Court and I would wind up paying a "lot more" than what he was asking....HAHA...I told him "go ahead and take me to court"...

He did...and he lost....I had pictures,,he also said I left the house "dirty"....I had pictures of it before I moved out....so he lost that case too!...

The AC was leaking (window AC)...the carpet became moldy, toxic...and even "mushrooms" were growing!....Also, the sewer backed up....the toilet and the bathtub!....I had called him so many times...and he never responded....

The house was very nice actually...in a good neighborhood...he just would not do any repairs to it when necessary....and I'm glad I stood my ground and had the pictures, even my friends words about all the damage.

That is cool. He deserved it and it sounds like you were really prepared. Luckily, it sounds like you had a good judge and maybe a weak lease ( about the 2nd part).

 

[CrazyPaul]

Does your state not have some type of landlord and tenant board? If your landlord isn't following certain rules that he has to uphold then you have more leverage for breaking tenancy...especially because mold is a health issue.

But I agree with TXGolfer about the cabinets and countertops. If it was a basement leak and there was furniture submerged for many days and weeks yes...but a ceiling leak would damage the ceiling and floors before it would damage the cabinets and counter tops. Cabinets and counter tops are made to be more durable in case these things happen...the only time I've seen a problem with countertops in an apartment was from stuff being placed on the countertops that were too hot.

I doubt there was more that a few inches of water in your apartment to do that much damage to counter tops and cabinets..but your landlord still has to fix these probs if they weren't your fault however they were damaged. And mold IS an issue that has to be fixed no matter what.

When there's a ceiling leak, where does water go? DOWN! So it can go over inside the wall where the cabinets and countertops (made of wood with covered laminates or tiles) are jointed, thus they absorb water from the damp wall and become warped if they are damp for too long. Mold grows in a dark and wet place. DD said there is mold in the cabinets so how did they get wet in the first place?

 

[sonocativo]

Id just walk then, you did your part.
Only bad thing is.... If you need a reference for the new apartment, your current landlord may not give then an ok.... You can tell them if they dont (and you have proof ) you will sue them.
I have been on that path before when I was young.

 

[deafdrummer]

What? Then how did they get damaged?

Because the leak happened in the ceiling... Notice the mold on the right wall next to the mirror. And you'll see a cabinet that's in good shape, I suppose, in the second photo. And here you can see the counter top warping as it separates from the side pieces. The last two is the carpet. The alternative green you might see in the photo is some lighting artifact and doesn't really exist. Still, I tripped over the damn thing ONCE and I nearly did a full-body slam. Fortunately, my face didn't hit the floor. It F* hurts when it happens. Fortunately, I'm okay. And, I've got photos of the text messaging to my friend on 11-6-12 when it happened. The complex doesn't know that I have that as evidence. I'll spring it if it becomes necessary. I'll see about the health department thing tomorrow. Damn president holiday.

Edit: I forgot to mention that there was one day when all of a sudden there was some noise, and rusty water came running out the hot water side in the kitchen. I checked the bathtub, and godlomightie, there were flat rust pieces the size of the diameter of 00 buck shot. I'd never seen them that big, and it nearly stopped up the bathroom and the kitchen hot water sides. The bathtub works fine, though...

 

[deafdrummer]

Id just walk then, you did your part.
Only bad thing is.... If you need a reference for the new apartment, your current landlord may not give then an ok.... You can tell them if they dont (and you have proof ) you will sue them.
I have been on that path before when I was young.

Apartment? Who said anything about an apartment?



THAT is over. I am moving out into a travel trailer, whether it be next month or end-of-lease. There is nothing they can do to appease me, because I know the true nature of these people, and they have damaged the relationship between landlord and tenant. By the way, I just found out the man who owns this place is not in good health and seems to be having some problems mentally (a lady who's lived here since it was BUILT 40 years ago has confided in me). It now appears to me the office staff are taking advantage of his memory lapses. AND, he's not a member of the apartment association here in Houston.

Here is something else. They're putting the squeeze on me because they will try to sue me for moving out early AND rent the damn thing out at $150 higher than what I'm paying now. I'm not giving the bitches the satisfaction of killing more than two birds with one stone. I'm going to make their lives a living hell until it's ALL OVER WITH. I will be standing out there in the street median during rush hour with signs pointing to the complex, "Do not live here. They won't fix my apartment." Or something like that. If I have to, I will picket the health department if the agency doesn't help me. And EVERYBODY will hear what I have to say. As soon as I can get out, I am evacuating from Houston. I will probably have to wait until I can transfer my job to one of the Austin-area stores. I've had enough of Houston.

 

[TXgolfer]

Because the leak happened in the ceiling... Notice the mold on the right wall next to the mirror. And you'll see a cabinet that's in good shape, I suppose, in the second photo. And here you can see the counter top warping as it separates from the side pieces. The last two is the carpet. The alternative green you might see in the photo is some lighting artifact and doesn't really exist. Still I tripped over the damn thing ONCE and I nearly did a full-body slam. Fortunately, my face didn't hit the floor. It F* hurts when it happens. Fortunately, I'm okay. And, I've got photos of the text messaging to my friend on 11-6-12 when it happened. The complex doesn't know that I have that as evidence. I'll spring it if it becomes necessary. I'll see about the health department thing tomorrow. Damn president holiday.

Edit: I forgot to mention that there was one day when all of a sudden there was some noise, and rusty water came running out the hot water side in the kitchen. I check the bathtub, and godlomightie, there were flat rust pieces the size of the diameter of 00 buck shot. I'd never seen them that big, and it nearly stopped up the bathroom and the kitchen hot water sides. The bathtub works fine, though...

The cabinet is in bad shape. I have seen much worse but you definitely have a legit concern there. You also have a legit complaint about that wall. It should have come out. The countertop looks fine to me. It looks more like poor caulking.....at least in that picture. The carpet looks fine, I hope it wasn't rolled in that manner while it was wet. If it was, that is an entirely different story. Honestly the discoloration on the carpet looks pretty much like what you would expect to see from an overwatered plant.

As for the rust, that is a pretty sure sign of a water heater that is toast.

 

[deafdrummer]

As for the rust, that is a pretty sure sign of a water heater that is toast.

No, it's not the water heater (community boiler). It's only two years old. It's the pipe chunking apart from the electrolysis caused by the electrical system being grounded through the hot water pipe, which is galvanized steel. I had electrolysis corrosion, real bad, on the hot water valve underneath the kitchen sink, white and green powdery stuff with rust. None on the cold water side. Every once in a while, you see dirty water with large chunks of dark rust coming out of the bathtub faucet only on the hot water side. When I see that, I go, "Oh F*, somebody's gonna get it," and hope that it's not my turn. Usually, the water system goes down a few days later when the leak manifests somewhere.

I had to turn the carpet back like that because I needed my furniture to be put back so I can actually LIVE again and had gone through the carpet taking THREE WEEKS TO DRY the first time. F* that.

Never again. I'd rather live out of my Jeep and take showers at my store's shower facility than have to go through this again.

Edit: Look at the counter top photo again. What you need to see is that the counter top is warped and has a (?) bowl-like roll from front-to-back and indicates that the particle board material is ruined. There are chunks of the particle board coming off the underside edge in front of the sink. I have suggested to my neighbors that someone tell the man to SELL THIS PLACE so they can raze this place. It's going to cost him more to fix these problems than it would to raze and rebuild. Hell, I'd sell out and retire. He is already wealthy to start with.

And I should mention that the carpet is a non-issue in regards to damage from me, since they are converting from carpet to tile one-by-one on all the bottom units. It WILL be tossed, leak or no leak.

 

[shel90]

I see the word, "mold" and I think hazardous... what is wrong with the LL? That is dangerous!!! Many people here gave you great advice...follow them and you should have a good case.

 

[deafdrummer]

Does your state not have some type of landlord and tenant board? If your landlord isn't following certain rules that he has to uphold then you have more leverage for breaking tenancy...especially because mold is a health issue.

But I agree with TXGolfer about the cabinets and countertops. If it was a basement leak and there was furniture submerged for many days and weeks yes...but a ceiling leak would damage the ceiling and floors before it would damage the cabinets and counter tops. Cabinets and counter tops are made to be more durable in case these things happen...the only time I've seen a problem with countertops in an apartment was from stuff being placed on the countertops that were too hot.

I doubt there was more that a few inches of water in your apartment to do that much damage to counter tops and cabinets..but your landlord still has to fix these probs if they weren't your fault however they were damaged. And mold IS an issue that has to be fixed no matter what.

Well, what happened was, and the plumber confirmed it, the pipe had been leaking for MONTHS because the wood immediately surrounding the leak was soaked through and swelling. I had noticed that there was an odd off-color spot right where the leak was spraying onto the drywall. It was about 9 inches in dia. and could be seen if you looked at it right. I thought it was just the paint was off or something. WRONG! Because it had been leaking for some time, water had soaked the back wall and water was coming into the counter top like it was being wicked there.

I suppose Texas might have a tenant agency. I'll have to look into that. I know that the tenant council has apparently been defunded of staff needed to take care of these problems, as when you call them, you hear, "Due to a lack of staff their hotline is closed until further notice you can visit texastenant.org..." Everybody sends you to somebody else.

 

[TXgolfer]

No, it's not the water heater (community boiler). It's only two years old. It's the pipe chunking apart from the electrolysis caused by the electrical system being grounded through the hot water pipe, which is galvanized steel. I had electrolysis corrosion, real bad, on the hot water valve underneath the kitchen sink, white and green powdery stuff with rust. None on the cold water side. Every once in a while, you see dirty water with large chunks of dark rust coming out of the bathtub faucet only on the hot water side. When I see that, I go, "Oh F*, somebody's gonna get it," and hope that it's not my turn. Usually, the water system goes down a few days later when the leak manifests somewhere.

I had to turn the carpet back like that because I needed my furniture to be put back so I can actually LIVE again and had gone through the carpet taking THREE WEEKS TO DRY the first time. F* that.

Never again. I'd rather live out of my Jeep and take showers at my store's shower facility than have to go through this again.

Edit: Look at the counter top photo again. What you need to see is that the counter top is warped and has a (?) bowl-like roll from front-to-back and indicates that the particle boards is ruined. There are chunks of the particle board coming off the underside edge in front of the sink. I have suggested to my neighbors that someone tell the man to SELL THIS PLACE so they can raze this place. It's going to cost him more to fix these problems than it would to raze and rebuild. Hell, I'd sell out and retire. He is already wealthy to start with.

And I should mention that the carpet is a non-issue in regards to damage from me, since they are converting from carpet to tile one-by-one on all the bottom units. It WILL be tossed, leak or no leak.

I don't see any damage in picture 3. What I see is bad workmanship. Partical board damage around sinks are common. That is usually an installation or caulking issue. It may very well damaged, but it is highly unlikely that would be caused by a ceiling leak. Like I said, you definitely have legitimate concerns.

Carpet that remained wet for three weeks should be a science experiment of mold and bugs.

A community boiler system..........heats water. Pipes should have been checked and/or replaced as well. Sounds like the shady landlord has shady plumbers and electricians too.

Good luck getting out of there.

 

[deafdrummer]

The landlord tried to bully me...

<snip>

Stop. STOP... GD... What is the name of this MF? Publish it for all to see. I never, EVER want to run into this man. I have to know his name to avoid him at all costs.