QUESTION:What can I do about a landlord who promised a clean and newly painted apartment before we moved in, but didn't deliver? We have moved in because we had nowhere else to go, but I am concerned about our children's health and the total well-being of our family. Can I report the unhealthy living conditions to the health department? Please let me know of my legal rights or how to go about this problem in a dignified manner.
ANSWER:
If the unpainted and unclean conditions are genuine health risks, you should certainly take action. Call the health department and describe the situation. Depending on the agency's workload and the severity of the problems, you might get some action. If you're worried about deteriorating lead-based paint, by all means call.
For tenants facing seriously harmful conditions, many states have enacted remedies that let them repair the problems and deduct the cost from the rent, or withhold rent until the landlord accomplishes the cleaning and repairs. If your state has these remedies, check them out. Be careful, however, to follow the letter of the law when taking these steps.
And in the future, get that promise in writing before you move in. That way, you have a contract that you can point to if you need it later.
More friendly advice from
Moving Your Pet
Getting through the emotional stress of moving is difficult enough for adults and children. But what about pets, a species with whom we can't even level? Pet owners are often baffled by their pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's a personality change, a regression in housebreaking habits or a sudden unexplained illness. Even if you don't notice something that dramatic, there's no question that your faithful companion is feeling stress. How do you move your pet and keep the strain to an absolute minimum -- both to yourself and your beloved pet?
Is That Apartment Hazardous to Your Health?
When you sign a lease committing yourself to a unit in an apartment complex or building, you're agreeing to live in close quarters with strangers. You're also making the assumption that your building will be properly managed and maintained. That includes such factors as air quality and adequate pest control. As a tenant, you have rights, of course, but some of the most serious threats to your health -- such as carbon monoxide -- are ones you can't even see or smell.
When Can Your Landlord Enter Your Apartment?
In renting an apartment or a house you will lose some of your privacy rights.
