What do you know about renters rights? (help)

[Hatchling]

A slab leak has developed in my bedroom. I reported it on Sat. but they have allowed it to continue over the weekend. They are giving me a run around.
I am getting many mixed messages. First that it will take months to fix it and they don't know how I can live with it. Then they backed off this and said Just to move out of the bedroom into the living roomand they can fix it. I have COPD, and already the smell from the carpet is giving me asthma attacks and I don't think it will be much better once they move the carpet and jack hammer up the slab.

They keep hinting that I should just move out, without actually coming out and saying so. I know they could rent my apartment for much more but until now they have been kind enough not to raise my rent.

I also have four cats who are going to be at risk of stress and escape while this is going on.

They also told me I had to move my furniture out of the bedroom myself.

I'm disabled on disability and can't move the furnitur much less afford to move.

What am I to do?

[LibraLiz1973]

1. First of all, don't move the furniture

That is THERE problem. You can contact your local representatives and bring the issue up if need be.
In the meantime I would call the owners and say look, you know I am disabled and you know I can't move this furniture.
If they insist that you still must do so, bluntly tell them you are going to report them for discrimination.
The Americans with Disabilities Act clearly states that they CAN NOT force you to move your furniture for a problem
that has nothing to do with you.

Don't roll over and let them take advantage. And what's more- TELL them you aren't going to be a punching bag.

[Hatchling]

3. It's President's Day

No agencies are open to help and I'm just stressing.

I can't move the furniture so when they come back, I'll just tell them so. I had my home health worker move all the smaller stuff.

I just don't know where to hold the line, because I want to be within my rights, yet I don't want to alienate them becausee I really like living here. Until today I thought they liked having me as a tenant.

[meegbear]

2. Your profile says you are in San Diego ...

I would contact the housing authority.

http://www.sdhc.net/index.htm

[Hatchling]

5. I'm on their wait list.

But it's a six to seven year wait for most people. And they are housing Veterans and People with children first, which is how it should be.

[meegbear]

6. But they should be able to help you with this situation ...

in terms of getting this fixed.

[skater314159]

4. Contact the media...

... there has to be an investigative reporter or "people's rights" person at one of the t.v. stations or newspapers where you live. These sorts of stories are EXACTLY what they are looking for - and your story will help others who are facing similar situations. Don't be afraid to do this - you need and deserve help, and others need to know how this company/landlord is treating you.

Contact your local city/county health department and see if they can help you or hook you up with a Social Worker. Having someone who can act as an advocate for you in this interaction with your landlord will help you save energy and avoid stress.

I don't know what faith you are, but many synagogues, temples and churches help people in situations like yours - if this an option for you, I'd recommend it.

I'd also try to call legal aid in your city and ask to talk to a lawyer about your situation... even if you don't need to hire a lawyer, they can give you invaluable advise and direct you to people who can help you out.

[Hatchling]

7. Whew! saved by the Landlord's son

Apparently the Landlord is getting a little drifty and she was very confused when she spoke to me. (She's 84 and this has never been a problem before, she's always been so alert.) By the afternoon she was as bright as she's ever been. Lesson learned. Talk to the son first next time.

He came over, moved my furniture, hammered a hole in the cement and plugged the leak for tonight. He'll repair the pipe tommorrow and fill in the hole. Not that much dust. He's also trying to get me new carpet for the whole aprtment as well!

Thanks for all your help earlier. I was just completely at a loss.

[NMDemDist2]

8. so glad it worked out!! be sure to get his cellphone number next

time he's in there working

:hug:

[Skittles]

9. AWESOME!!

Hatchling, I would have advised you to get your lease and read the part about mainentance to them - yes.

Now get that son's name and number and keep it nearby!!