topic Re: The honeymoon is over. in Community Chat

The honeymoon is over.

LilacTree — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:46:13 GMT

We have been here in our new apartment for ten days now and still not completely settled.

Unfortunately, we have discovered there is an infestation of significant black mold behind the shower walls in both bathrooms. It took about three showers each for us to realize we were standing in pitch black mold which was coming from the bottom of the tub enclosures and running down the sides onto our feet in globs. We had been told by the leasing agent that mold and flooding were not problems here (because I asked).

Apparently, mold has always been a problem here and other than caulking, management has never done anything about it. They have blamed the tenants for not properly cleaning their bathrooms. Obviously they cannot blame us, as we just moved in.

My little daughter cannot be exposed to toxic environments, and my autoimmune issues will not tolerate it either. Management denies it is toxic. There are a lot more details, but I will not bore you with them.

I have told management that if they cannot fix this problem, I will have no alternative but to bring in a third party mold contractor for a second opinion and if necessary, remediation of the mold issue.

They have referred it to ownership. I have not heard back from them. The maintenance man (a very nice, honest young fellow) told us the corporation has never fixed a mold problem here, except for caulking which does not permanently fix the problem, nor does it present the spores from being airborne. He said some people move out, others don't.

I don't think any of us can withstand another move. I will give them a few days to provide me with a solution before I advise them that I will be bringing a third party contractor in.

Any thoughts?

Re: The honeymoon is over.

handygal2 — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:49:30 GMT

Wow. Do you know a lawyer who could give you advice?

Re: The honeymoon is over.

Qwackertoo — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:51:39 GMT

Wow. My mold numbers on allergy tests are off the charts. I couldn't live there unless they fixed the problem. No if's and's or but's.

Good Luck, Ford!

Re: The honeymoon is over.

KittyLouSoutenu — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:52:04 GMT

You're going to need energy to either move or fight to get things fixed.

I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

LilacTree — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:52:55 GMT

On 4/8/2015 handygal said: Wow. Do you know a lawyer who could give you advice?

Yes, but the last thing I want is negativity with the corporation and ownership. I would like to solve this amicably if at all possible. I would rather pay to have it remediated than engage in litigation.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

LilacTree — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:56:59 GMT

On 4/8/2015 KittyLouSoutenu said:
You're going to need energy to either move or fight to get things fixed.

I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

One thing I have always been, Kitty, is a fighter. We will (cannot) live here with mold. This will be fixed, one way or another.

What a letdown.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

handygal2 — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:57:55 GMT

I meant to say that perhaps you could get legal advice on how to handle the situation without litigation. I hope you'll be able to.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

luvmyteddy4 — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:04:14 GMT

My Lyme doctor had me inspect my home for mold a few years ago because I tested with a high % of mold spores in my body. You do not want this ever. A lot of Lyme patients have mold in their bodies. The medications did not work for me.

I did have mold in my house and had to hire a company to get rid of it. It was not cheap. Your management should pay for this, it is extremely dangerous to Lyme patients and everyone else.

It is too late for me but I would not live there unless they fix the problem.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

occasionalrain — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:05:19 GMT

You may want to contact the EPA for advice. From what you have described, I doubt the mold is confined to the shower area. There won't be an easy or inexpensive fix.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

TaxyLady — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:05:44 GMT

I am sorry to here this. Can you contact the State and have them come down? If you live near our seashore then mold is a problem. It is caused by dampness and is worse in the bathroom if not properly ventilated. Some of it is harmless. Not all mold is bad. When the state came to investigate at my job, they found some bad mold in another building but not bad mold in my office. Good luck to you in fixing this problem.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

KittyLouSoutenu — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:07:39 GMT

On 4/8/2015 Ford1224 said:
On 4/8/2015 KittyLouSoutenu said:
You're going to need energy to either move or fight to get things fixed.

I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

One thing I have always been, Kitty, is a fighter. We will (cannot) live here with mold. This will be fixed, one way or another.

What a letdown.

I have always thought you were a tough cookie, Ford

And I don't think YOU should have to pay to correct this problem.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

tansy — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:08:10 GMT

There's a consumer protection reporter at one of Seattle's TV stations. The slogan is ""let's call Jesse."" I'd try someone like that if management doesn't fix the mold.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

KittyLouSoutenu — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:18:53 GMT

On 4/8/2015 tansy said:
There's a consumer protection reporter at one of Seattle's TV stations. The slogan is ""let's call Jesse."" I'd try someone like that if management doesn't fix the mold.

I wonder if this is anything like the guy who used to call our office and offer his services for ""slow or no pay clients"".

He called himself ""Big Jim"".

Re: The honeymoon is over.

LilacTree — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:22:19 GMT

On 4/8/2015 tansy said:
There's a consumer protection reporter at one of Seattle's TV stations. The slogan is "let's call Jesse." I'd try someone like that if management doesn't fix the mold.

Yes, we have one in Philly . . . in fact all three networks ABC, CBS, and NBC have local news consumer divisions. I want to give them time to realize I am not going to back away from this. I don't think they can legally kick us out.

Another maintenance guy just came to the door. He also was carrying a caulker. However, my daughter is still asleep and he said he would come back later this afternoon. All he said was "I understand you are having a problem in the bathrooms?" He did not use the word "mold," so I already see I have a fight on my hands.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

LilacTree — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:25:20 GMT

On 4/8/2015 KittyLouSoutenu said:
On 4/8/2015 Ford1224 said:
On 4/8/2015 KittyLouSoutenu said:
You're going to need energy to either move or fight to get things fixed.

I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

One thing I have always been, Kitty, is a fighter. We will (cannot) live here with mold. This will be fixed, one way or another.

What a letdown.

I have always thought you were a tough cookie, Ford

And I don't think YOU should have to pay to correct this problem.

I didn't want it to start out like this. I had a very good relationship with my prior landlord.

Obviously, they have been getting away with this for a very long time.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

Shorty2U — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:26:55 GMT

Wow that's not good. I hope they take responsibility and fix it. Mold is horrible and makes people very sick. (I know because my husband has bad asthma). Good luck to you and I am sorry for what you are going through in your new place.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

Deb1010again — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:28:08 GMT

(((Ford))), I'm so sorry about this. You do have a GREAT attitude about it and I have no doubt you will get it fixed. It may be difficult, but difficult is your middle name. They haven't created a situation you can't address and reconcile. Your daughter needs you. Thank G-d she has you.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

LilacTree — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:28:31 GMT

On 4/8/2015 TaxyLady said:
I am sorry to here this. Can you contact the State and have them come down? If you live near our seashore then mold is a problem. It is caused by dampness and is worse in the bathroom if not properly ventilated. Some of it is harmless. Not all mold is bad. When the state came to investigate at my job, they found some bad mold in another building but not bad mold in my office. Good luck to you in fixing this problem.

If they refuse to fix it other than caulking, I will call in a third party contractor. If they detect it as "harmless," I will let it be caulked and drop it . . . however, I doubt it is harmless.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

LilacTree — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:29:54 GMT

On 4/8/2015 Deb1010again said:
(((Ford))), I'm so sorry about this. You do have a GREAT attitude about it and I have no doubt you will get it fixed. It may be difficult, but difficult is your middle name. They haven't created a situation you can't address and reconcile. Your daughter needs you. Thank G-d she has you.

Whew, you can say that again, Deb.

Re: The honeymoon is over.

goodstuff — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:33:39 GMT

Black mold is a legitimate and potentially serious health issue. If I were you I'd contact consumer advocates at your local TV/radio stations and/or newspaper for help. I'd also contact your Health Department. If necessary, call an attorney.

You can check on local renter/landlord laws, but often if renters have reported hazardous conditions to the landlord (in writing!) with no response or action to remediate, renters can bring in contractors to repair problems and bill the landlord for the cost. Probably best to have an attorney's or health department official backing you up or leading the charge.