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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Renting & Real Estate |
Does my landlord have to replace my old, disgusting, probably a health hazard, carpet? |
My stepfather's parents are my landlords. I moved in to the apartment about 3 months ago. The carpet is over 10 years old, and is a blue with a brownish green hue from all the nasty stuff in it. At first it was going to be cleaned, but that didn't even get done. I was in such a hurry to move in I figured we would fight about it later. I have asthma and since we have moved in, both my son and I have been having problems breathing. Also, we were playing on the floor one day, and when I woke up the next morning, I had a horrible rash where my stomach and arms were on the carpet. Is it too late for me to fight for new carpet? I do not want to cause family problems, but even if they evict me for calling the owners, they would have to replace the carpet anyways. Also, in the doorways to the bedrooms there are huge holes from the previous tenants cats. we were told they would be replaced in 2 weeks. Nothing yet. What should I do?? thats what happens when you get in a hurry......the time to talk about it..... well, you know......b 4 moving in, when u had the money in your hand... I'd simply contact your landlord and lay it out for them.. they are family, so do it nicely. Just mention about the problems, and the promises to get things done which haven't happened yet, and your asthma and rashes, etc, and just say you love the house and want to stay, but if something isn't done about the things that need to be done, you'll have to find another place. Then see what they say. If you are on reasonable to good terms with your landlord...approach them about a mutually convenient date to replace the carpet...you might also want to *briefly* mention the health challenges the carpet is causing. YES, they are legally responsible for replacing the carpet, and replacing the doors (although the previous tenant is financially responsible for the damage...the loss of their damage deposit theoretically covers replacement of same). If you didn't care about family repercussions, I would be encouraging you to approach the local Board of Health / Health Department / Landlord/Tenancy Branch / etc. The resultant fines and monitoring would guarantee The carpet is a health hazard, and could KILL you and/or your son! When you approach the almost relatives (i.e.: the owners), if you have the funds available, after you do some quick research for non-allergenic and easily cleanable carpet friendly to asthmatics. Offer to pay half the cost (in exchange for a slightly reduced rent?) of the required "high" end carpet. Cleaning tip: when cleaning the carpet/uphostry, do not rent/use a shampooer/steamer that dumps large amounts of water on the problem. The water causes the fibers to rot, and can cause breakage in the weave. Although there are equally good models out there, when properly used, the Electrolux Carpet Cleaning system is ideal...you work a low-water content foam into the fibers, allow it to dry, and then vacuum it up. Takes about 30 minutes to an hour for a large-ish room...longer in high humidity climates. Please note that the day you moved in, general cleaning of the carpet became your responsibility, although they should have replaced it before you moved in. Good luck! Absent any written agreement covering the issues of which you speak, you cannot demand anything legally. You accepted the apartment 'as is' when you took occupancy. I suggest that you find a way to rent a carpet shampooer and go at it. I have serious doubts that your rash came from 'dirt in the carpet'. Your asthma isn't affected by 'dirt in the carpet' either, unless it's dirt you aren't vacuuming up in the normal course of cleaning. As for the doors with the holes, ask when the replacements will be installed, reminding them that they did agree to replace them within two weeks. You could also ask if the landlord would consider paying the cost of a carpet shampooer rental. |
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