Re: question re: types of mold - trying to get repairs done ...

[Guest guest]

Didja,

You write:

" Please let me know any experience with place actually getting repaired

proper;y and

fixed as really would rather have it fixed and pursue that route over moving

though

feel a bit pressured to move and break lease by owners verbally. "

I am no expert, so take words for what they are worth. It sounds to me like

you were previously aware that you have a somewhat hypersensitive reaction

to mold, prior to even moving into this new place. Also sounds like there is

a continued mold problem in the new place. To remediate the property to a

standard that is safe for you, could be really tough on the landlord. Even if

he did the absolute best job he could do, airborne mold and settled spores

would most likely impact you for several months, I believe. Where as another

may not be impacted at all. And where are you going to live during the

remediation? If you are sensitive, you can't be there.

If it were me, I would be glad I did not own the place and have to deal with

all of those headaches on top of being sick. I would take the landlord up

on his offer to break the lease and move on. Then, I would send him a POLITE

registered letter detailing the problems that you had from the mold in the

place. That way, it is documented that he was aware it was a problem. Should

he not address the mold or disclose of the mold for the next tenant, the

documented proof that he had been made aware could serve to increase his

liability, should he choose to not address the issue correctly. The letter

would serve

as a motivator to address correctly.

If it were me, I would get out amicably, while I still could and do the best

I could to assure the landlord addresses properly for the next person. It's

tough enough to rent at the beach in LA. You don't need a big black mark on

your record.

Just my two cents.

Sharon

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to this group. I too am an acupuncturist and graduated from

Emperor's College. If your landlord is willing to let you out of your lease,

then

save your energy for school-you will need it. Since there have been visibly

problematic areas in your apartment you can write a non-threatening letter

asking to break the lease saying that you are reactive to the mold and for

health related reasons are required to move.

It is doubtful that landlords will do any serious type of remediation.

Further, for sensitive individuals living in a residence with adjoining walls

such as with apartments and condominiums, remediation can be a loosing battle

with these type of buildings. You do not know what is going on in those common

walls from your neighbors place. At least as a renter who is not bound by a

lease you are free to go if you can, take advantage of this. Looking for an

environmentally healthy place in LA that is affordable is as you know the

biggest challenge, though nothing is worth staying in a residence that you know

is making you sick. You may have to consider moving further away from the

beach for the dampness can make for an increase in moldy places.

You may also want to pay attention to an increase in your allergy while at

school or work, since there may be multiple offending sources to your

sensitivity. You mentioned difficulty concentrating which as you said may or

may not

be related to mold exposure. However as you know this is a common symptom

along with short term memory loss. Pay attention to any headaches, fatigue,

dizziness, and or rashes as these too are often common symptoms. If you can

keep your sensitivity at the level of allergies without further involvement of

other systems, then you may well be able to prevent the disabling lifelong

hypersensitivity that many here suffer with. The key for all of us is in

finding environmentally safe housing, something that especially in LA as well

as

some other cities has become more and more difficult.

Bobbins, RN, L.Ac, QME

In a message dated 5/19/2007 5:44:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

djdija@... writes:

Hi, I recently moved into a new place and second time having severe

allergies - found

out a few days ago only other area reasidencce had some mold related

violations in a

health inspection - have not resided there for a few years - to new issue

and why

joined group -

[Guest guest]

Didja, fact that landlord is somewhat pressuring you to break the

lease is a sign that he knows there is a problem and is unwilling to

fix it or cannot afford to and sign you should take this as a

warning that you were offered an amicable way out that may protect

him from some liability of your illness if you stay. In other

words, he may be saying this so that latter he can say he isn't

responsible for your illness since you could have left...i.e. trying

to prove that you really didn't feel that ill or you would have been

glad to leave. Not moving will go against you in a big way I

believe. There are no strings keeping you there now that he has

said that, and he and his lawyers if it comes to that will use that

as a defense...i.e. " why did she stay if she believed apt was making

her ill " .

>

>

> Didja,

>

> You write:

>

> " Please let me know any experience with place actually getting

repaired

> proper;y and

>

[Guest guest]

Group,

Barb makes a critical point below:

>Not moving will go against you in a big way

The issue is " habitability. " Although ther term is fairly common now

it wasn't always. I asked an attorney about that term ten years ago

and he was familiar with only one state that recognized the term. A

couple of years later I had a client who claimed their rental was not

habitable. The judge said he was recently familiar with the term and

although there was no law defining " habitability " the occupant's

behavior could be the determining factor. That seems to still be the

case today.

In common language, " uninhabitable " means it cannot be lived in. If

you stay your behavior demonstrates that the property is " habitable. "

Any claims otherwise are disproven by your own behavior in not

leaving.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> Didja, fact that landlord is somewhat pressuring you to break the

> lease is a sign that he knows there is a problem and is unwilling to

> fix it or cannot afford to and sign you should take this as a

> warning that you were offered an amicable way out that may protect

> him from some liability of your illness if you stay. In other

> words, he may be saying this so that latter he can say he isn't

> responsible for your illness since you could have left...i.e. trying

> to prove that you really didn't feel that ill or you would have been

> glad to leave. Not moving will go against you in a big way I

> believe. There are no strings keeping you there now that he has

> said that, and he and his lawyers if it comes to that will use that

> as a defense...i.e. " why did she stay if she believed apt was making

> her ill " .

>

>

> >

> >

> > Didja,

> >

> > You write:

> >

> > " Please let me know any experience with place actually getting

> repaired

> > proper;y and

[Guest guest]

Carl, What if the tenant absolutely has no where to go, unless they live in

their car, in a tent, or on the street corner. How can one that is so very ill

choose, but to stay in the uninhabitable apartment that has mold? What about

the danger aspect of living in a car, street corner, or tent in an unsafe high

crime neighborhood? How would the courts look at it then if we choose to stay

in the uninhabitable apartment that is making one ill from the mold? Does one

need to prove the danger to the court of sleeping in the car, on a street

corner, or in a tent if there are no other alternatives.....Darlene

" Carl E. Grimes " <grimes@...> wrote:

Group,

Barb makes a critical point below:

>Not moving will go against you in a big way

The issue is " habitability. " Although ther term is fairly common now

it wasn't always. I asked an attorney about that term ten years ago

and he was familiar with only one state that recognized the term. A

couple of years later I had a client who claimed their rental was not

habitable. The judge said he was recently familiar with the term and

although there was no law defining " habitability " the occupant's

behavior could be the determining factor. That seems to still be the

case today.

In common language, " uninhabitable " means it cannot be lived in. If

you stay your behavior demonstrates that the property is " habitable. "

Any claims otherwise are disproven by your own behavior in not

leaving.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> Didja, fact that landlord is somewhat pressuring you to break the

> lease is a sign that he knows there is a problem and is unwilling to

> fix it or cannot afford to and sign you should take this as a

> warning that you were offered an amicable way out that may protect

> him from some liability of your illness if you stay. In other

> words, he may be saying this so that latter he can say he isn't

> responsible for your illness since you could have left...i.e. trying

> to prove that you really didn't feel that ill or you would have been

> glad to leave. Not moving will go against you in a big way I

> believe. There are no strings keeping you there now that he has

> said that, and he and his lawyers if it comes to that will use that

> as a defense...i.e. " why did she stay if she believed apt was making

> her ill " .

>

>

> >

> >

> > Didja,

> >

> > You write:

> >

> > " Please let me know any experience with place actually getting

> repaired

> > proper;y and

---------------------------------

Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news,

photos & more.

[Guest guest]

Ahhhh - well, answering that question sufficiently would require law to have a

component of COMMON SENSE which is doesn't, so get that silliness out of your

head once and for all.

If you can live there, it's habitable - end of story. That's the way the law is

likely to interpret it.

Damned if we do, damned if we don't, I'm afraid...that's why it's taking so long

for us to crack through to victories. But slowly, but surely, we're getting

creeping closer and closer. Our time WILL come - have heart. And do the very

best you can to take care of yourself - we all know how frustratingly impossible

it can be.

~Haley

Darlene <darlenesb2000@...> wrote: Carl,

What if the tenant absolutely has no where to go, unless they live in their car,

in a tent, or on the street corner. How can one that is so very ill choose, but

to stay in the uninhabitable apartment that has mold? What about the danger

aspect of living in a car, street corner, or tent in an unsafe high crime

neighborhood? How would the courts look at it then if we choose to stay in the

uninhabitable apartment that is making one ill from the mold? Does one need to

prove the danger to the court of sleeping in the car, on a street corner, or in

a tent if there are no other alternatives.....Darlene

" Carl E. Grimes " <grimes@...> wrote:

Group,

Barb makes a critical point below:

>Not moving will go against you in a big way

The issue is " habitability. " Although ther term is fairly common now

it wasn't always. I asked an attorney about that term ten years ago

and he was familiar with only one state that recognized the term. A

couple of years later I had a client who claimed their rental was not

habitable. The judge said he was recently familiar with the term and

although there was no law defining " habitability " the occupant's

behavior could be the determining factor. That seems to still be the

case today.

In common language, " uninhabitable " means it cannot be lived in. If

you stay your behavior demonstrates that the property is " habitable. "

Any claims otherwise are disproven by your own behavior in not

leaving.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> Didja, fact that landlord is somewhat pressuring you to break the

> lease is a sign that he knows there is a problem and is unwilling to

> fix it or cannot afford to and sign you should take this as a

> warning that you were offered an amicable way out that may protect

> him from some liability of your illness if you stay. In other

> words, he may be saying this so that latter he can say he isn't

> responsible for your illness since you could have left...i.e. trying

> to prove that you really didn't feel that ill or you would have been

> glad to leave. Not moving will go against you in a big way I

> believe. There are no strings keeping you there now that he has

> said that, and he and his lawyers if it comes to that will use that

> as a defense...i.e. " why did she stay if she believed apt was making

> her ill " .

>

>

> >

> >

> > Didja,

> >

> > You write:

> >

> > " Please let me know any experience with place actually getting

> repaired

> > proper;y and

---------------------------------

Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news,

photos & more.

[Guest guest]

Darlene,

Unfortunately, Haley's answer below is probably the way it will be.

But that doesn't mean you have to claim it is " not habitable " in

order to make a legitimate claim. You can still claim water damage,

mold growth, structural damage, contractual issues, medical issues,

etc and etc.

1. Pay attention to what the problem is (accurately) and present it

appropriately to the law, regulation or contract. Don't claim MOLD

when it might be something else, or perhaps not only mold. Don't

claim mold levels are too high if you don't know what " too high "

means and can defend it. The opposition will simply claim the levels

are " just right. " Don't claim Stachybotrys just because the mold

growth is black. If you are wrong you have lost all chance of

succeeding. A competent professional should also be able to help you

with these aspects of the problem.

2. This is exactly why it is so important to not knowlingly rent or

buy a house with water/mold problems. YOU will be buying the problem

and it is now YOUR problem. If you aren't willing and able to fix it,

don't do it. Move on.

For example, I have an appointment tomorrow with a buyer who is

willing to buy the defined problems and fix them. The question is

what level of diligence will be required so his family will be non-

reactive? Can it be fixed or does it need to be torn down and

rebuilt? If they are chemically sensitive rebuilding may be worse

than fixing the water leaks and mold growth. No easy answers.

3. I understand your frustration and justifiable anger. I'm not an

attorney but for those already in a horrible situation there are less

options and even less money to do anything. So your claim might still

be the house is uninhabitable, the same as if the roof had a hole in

it or the water was shut off, but you are incapable of removing

yourself from the danger. Or, the cost of removing yourself such as

living in a tent. Your story is also important to others so they

don't get trapped.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> Ahhhh - well, answering that question sufficiently would require law to have a

component of COMMON SENSE which is doesn't, so get that silliness out of your

head once and for all.

>

> If you can live there, it's habitable - end of story. That's the way the law

is likely to interpret it.

>

> Damned if we do, damned if we don't, I'm afraid...that's why it's taking so

long for us to crack through to victories. But slowly, but surely, we're

getting creeping closer and closer. Our time WILL come - have heart. And do

the very best you can to take care of yourself - we all know how frustratingly

impossible it can be.

>

> ~Haley

>

> Darlene <darlenesb2000@...> wrote:

Carl, What if the tenant absolutely has no where to go, unless they live in

their car, in a tent, or on the street corner. How can one that is so very ill

choose, but to stay in the uninhabitable apartment that has mold? What about

the danger aspect of living in a car, street corner, or tent in an unsafe high

crime neighborhood? How would the courts look at it then if we choose to stay

in the uninhabitable apartment that is making one ill from the mold? Does one

need to prove the danger to the court of sleeping in the car, on a street

corner, or in a tent if there are no other alternatives.....Darlene

>

> " Carl E. Grimes " <grimes@...> wrote:

Group,

>

> Barb makes a critical point below:

>

> >Not moving will go against you in a big way

>

> The issue is " habitability. " Although ther term is fairly common now

> it wasn't always. I asked an attorney about that term ten years ago

> and he was familiar with only one state that recognized the term. A

> couple of years later I had a client who claimed their rental was not

> habitable. The judge said he was recently familiar with the term and

> although there was no law defining " habitability " the occupant's

> behavior could be the determining factor. That seems to still be the

> case today.

>

> In common language, " uninhabitable " means it cannot be lived in. If

> you stay your behavior demonstrates that the property is " habitable. "

> Any claims otherwise are disproven by your own behavior in not

> leaving.

>

> Carl Grimes

> Healthy Habitats LLC

>

> -----

> > Didja, fact that landlord is somewhat pressuring you to break the

> > lease is a sign that he knows there is a problem and is unwilling to

> > fix it or cannot afford to and sign you should take this as a

> > warning that you were offered an amicable way out that may protect

> > him from some liability of your illness if you stay. In other

> > words, he may be saying this so that latter he can say he isn't

> > responsible for your illness since you could have left...i.e. trying

> > to prove that you really didn't feel that ill or you would have been

> > glad to leave. Not moving will go against you in a big way I

> > believe. There are no strings keeping you there now that he has

> > said that, and he and his lawyers if it comes to that will use that

> > as a defense...i.e. " why did she stay if she believed apt was making

> > her ill " .

> >

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Didja,

> > >

> > > You write:

> > >

> > > " Please let me know any experience with place actually getting

> > repaired

> > > proper;y and

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail,

news, photos & more.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Carl, Thank you so much for making this clear. I just didn't know if there was

someone on the group that might run into a situation like this. Depending on

where one lives and the financial status they are in, I would think would be a

major factor along with many, Some are forced to live in toxic homes and dont

have other alternative's. This is a sad situation that many are forced to deal

with, which adds to the stress levels that all ready exist. It shouldn't be

this way for any one, but unfortunately we can't do much about it. I just pray

for all that are forced to live in these toxic environments, that things turn

around in the system soon. It just seems like an never ending battle no matter

what you try to do. As far as willing to fix the problem, with my situation,

that is all I have tried to do was make it clear that many many lives are at

stake here, not just mine. " Mold---If I had only known " I would not be here

today. Once again Carl, thank you .Darlene

" Carl E. Grimes " <grimes@...> wrote:

Darlene,

Unfortunately, Haley's answer below is probably the way it will be.

But that doesn't mean you have to claim it is " not habitable " in

order to make a legitimate claim. You can still claim water damage,

mold growth, structural damage, contractual issues, medical issues,

etc and etc.

---------------------------------

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.

Visit the Auto Green Center.

[Guest guest]

You are lucky they are saying that you can get out of your lease. Do it.

In California many landlords will take advantage of the lack of laws on mold

to say they have 'complied with all applicable laws' and then sue you for

the remainder of money on the lease.

They know that most people are scared of UD Registry and never being able to

rent again and will pay, even if they have to sell their car, get a second

or third job, take out a loan, etc. to do it.

Thats the current state of the legal situation on mold, at least for poor

people who landlords don't think can afford lawyers.

Thats why it is IMPERATIVE to document the situation MANY TIMES MORE THAN

YOU THINK WOULD BE NECESSARY

with many situations.

In general, trust your intuition on landlords and management companies. If

you have a bad feeling about them, they probably are slumlords who would

jump at the chance to get a years worth of easy money for a vacant (or even

rented!) moldy apartment.

I've heard about that happening now from three people.

Count your blessings and get out of there.

[Guest guest]

One thing that we all need to remember though is that we all need a

place to live. People who are looking for a place to live need to find

some place, somewhere, and people who have a (moldy) place to live and

can't find another (safe, affordable) place to live as an alternative

when they need to move are in a MAJOR DILEMMA.

I don't think that a lot of people on here have any idea of just HOW

hard it is to find an affordable apartment or home for many of us

these days. Even for non-mold sensitive people its often virtually

*impossible*.

If you have children, pets, any kind of credit issues, don't make

enough money, (often the job is in an expensive area but doesn't pay

enough and the affordable housing doesn't exist there - what can

somebody do?)

In many cities the people who just work and pay rent are being forced

out. They can't afford the rents anymore and they can't afford to buy

either. And God forbid if you get sick. Its all over.

Your life and its viability depends on your being able to stay in your

apartment. With no surprises. If you lose that, everything else falls

apart, fast.

[Guest guest]

I'm not Carl but I don't know why this would be the case unless you

are living with someone else and sharing rent or living there free,

ie. with relative, boyfriend, etc. In that case, you would need to

convince other people (for their own good too) on problems in apt,

which can be difficult. If you are paying rent there, it would seem

you could pay rent some place else. Perhaps hard to find one at

same price but indoor air problems are not confined to low income so

there should be some low rent places that don't have an indoor air

problem. If it's subsidized housing, I don't know how that works

but then you are having same problem as Elvira, which is very

difficult. Can you change to another subsided housing unit OR this

would take more time, but write to your city, state and county local

officials and congressman. Might take some time, but eventually

they will have to become aware of this. That would be much tougher

though, granted. Perhaps it may seem I have made light of something

much more difficult. If so, that is not my intention, so apologies

ahead of time if it reads that way, just trying to help and

understand.

--- In , Darlene <darlenesb2000@...>

wrote:

>

> Carl, What if the tenant absolutely has no where to go, unless

they live in their car, in a tent, or on the street corner.

[Guest guest]

Barb, Thanks for your input, and no offense taken. It is a much more difficult

situation. Let me say though, I have written to everyone with no positive

response. Darlene

barb1283 <barb1283@...> wrote: I'm not

Carl but I don't know why this would be the case unless you

are living with someone else and sharing rent or living there free,

ie. with relative, boyfriend, etc. In that case, you would need to

convince other people (for their own good too) on problems in apt,

which can be difficult. If you are paying rent there, it would seem

you could pay rent some place else. Perhaps hard to find one at

same price but indoor air problems are not confined to low income so

there should be some low rent places that don't have an indoor air

problem. If it's subsidized housing, I don't know how that works

but then you are having same problem as Elvira, which is very

difficult. Can you change to another subsided housing unit OR this

would take more time, but write to your city, state and county local

officials and congressman. Might take some time, but eventually

they will have to become aware of this. That would be much tougher

though, granted. Perhaps it may seem I have made light of something

much more difficult. If so, that is not my intention, so apologies

ahead of time if it reads that way, just trying to help and

understand.

>

> Carl, What if the tenant absolutely has no where to go, unless

they live in their car, in a tent, or on the street corner.

---------------------------------

Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news,

photos & more.

[Guest guest]

I think you are off the mark with your statement, " I don't think

alot of people on here have any idea, etc. " Either you are having a

brain fog day or just an off day, but I'd say at least 90% of the

people on this board know EXACTLY how hard it is. And that was even

before their exposure. This situation is not unique to just this

group, many who are experiencing life altering illnesses, injuries,

etc., know all too well how delicate their living situation is.

Many have had to forfeit medical treatment/medication, it was either

that or no lights, food, etc. MANY OF US are just barely existing

day to day, not even one paycheck away from losing everything,

unfortunately for some this will not be their first time down that

steep slope.

I'm sorry, but for me, your comment(s) are off base and a bit

condescending.

Sharon

--- In , LiveSimply <quackadillian@...>

wrote:

>

> One thing that we all need to remember though is that we all need a

> place to live. People who are looking for a place to live need to

find

> some place, somewhere, and people who have a (moldy) place to live

and

> can't find another (safe, affordable) place to live as an

alternative

> when they need to move are in a MAJOR DILEMMA.

>

> I don't think that a lot of people on here have any idea of just

HOW

> hard it is to find an affordable apartment or home for many of us

> these days. Even for non-mold sensitive people its often virtually

> *impossible*.

>

> If you have children, pets, any kind of credit issues, don't make

> enough money, (often the job is in an expensive area but doesn't

pay

> enough and the affordable housing doesn't exist there - what can

> somebody do?)

>

> In many cities the people who just work and pay rent are being

forced

> out. They can't afford the rents anymore and they can't afford to

buy

> either. And God forbid if you get sick. Its all over.

>

> Your life and its viability depends on your being able to stay in

your

> apartment. With no surprises. If you lose that, everything else

falls

> apart, fast.

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon, Thank you. I must of missed that statement. I have to totally agree

with you here. LiveSimply: Living day to day is very hard, being ill makes it

that much more difficult. There are many, like myself across the states that

have no choice but to live in the toxic environment knowing that the longer we

are in them, the worse the prognosis is. No matter what medications we are on

for the mold illnesses, if we are lucky we might feel some relief, but doubtful.

Even for those that are very ill and not in the moldy environment can understand

how difficult their live's are and have become. Yes, when I sit back and say

" Is it food, or is it medication " , you need both to live, but I guess I would

have to choose the medication in hopes that I might have that day that I feel

somewhat better. Rent and electricity, I have to pay that, because I couldn't

imagine living in the car, tent, or on the streets with an oxygen tank, along

with nebulizers that need to be

plugged in, etc. Being a project based subsidy, does not allow one to rent

somewhere else. In my opinion, I don't believe that I have options to choose

from. Remember, there are many many others in this situation or worse. No

offense here, but this is my reality and I am sure others as well. Darlene

tigerpaw2c <tigerpaw2c@...> wrote: I

think you are off the mark with your statement, " I don't think

alot of people on here have any idea, etc. " Either you are having a

brain fog day or just an off day, but I'd say at least 90% of the

people on this board know EXACTLY how hard it is. And that was even

before their exposure. This situation is not unique to just this

group, many who are experiencing life altering illnesses, injuries,

etc., know all too well how delicate their living situation is.

Many have had to forfeit medical treatment/medication, it was either

that or no lights, food, etc. MANY OF US are just barely existing

day to day, not even one paycheck away from losing everything,

unfortunately for some this will not be their first time down that

steep slope.

I'm sorry, but for me, your comment(s) are off base and a bit

condescending.

Sharon

>

> One thing that we all need to remember though is that we all need a

> place to live. People who are looking for a place to live need to

find

> some place, somewhere, and people who have a (moldy) place to live

and

> can't find another (safe, affordable) place to live as an

alternative

> when they need to move are in a MAJOR DILEMMA.

>

> I don't think that a lot of people on here have any idea of just

HOW

> hard it is to find an affordable apartment or home for many of us

> these days. Even for non-mold sensitive people its often virtually

> *impossible*.

>

> If you have children, pets, any kind of credit issues, don't make

> enough money, (often the job is in an expensive area but doesn't

pay

> enough and the affordable housing doesn't exist there - what can

> somebody do?)

>

> In many cities the people who just work and pay rent are being

forced

> out. They can't afford the rents anymore and they can't afford to

buy

> either. And God forbid if you get sick. Its all over.

>

> Your life and its viability depends on your being able to stay in

your

> apartment. With no surprises. If you lose that, everything else

falls

> apart, fast.

>

---------------------------------

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.

Visit the Auto Green Center.

[Guest guest]

Didja, one thing that might help your symptoms some right now, is to

start washing your sinuses. it may go a long way in helping you fell

better and hopefully cut down your chances of sinus disease.--- In

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

Let me explain why its that way. In many cities, the cost of rental housing

has been rising at a rate

much higher than the rate of inflation and still higher than the rate at

which most people's incomes increase.

What happened is that I lived in an apartment for a long time and the rent

was stabilized at a certain rate of increase by law.

This led to a situation where after I got sick and lost my job, not only was

moving impossible because I didn't have a job

(its not just a job they want, but a really good job. They want you to be

making three or four times the monthly rent which

is a lot of money) but also the rents for new apartments had gone up to

almost double what they had been when i rented the apartment. My wife and I

found ourselves in the situation where we could not afford anything

acceptable.

Its my strong feeling that many landlords are actually using mold as a way

to drive their low-rent paying tenants

out after a certain amount of time.

Many good landlords realize that long term tenants who pay rent are an asset

and don't bother them, even when their rents are below market rate.

But some other landlords are on a jihad to maximize their income and cut

expenses and in addition to not doing repairs for long term tenants, they

also often do whatever they can to get people out once they have been in an

apartment a few years and their rent is a few hundred dollars below what new

tenats will pay.

Some landlords only rent to students, (people who they think will only stay

in an apartment for a few years) and never to older people or anyone on a

fixed income, or families who have children, others develop ways to clear

longterm tenants out through various forms of harassment so they can get new

tenants in (at market rate).

This is called 'churning'.

Sharon, I think you misunderstood what I meant. What I was saying is that

because of the dangerous environment in cities living outdoors is not the

option it is elsewhere. A lot of landlords efforts are thrown into getting

people out of their rent-stablized apartments for 'repairs' and then they

drag the repairs on indefinitely, knowing that its an impossible situation

for renters. With hotels and hotel like 'suites' costing sometimes $200/day

people don't have any place to turn.

They end up having to rent another apartment (if they can) and they lose

their cheap apartment if they sign a long term lease elsewhere. Landlords

hire private eyes, etc. to follow them around to see if they have found a

permanent space, because if they have, then they don't have to do repairs.

This can drag on for months.

On 5/21/07, tigerpaw2c <tigerpaw2c@...> wrote:

>

> I think you are off the mark with your statement, " I don't think

> alot of people on here have any idea, etc. " Either you are having a

> brain fog day or just an off day, but I'd say at least 90% of the

> people on this board know EXACTLY how hard it is. And that was even

> before their exposure. This situation is not unique to just this

> group, many who are experiencing life altering illnesses, injuries,

> etc., know all too well how delicate their living situation is.

>

> Many have had to forfeit medical treatment/medication, it was either

> that or no lights, food, etc. MANY OF US are just barely existing

> day to day, not even one paycheck away from losing everything,

> unfortunately for some this will not be their first time down that

> steep slope.

>

> I'm sorry, but for me, your comment(s) are off base and a bit

> condescending.

>

> Sharon

>

>

> >

> > One thing that we all need to remember though is that we all need a

> > place to live. People who are looking for a place to live need to

> find

> > some place, somewhere, and people who have a (moldy) place to live

> and

> > can't find another (safe, affordable) place to live as an

> alternative

> > when they need to move are in a MAJOR DILEMMA.

> >

> > I don't think that a lot of people on here have any idea of just

> HOW

> > hard it is to find an affordable apartment or home for many of us

> > these days. Even for non-mold sensitive people its often virtually

> > *impossible*.

> >

> > If you have children, pets, any kind of credit issues, don't make

> > enough money, (often the job is in an expensive area but doesn't

> pay

> > enough and the affordable housing doesn't exist there - what can

> > somebody do?)

> >

> > In many cities the people who just work and pay rent are being

> forced

> > out. They can't afford the rents anymore and they can't afford to

> buy

> > either. And God forbid if you get sick. Its all over.

> >

> > Your life and its viability depends on your being able to stay in

> your

> > apartment. With no surprises. If you lose that, everything else

> falls

> > apart, fast.

> >

>

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[Guest guest]

I think while people are trying to get repairs done they need to take steps

to seal off the mold inside of the walls if possible.

Sometimes the pressure from the stack effect, wind, etc, makes it very hard

(the plastic sheeting just blows out from the walls, because the air is

coming through the cracks in the floor, walls, etc. ) but you have to do

something. If you can also somehow pressurize the air in your apartment

slightly relative to the pressure inside the walls, you can get a respite.

However, this whole system goes completely to hell on gusty days.

[Guest guest]

When I was in my mold house, I got sick and had no idea what was

wrong. I could not work because I was sick from mold, so I had no

money, without money, it was hard to come up with all of the down

payments I needed for another rental and such. I had to save money and

even then, all I could find was another place with mold but not as bad

as the other mold place. Then we ended up in the ghetto in a mold free

place. Our neighborhood was unsafe, so what was worse, mold or an

unsafe neighborhood?? It is not easy to just get up and move for some

of us. For those of you with money, I can understand how hard this is

for you to understand! Unless one has ever been proverty stricken, that

person can't really speak for the poor. That is why I keep saying, we

need to STOP electing millionaires and rich people in public office. If

we had a man who came from proverty as president, some of our problems

will for once be addressed and solved! Not saying we should live off of

the government but sometimes people need help in order to help

themselves. For some of us sick people, if we could just live in

a " safe " home in a " safe " enviroment we will get well enough to work.