Re[3]: Re: Too Much Inflamation - sewer gas in hot water

[Guest guest]

At 08:46 PM 4/17/2009, you wrote:

>Thank you so much. They are quite elderly, so I may have to help them

>with this. They're also afraid to confront anyone with the problem.

I understand that feeling for many reasons. First, it's how their generation

was raised. Second, it's a symptom of exposure. Once, the problem goes

away they will enter the typical recovery pattern, moving into anger over

having suffered so long, and all the other steps one goes through as the

brain recovers it's full faculties, and you will enjoy your parents even more.

It sounds like they are renters, not owning the heater?

If so, then I know if they are in California, like me, what their

legal rights are.

If they have the water tested, and have medical records, they can likely

recover the full rent paid for months, years that this condition first caused

them problems, as it is not legal in California to supply bad hot water.

Rent laws require hot water, and it must be healthful.

But they are not going to go that route. But it does show them just how

far into the wrong the landlord went. In California, the landlord is fully

responsible for ensuring the healthy condition of all supplied amenities.

Bad hot water is a cause for yellow tagging a building, or even red tag.

Tell them that. However, in Wyoming, it's completely legal, as there

are no rent laws, however, contract law does apply, but enforcement...

So, the next question is where do they live? In the USA? If so,

then what state?

Then look up state law for building safety codes bearing on hot water supplies.

Most states have laws regarding water supply and enforces it against the

landlord. Thus, if a complaint to the landlord does not result in replacement

within a week, then forward the complaint to the city, who will contact the

owner with a 30 day fix it notice, with the penalty being taken to court to

determine the penalty, which can include reimbursement to the victims,

which is rare, very rare, but at least the judge orders the repair, and if

it is not done, then the judge levies contempt of court, with fines and

possible jail time.

So, your parents have everyone on their side, including the neighbors

who are suffering from sewer gas exposure as well.

So, the goal is to tell your parents enough to show them who is 'wrong',

the landlord, and just how wrong they are... illegally wrong, jail time wrong,

criminally wrong... and that might make them feel comfortable to complain.

Alternatively, an anonymous complaint from you to the city Building Safety

Department will get a city inspector to visit the location, sample the water,

and notify the landlord, and get it fixed. Anyone can complain about sources

of sewer gas. As it is explosive, the inspector will be there within the hour,

if not in 5 minutes. All sewer spills are treated as medical emergencies by

the city. I know from first hand experience when I reported one. I was

surprised that at 5 PM the inspector on the phone told me he was driving

right over. In California it is the law.

Good luck. Take good care of your parents.

-P