Renter's rights & health issues

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politrix_IHB

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I have a slightly peculiar situation. We moved to a new condo, and have developed burning sensation in eyes, nose and throat. It's pretty bad... The most likely culprit seems to be the carpet installed in the property. I googled this and there have been many instances of this happening with new carpet installation, and defective products. Mice have even died with toxic exposure from carpets. Does anyone have any advice what rights we have as renters for dealing with this issue? The landlord doesn't want to replace the carpet since it's in good condition in her opinion, and we are tied to a lease on the property which she refuses to break. Any advice or information about organizations we could turn to would be greatly appreciated.
 
Get proof first .. if it's a health risk, you can sue. Chances are, once you get proof, she'll be more than happy to change it out for you.
 
[quote author="ogredave" date=1226056747]Get proof first .. if it's a health risk, you can sue. Chances are, once you get proof, she'll be more than happy to change it out for you.</blockquote>


How would I get such proof? I tried looking up air quality inspectors but they cost $500 or more, which is pretty steep... Can anyone recommend an affordable one? My wife did go to a doctor, she had a diagnosis of lung spasms, but it's not possible for the doctor to connect it directly to the carpet or the residence.
 
Those are V.O.C.'s it is giving off. It is a very recognizable smell. The good thing is it does go away. You need to ventilate. I have also heard it helps to bring in some live plants (it does help) and also a HEPA air purifier (haven't tried it) to help clean the air. Good luck!
 
[quote author="SoCal78" date=1226057460]Those are V.O.C.'s it is giving off. It is a very recognizable smell. The good thing is it does go away. You need to ventilate. I have also heard it helps to bring in some live plants (it does help) and also a HEPA air purifier (haven't tried it) to help clean the air. Good luck!</blockquote>
The carpets are giving off Villages of Columbus?!? That place is worse than I thought! ;-)
 
First, I would try living with the windows open and a fan for a while and see if the symptoms are reduced.



If they are, then go back to your physician and tell them this so that they can write a letter saying that it appears to be correlated with the air quality *inside* the apartment.



then write a letter explaining this to the LL, asking for remediation or out of the lease.



If the LL doesn't fix it, then move. It isn't worth your families health!



If the LL sues for a lease break fee, or fails to return the security, take them to small claims court, along with the letters.
 
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