Sunday, September 9, 2007

my apartment is too moldy to live in :(

Hi you all.  I want to thank every one who has been in contact with me since my last entry.  I really thank you for being concerned about me.  I have been away from journaling because so much has been absolutely insane in my life. 

I don't want to jam everything that has been going on into one entry (my entries get too long, LOL), so right now I will just tell you about how the move to my new apartment has been going (or hasn't, I should say).  Basically, when I moved into my apartment, before actually looking at it, I was told there was a "pinhole leak, with very little damage" in the laundry room beside the kitchen.  

Well, it has been a nightmare.  John and I signed the lease on August 31.  Then we did the walk through.  We were horrified to find out that the laundry room had pretty considerable damage.  It was NOT a pinhole leak.  Many of the walls were soaking wet.  A portion of the ceiling was cut out. A plaster board shelf under the hot water heater was soaked.  Over all, many many feet of the laundry room was wet.

The maintanence man assured us that he would cut out the wet walls on Friday, August 31 (this was the weekend before Labor Day) and that he would dry it over Labor Day weekend.  Then he would apply mud on Tuesday and Weds. after Labor Day weekend then pain it on Thursday.  This was acceptable to us.

I went and looked at the apartment on Saturday, the day after we signed our lease, and the day after he said he would have the walls cut out.  To my horror, he had cut out NONE of the offending walls.  Black mold had already begun to grow on the walls!  Black fuzzy mold.  It was Labor Day weekend and I had no idea how to get in touch with anybody.  

On Tuesday after Labor Day weekend John and I went and talked to the Assistant Manager of the apartments.  She said she would fix the problem.  She called out the maintanence man, who lied about something.  Too long of a story.  I think he just didn't want to take out the walls on Friday b/c he wanted to kick off early for Labor Day weekend.  I reminded the manager again that John was a stem cell transplant patient and that he couldn't live in mold.  The maintanence man said he was going to patch over the walls at this point whether they were very wet or not.  We informed him that he would NOT, that the plasterboard needed to be taken out, so that the walls underneath could be dried out, or the mold would grow inside the walls.

To make a long story short, which I am not, LOL, the workmen have been trying to dry the walls for days (both plasterboard and innerwalls and two by fours).  Actually, they are NOT DRY even today.  It has been over a week.  Well over.  Day before yesterday, there were VERY GREEN two by fours in the apartment in a section they had cut out.  The apartment building was not taking care of the situation.  So I snapped photos.  I would love to show you all the photos of the severely molded wood but I am on my father's computer and can't put pics into his documents.  The pics show moldy wood and two by fours.  It also shows extensive water damage on several walls (in which they have yet to cut out), and mold growing on the water heater, and mold growing on a shelf they never took out.

On Friday, Sept. 7, I got HUD involved.  I called the apartments and told them so.  I also told them I had photos.  

On Friday John and I went and visited HUD.  They were VERY negative towards us.  The woman who was head of HUD told me she didn't believe me, basically that I was lying.  She told me that there never was any mold.  She said she had spoken to the landlord of the apartments who told her I was lying. This was after the assistant manager of the apartments, Amber, had told John in the morning of Friday, that she had "seen the mold, would spray it, and had extensive experience in this type of thing." The woman from HUD refused to look at my photos.  I had 20 of them.  I proceeded to drop them down in front of her.  Sher recoiled back.  I said, look at this green mold on the two by fours!  She stated that "Mold is not green.  Not that color green."  I said, "Yes it often is."  Then she said, "I think that is fresh wood.  Have you ever heard of green fresh wood?"  I dropped my mouth!  How could apartments that are 10 years old have green fresh wood in them?  At any rate, she said many, many things that were insane, and I believe she has already made up her mind in the case, she is going to side with the apartments.  She basically told me so.  She said she would make her decision on Monday.   

BTW, On Friday night John and I visited the apartment.  They had sanded off some of the mold, and bleached it.  There was a big bleach stain on the kitchen floor, about a foot by a foot.  Hmmmmmm.  A lot of the walls were very wet.  Paint was bulging off of them and peeling in places.  

You know, if there is proper mold removal, John and I are willing to live there.  We actually love the place in a lot of ways.  BUT THEY MUST remove the wet walls, and the mold under them.  They MUST scrub the other two by fours and put mold remover on them.  Also take out the moldy shelf and scrub the water heater.

That would be acceptable.  That's IF John's oncologist says it is ok for him to live there.  On Friday morning Dr. Claxton faxed HUD a letter, as well as the apartment bldg., saying John should NOT be living in that particular apartment.

Okay, to make a long story not so short, LOL, the woman we spoke to at HUD said she would make her decision on Monday, whether or not the apartment is livable.  I am concerned that she will say it is, b/c the apartment management cleaned up one small section.  But thus far they have refused to remove and clean up the rest of the wet/moldy walls.  BTW, I am positive they are moldy underneath.  A friend of mine took off a small piece of wall, and it had green mold growing underneath.

Okay, so like, if the woman from HUD rules against me and John, and John can't live in there, maybe we will have to do the legal thing and go to a hearing to overule her decision.  Maybe I will have to get a lawyer. 

I have a major headache right now, b/c of all this.  We have already paid rent for this month and we have not been able to live there.  When I go in, even for a few minutes, I get a severe headache for several days.  I also get a sore throat, am unable to clear my chest for several days, and get confused and angry.  That is definitely how mold effects me, and I can't live that way.  John and I are still at my parent's house.

We have not been able to move in most of our stuff to the apartment, b/c we did not want it stolen by workmen.  Also, another moving truck has to be paid for at some time.  We also have not been able to move in our washer and dryer, which Catholic Charities so kindly gave us the money to pay for.  Hopefully the appliance store will hold it for us.  There are other complications in this whole matter, but I won't bore you.  Ughhhhhhhhhhh.  Why does my life have to be so complicated?

At any rate, we are trusting the Lord to work things out.  One day at a time.

There is other news on the home front, it has to do with John.  But I will explain soon, hopefully next entry.  Sorry I have to leave you hanging.

Loving you all,

Krissy :)

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36 comments:

  1. Wow, Krissy...sounds like you are having my kind of luck. I would not take this lying down..Call your local TV station and report this,tell them about how Hud acted and also how the apartment manager has refused to remedy the situation, and tell them about John's medical condition. I would be shouting it from the rooftops...they can be sued for this.
    God bless,
    love ya,
    carlene

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  2. Wow! I just this morning put a comment on your last entry saying I missed you, but figured you were in the midst of moving............. But, WOW! I thought you were just busy, not facing this kind of bull! Good for you taking pictures. I -always- do that when I move in a place, and again when I move out. It's so much easier these days with digital cameras, I remember doing it with Polaroids years ago :)  Crossing my fingers for you guys the HUD and your apartment complex get their acts together!

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  3. Call a lawyer. They will give you free advice. Tammy

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  4. Don't waste anymore time...call a couple of lawyers for a free consultation & see what they say. I bet you have a good law suit over all this crap!
    Hugs,
    Sugar

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  5. You can't live in that apartment! I doubt they would clean it properly. They might make it cosmetically pleasing, but getting rid of mold takes work!  Be careful. I agree with your other readers that you should consult an attorney.
    Good luck,
    Pam

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  6. Hi Krissy~Sorry to hear of the horrendous problem. I was just now going to write to Val and ask how you two were doing when I saw a new alert. I agree with the others; call a lawyer ro maybe if there's a tennants rights center? I can't believe HUD there! Here they did an inspection and demanded the landlord fix a tiny crack in the kitchen wall before it would pass inspection! That women was truly is "mild denial!" haha~Anyway hope this is resolved ASAP~Love Deb ;-)

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  7. So sorry to hear ya'll are having to deal with all of this on top of everything else.  But I am glad ya'll found out about the mold now, instead of after living there for weeks or months.  Will keep you both in my prayers.  -  Barbara

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  8. Krissy, I have a couple thoughts.  Go above Betty.  She MUST have a superior.  Also, go to Mid Penn legal services.  I bet they will give you a free lawyer for this!  I am so proud of you for taking the pictures!!  You can FIGHT this and WIN!!  I think you should be able to get your money back, too, for the rent that you paid already for this month.   So unfair!  Let me know what is going on and remember I am here for you and praying.  Love, your TBADT.  xox
    http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisSeason

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  9. I agree with some of the other comments - call a lawyer. Having said that, I realise how difficult it is trying to balance your health, John's health and a need for housing. Don't even get tempted to move in there though, you will both suffer in the long term. Thinking and praying for you both. Take care.
    Love & hugs
    Sylvia xx
    http://journals.aol.co.uk/sylviam4000/YeOldeEnglishPosy/

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  10. You can't live there, Krissy. Period. Walls that saturated take 6 months to dry out.

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  11. I hope this all gets taken care of.  Mold can lead to illness.  Government agencies just suck, they don't want to do any work or help.  Hopefully next time you sign a lease for an apartment you will look at it first.  Have a good Sunday.

    Phil

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  12. How awful !  How can these apartment owners allow this to happen?  No one should live in a moldy aprtment or house.  It's very dangerous.  Wow Krissy...you and John sure didn't need this "stumbling block."  Let's just pray that the Lord will set it all right.  I know you are both anxious to get into your own place.  Hugs......Linda in Washington state

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  13. Krissy, someone mentioned calling the local TV station.  That too is a good idea.  All of the major stations in your area (ABC, NBC & CBS) should be interested in this issue.  It's certainly an issue that affects a lot of people and should be brought to the fore front.  I'd call one after another until you get one to at least come & hear your story.   Linda in WA

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  14. Krissy, I agree with contacting the local news!!!!  praying for you guys!
    Becky

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  15. I really am just appalled at how the apt. management and HUD have treated you.  The Golden Rule, you know....    what a shame.  

    Another apartment complex, maybe?

    ~Amy

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  16. Krissy.  This just burns my butt.  I am so mad.  Don't those ignorant people know how dangerous mold is.  John or you cannot live with that.  Nobody should.
    You must contact the news media.  I think they can help alot.  As for HUD and the way you were treated is just terrible.  You sure don't need this in your life.  I wish I were there.  I would march in front of the apartment with a big moldy sign.
    You are often on my mind and always in my heart.  Love and hugs to you and John.
                                                                        Love Myke

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  17. (((((((((((((((((KRISSY))))))))))))))))))That is just so terrible of what happend.I hope things get better.Have a nice day.

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  18. I am so sorry for all your aggrivation you have with the new place.  I'll be praying that all works out for the best.  What a terrible thing to have happen.  I'm so glad you at least have a place at your Dad's til things get worked out.  'On Ya' - ma

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  19. Oh Krissy, This is horrible!  Like something out of a bad movie. UNBELIEVEABLE!  I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. It's stressful for you & John.  Plus it's hard to live with someone else and not have your own place.  I feel bad for you.  I am also very concerned with your health. So please don't forget to take care of Krissy while you are taking care of John and etc.  Your luck has to turn one of these days. Love,
    Merry

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  20. Krissy, I can so relate to this.  My oldest daughter, Becky, is moving to a new apt. closer to the university.  She has paid her rent for Sept. already and also her last month's rent and can't move in because of a terrible mold problem in the bathroom.  It's been a nightmare. Promises to fix it have been done at all.  No one has even looked at it.  John definitely cannot live with the mold but neither can you or anybody else.  Call your County Dept. of Health and ask them to inspect it.  Explain the problem.  If it's not inhabitable, they will force the landlord to clean it up.  That's what I had Becky do.  It's Pa. law.  Now, the work is supposed to be done this week.  Ugh, we'll see. Good luck and God will get you through this.  It's a nightmare right now but you'll make it.  I'm saying my prayers.  Love you, Chris

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  21. Krissy, gee what an ordeal you have been and are still going through with your apartment.  Don't back down on this, the mold would scare me wanting to live there even being healthy. Hang tight dear. Take care. Arlene (AJ)

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  22.  What a total nightmare.  Could you go public with it?  If you went to the papers especially with pictures they would be singing a different song.  I sure hope everything works out.

                      Julie

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  23. I agree Krissy with some others, you and John just can't live in a moldy area.  John's health would get worse...you would be sick.  Not worth it.  I think you need some legal advice...others said it too.  Go, and get some free consults...and get this resolved.  As always, I keep you and John in prayer...I do read...and follow, just haven't commented in awhile, so sorry...hugs and love,
    Joyce

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  24. Hon........ Have you heard of a " LAW SUIT" oh yeah I think this matter has gone WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY TO FAR..... Yep.... If they wont do anything, HUD wont belive you and the doctor has FAXED a statement to BOTH saying John cant live there AND THEY STILL wont take your word... Yep.... its time to get some legal matters into this..... I know I still ive at home with my folks but im sorry they cant hold you accountable ( or at least I dont think they should ) for paying rent for something that is in Habitiable..... Im sorry.... They cant, and shouldnt!

    xoxoxoxo,
    Christopher

    http://journals.aol.com/cmarlow480/ChristophersJournal/

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  25. That black mold will condemn a residence and make it unliveable very quickly.  I hope that it is something that they can address and correct.  A friend of mine's sister lost her house and ALL their belongings because of that mold.  They were not allowed to remove anything from the house because of the health risks involved.

    Greg

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  26. Kristy call the news channels and get them involved i bet the lady from hud and the apartments change their tune! so sad that they think they can get away with this. praying for you and john and michael

    Deb

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  27. I am so sorry that all this stress and crap has been happening to you both!  I hope there is a lawyer, maybe from your church that could help you out with HUD.  How awful!  I am sending my prayers....

    be well,
    Dawn
    http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/

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  28. I wonder if it would do any good to take this information to the local health department?  I would also contact my congressperson and the local TV stations, especially if one of the stations has someone who does consumer complaints or problems.  You could also report to you Better Business Bureau.
    Lori

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  29. Oh my word, what a nightmare. You must be thinking about now why me oh Lord.  I do hope there is a solution to this that will not that terrible and you are able to come back to a normal frame of mind soon.  Gerry  http://journals.aol.com/gehi6/daughters-of-the-shadow-men/  

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  30. I'm sorry Krissy.
    I am just catching up on your journal.
    Sounds like you have your hands full--please know you are in my thoughts and prayers like always.

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  31. Oh Krissy I am so sorry this is happening to you and John... I see you have alot of good suggestions in your comments...
    Big Hugs and always special thoughts!
    Linda :)

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  32. You have a few great suggestions here. I would definitely get a hold of Code Enforcement. They won't put up with mold in a home. Hopefully they should be able to force your landlords hand to get the work that needs to be done, done. (Hugs) Indigo

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  33.     Oh, Kristy, good luck. You are in my prayers again. Always. You don't deserve this kind of treatment. I am concerned though that if the walls are still wet after all this time, that there is an active leak that are keeping it wet. Does your town have a housing or apartment oversight department? Is there some kind of legal aide society where you can get help? This should not happen to you or to anyone else. It just sounds like that woman from HUD is taking bribes or something.
    Jude
    http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

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  34. (((((KRISSY)))))))))!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'll keep praying!  Love Carolyn

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  35. I will be praying for you both.  I hope the issues have been resolved by now.  I just started reading all the journal entries.  I'm sorry you all have been going through so much though.  Hugs.  Tish G.  

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  36. I'm so sorry for all the pain and suffering you have to go through especially just to get into your home.  I'll be praying.  Keep us posted.  We all love you!
    Kellen

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