You might remember that about a year ago I had some problems with water leaking into my apartment. If you follow me on Twitter or occasionally look at my Twitter updates on the right side, you might have also noticed that I, in January, once again had an issue with more water - but this time leaking into a creative place.
But starting this Sunday, I learned a whole new lesson about how water can get into interesting and new places. Let's start with an email exchange between B. and me about this fun:
From: B.
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 12:21 PMTo: Christine
Subject: Leaking?
Just following up to see if your apt is still leaking. Ugh! What a headache.
From: Christine
To: B.Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 10:29 am
Subject: RE: Leaking?
Last night the intrepid maintenance guy finally made it to my place around 8:15. It took some work, but I convinced him to take down that light fixture in the laundry room and drain it. It took even more work, but I managed to get him to replace the glass globe as well. He then told me he needed to take down the ceiling in the laundry room, and looked at me rather expectantly. “Ummm…no,” I replied. “You’re not taking down my ceiling at 8:30 on a Wednesday night. God only knows what’s between the apartments.”
“But I have to,” he replied, in his lilting Island accent. “It’s the only way to know for sure. Besides, the water we drained was clear.”
“It was yellow,” I responded, “Not clear. Not at all clear.”
“At least it didn’t smell.”
So I still have a ceiling. So far today, I’ve added to my arsenal a copy of the most recent Alabama Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 and a message left to a local attorney who is an expert in landlord-tenant law. And when I get home tonight, I better still have a ceiling.
From: B.
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 12:45 PMTo: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?
I can't help but think I would have said "fine, take down the ceiling. Let me know which local hotel of my approval you'll be putting me up at tonight."
From: Christine
To: B.Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 11:30 am
Subject: RE: Leaking?
He didn’t have the authority to OK that, and again, at 8:30? I’m usually in bed by 10, so I just didn’t need that mess.
Just got off the phone with the attorney, and am about to draft a Notice of Termination letter to deliver on my way home tonight. Essentially, this means that the landlords have 14 days in which to make all repairs so the apartment is habitable, including a mold inspection! Will you have a couple of minutes to read over it for me? It’s got to be great because I intend to post it on the blog as well.
From: B.
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 2:17 PMTo: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?
Absolutely! Send it on over when it's ready. Also send me a text as a heads up that it's here so I can have a quick turnaround time for you. Have you now started looking for other places?
From: Christine
To: B.Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 12:18 pm
Subject: RE: Leaking?
I’ve peeked around a bit online, but nothing real yet.
Thanks for looking for me! I really appreciate it.
From: B.
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 2:26 PMTo: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?
Looks great! I made a couple changes, the one of greatest importance is "inhabitable" to "uninhabitable." I used track changes.
Good luck, baby! Also, remember that if you have it to them before close of business today, today counts in the calculation of 14 calendar days. At least it does in [her state].
From: Christine
To: B.Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 12:30 pm
Subject: RE: Leaking?
I’m keeping all your changes; it sounds much better that way. The attorney says that because I cannot deliver the letter until after 5, tomorrow starts the counting. And that’s OK by me. I’m not exactly giddy at the thought of moving in 2 weeks, but I absolutely will. I do want out; it’s just such a short time frame! The attorney thinks that they’re get the repairs done rather than see me gone. I guess we’ll see!
From: B.
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 2:37 PMTo: Christine
Subject: Re: Leaking?
Don't be surprised if you get threatened with eviction, non-payment of rent, other BS like that. Landlords hate having to make repairs and hate people who "tell on them." I'm betting that they slap some bubble gum and duct tape on the problem, have an "inspection" performed by someone who is in their pocket, and call it a day, thinking you will stay and put up with their half-a$$'d job. Either way, I would start buying boxes if I were you. Just make sure they can't see them when they come for the inspection and/or repairs.
OK. So B. rocks, she's absolutely right that I could be in for some retaliation, and I am not nearly as good of a proof reader as I thought.
Now, for the letter that I just hand-delivered, with a smile on my face, to the manager of my apartment complex. Prepare to be not only dazzled, but a little bit schooled in Alabama landlord-tenant law:
Notice of Termination
Dear Apartment Manager,I am writing to enforce my rights under Alabama Code § 35-9A-401. Currently, my apartment (Unit X) is uninhabitable because of ongoing water leaks and damage that have rendered my laundry room and kitchen unusable. Also, it is my belief that my entire rental unit is unsafe due in large part to the likelihood of mold growing therein as a consequence of the disrepairs stated herein. Additionally, there have been prior leaks that have required repair. Below are the problems in my unit that are hereby addressed under the aforementioned statute:
- Water leak in front bathroom, which caused excessive overflow through the bathroom ceiling fan as well as along the pipe line above the bathroom. This water damage has never been repaired.
- Water leak in the master bathroom, which again caused water to escape through that bathroom’s ceiling fan. There was again a visible water damage line that extended into the master bedroom. This damage has been painted over and nothing further has been done to remedy the water damage.
- On or about June 30, 2009, the front bathroom again leaked, allowing water once again to escape through the bathroom ceiling fan and the pipe line. As stated in #1, this water damage has not been repaired.
- On or about April 18, 2010, a leak developed in the kitchen. Although the water did not escape the ceiling, there is a visible wide line of water damage to the ceiling.
- On or about April 20, 2010, a leak developed in the laundry room, causing the globular light fixture to completely fill with water and then escape. Maintenance was made aware of the problem, but nothing was done that evening. On April 21, I encountered Ed in the maintenance department and he informed me that the leaks in the kitchen and laundry room had been repaired and that I should have no further problems. At approximately 6:45pm, I became aware of more water leaking into the laundry room. I called the emergency maintenance line and when Ed returned my call, he told me he would be to my apartment presently to ascertain the damage. Upon my request, he removed the globular fixture in the laundry room and drained it of yellow-tinted water. Again upon my request, he then reattached the glass fixture because of my concerns of mold exposure. As of the date of this notice, no repairs to the water damage have been made.
- Throughout my tenure in this apartment, I have frequently noticed a dripping sound which sounds as if it is coming from above the ceiling fan in the living room. Although I have not yet experienced a water damage problem in this area, I suspect that it is only a matter of time before that section of ceiling also becomes a problem. I request that this area be checked for leaks and that if there is a leak, that it be repaired.
Respectfully yours,
Christine
I bet you wish you'd gotten those extra chips now, huh? I'll keep you posted on developments.
I bet you wish you'd gotten those extra chips now, huh? I'll keep you posted on developments.
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