Landlord responsible for sewage spill costs

Kelly L. Preus’ June 13 letter titled “Health risks: law should protect tenants from mold” didn’t mention the costs involved for the family.

Medical and moving expenses, illness, loss of time and throwing away moldy items are costly.

We moved to Everett this past January because of a raw sewage spill and mold. The landlord and his hired construction company took four months to figure this out, and when we moved the problem came with us because the house and our things were never cleaned.

We spent $9,200 because of landlord housing problems. The other losses are many.

At first our landlord was quick to fix things. The day of the sewage spill we got toxic chemical poisoning. He charged partial rent and paid for two night’s stay at a hotel, plus a small amount on utilities.

Health risks? We were under medical supervision for five months because of: skin rash that has left scarring, neuro-cognitive problems; night blindness; chronic respiratory problems; bleeding gums and noses; a broken toe because of spatial problems; and brain, liver and blood toxicity.

We are outraged as tenants that landlords have and are renting houses that are toxic and dangerous. As tenants, we need laws to protect us when landlords do not, cannot or will not provide a safe habitable environment.

Mill Creek