My family had been suffering severe sinus infections and other illnesses, and was treated repeatedly with the strongest antibiotics available. Out of concern for the health of my family, I contacted the landlord of our rental house on April 10.
I informed him of the mold we found in the house growing on the walls, in the carpet, closets, laundry room and bathroom. He remarked, “This is Washington and mold grows here!” He told me not to put my furniture by the walls, to turn my heat up higher, and made other suggestions. I asked him to come to the house to see the situation, but he did not come over and did not return my later phone calls.
I am grateful that my family escaped the mold by moving on May 4. However, I was horrified to see this house for rent again only seven days after we moved out! I promptly called the Snohomish County Health District to report the situation. To my amazement, I was told that there is no law in the books that states that a landlord cannot rent a house, even though the landlord knows of mold growth inside the house.
I received a large packet of information from the health district containing literature and instructions on the proper treatments for cleaning mold and mold spores. Throughout the information, it repeats that certain molds can be dangerous to human health, may cause lung problems, and may even cause death.
I am deeply concerned about the unsuspecting family that will be living in that house, and for other families living in similar environments.
So, my questions are – What recourse do tenants have available in situations such as this? Why aren’t there laws to make landlords responsible and liable for providing livable, safe environments for their tenants?
Everett
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