Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Michigan

Poor Living Conditions

I currently live in a 2 family house. I live upstairs, and ''Lynn'' lives down stars.

Back in January, Lynn and I both noticed that when we took showers or did laundry, the pipes in the basement leaked. We both notified the landlord several times, who did nothing. The problem got worse, and 5 days ago, the sewer backed up into the basement. He finally came *yesterday morning* to fix the issue. He insists on doing the work himself, and it is taking forever. He shut off the water (expected, but he did not give any notice that he was doing so!) so for the last two days, we have not had water or been able to flush the toilets. I (we) can't cook, shower, use the toilet, or brush my teeth. The poop smell is overwhelming and making me sick. My landlord refuses to pay for a hotel, I can't afford one, and I don't have anyplace else to stay. He said it will be at least 2 more days until he is done. I can't live like this anymore. What do I do?


Asked on 5/27/08, 1:38 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Poor Living Conditions

Has he at least offered you a rent abatement? If your conditions are unlivable due to health risks and/or no water, your landlord should pay for you to live elsewhere. This almost sounds like the kind of situation that requires an emergency remediation company (i.e., when there is a sewer backup and a company comes in with a crew of guys to clean it up, dry it out, and be done as quickly as possible).

If you are concerned about your health, go stay at a cheap motel for $20-30 a night and argue the issue of rent abatement later - your health is much more important.

Is the landlord making any progress that you can tell? It sounds like a semi-emergency type situation that he is not taking seriously.

If there is sewer water and waste type contaminants, all areas will need to be sanitized and "aired out" before anyone returns to the area.

If your landlord is completely uncooperative, I strongly suggest you immediately contact your city's health department to get them in there to do an inspection.

Also take into consideration that some of your possessions may have been contaminated - hopefully you have nothing in the basement, but there may be some airborne pollutants, especially if the water has lingered, as mold can grow within 24 hours.

Please contact me immediately if you need legal help.

Thank you.

Read more
Answered on 5/27/08, 8:14 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Michigan