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Apartment landlord has agreed to compensate me for mold damage. What should I ask her to cover?
I moved into my apartment on August 16th (11 days ago) and noticed an extremely strong smell of mold in the air. Half of the walls were tested for moisture and all walls that were tested came up at a level ten, the maximum amount of moisture that the meter can detect. All of my belongings reek of the smell of mold. I've aired/"sunned" out my clothes and drawers but since I don't have access to a moving truck, my mattress and couch are still in the apartment. It was just me and the cat that were living in the apartment. So far the landlord has agreed to pay my hotel expenses, refund my deposit, compensate my electricity expense (for having the complex's giant dehumidifier running non-stop), electricity set-up charges and refund rent and application fee. I need to submit a list in writing of what I'm asking for to compensate my losses. I'm thinking of these things below:
- moving expenses and movers from moving in and to move out
- new pillows
- mattress and sofa cleaning costs
- Internet costs to transfer service and for the days I wasn't living in the apartment to use it
- A doctors visit and vet visit (since I was starting to feel the effects)
- One tank of gas (since I did most of the moving myself)
Am I missing anything?
I should note that it was documented that the same day I moved in that I smelled a very musty smell. The next day the maintenance man came to check it out and did not check for mold but rather just walked around and left. All of this was documented and I have a copy of the maintenance slip. So, my landlord should pay for any and all damages that may have occurred. I just need to know what else I should add to my list since this is the first time this has happened to me. Thanks!
I guess I didn't provide enough information. I'm housed in a hotel and will be here for two weeks. So yes, asking for internet compensation is necessary.
Think of it as if you were in my situation. Once I submit my list, I will have to sign a paper that says I cannot come back for any other expenses. If my cat gets sick, guess who pays it! Do you think that's fair? How about sleeping on a moldy mattress? Do you think that's safe to do for years to come? Would you sleep on a moldy mattress? Would you like to pay my moving costs to move it? Come on by with your truck!
It seems I have covered all my bases. I wish I could give someone a "best answer," but nobody has addressed my question. I'm guessing all of you who answered are landlords yourself and think it's appropriate to not investigate an apartment that was reported to have mold in it and let a tenant move all their stuff in it only to have it all reek of a musty smell and have to get a new mattre
4 Answers
- GeneLLv 79 years agoFavorite Answer
Just remember, whatever you two agree on for compensation will finalize your claim against her and she will no doubt ask you to sign a release form stating just that...that you won't be able to sue her for any future damages you might incur.
You could very well have dormant health issues relating to the mold which haven't surfaced yet, and might sometime in the future which could sap you dry for medical expenses that your insurance (if you have it) may or may not cover.
When mold spores are inhaled by an immunocompromised individual, some mold spores may begin to grow on living tissue, attaching to cells along the respiratory tract and causing further problems. Generally, when this occurs, the illness is an epiphenomenon and not the primary pathology. Also, mold may produce mycotoxins, either before or after exposure to humans, potentially causing toxicity.
It might be worth your while to confer with an Attorney, just to cover all bases.
- MarcusLv 79 years ago
STOP trying to make this your lottery ticket. You have pushed this about as far as you can. 99.99% of mold is in no way toxic, yucky yes, toxic no. As a LL I would tell you I have bent over backwards and you can go to hell with your LIST.
Buy yourself a jug of fabreeze and spray the sofa and whatever else you left there.
You sound like an idiot with your "list".
- acermillLv 79 years ago
Quit while you are ahead. Do you understand that the apartment management has given you FAR more than that to which you are legally entitled ? The ONLY requirement on the part of the management was to assist in dehumidifying the apartment. They are responsible for NOTHING else.
- Cathi KLv 79 years ago
I think you are being a little greedy. You have the same moving costs whether there was mildew or not. Transferring your internet service? That was kind of petty it was only a couple days. The landlord already gave you more he had to.
