I live in 2 bed 2 bath condo located in Los Angeles, CA
Mar. 5, Fri
My landlord called me and told me there was a leaking problem thru out certain side of the building and second bedroom in my unit was infected by mold so condo association office will send mold repair people to fix the problem next day.
These were what my landlord told me. 1. They might have to leave a fan on all day tomorrow to dry the wet wall 2. Remove necessary clothes out from the closet
(She never told me how long it would take and told me later didn’t even know it would take days)
Mar. 6, Sat
Not only I couldn’t go anywhere for 5 hours while people from mold repair company worked on the room but also had to face with shocking reality such as one side of the wall was completely cut, closet, bed, window were covered with plastic and taped, and a huge motor and fan placed in the room making loud noise, the sink in guest bathroom was filled with a long hose to drain water from 2nd bedroom wall. Worst of all, I have to live in this environment for days until they comeback and remove the equipment. But that’s not end of it, someone from a construction company has to come to put a new wall and paint after mold repair is finished.
Mar. 8, Mon
I called my landlord explained what has happened over the weekend and asked her 1.If it wasn’t harmful for my health staying in the unit while mold repair and construction for the wall get done. 2. Who will be responsible for the electricity bill since a big motor and fan need to be on 3days or more non stop? 3. Shouldn’t the rent be prorated for the period of repairing since I only can use 1 bed 1 bath? (I can’t even take my clothes and iron out from my closet) Her answer was “I contacted the association office and they told me 1. It’s not harmful to your health and you have to cooperate. 2. The cost of electricity running the equipment for 3 days will be only $5 or less. 3. You live by yourself and only use one bedroom anyway” (Even though I live by myself, I’m paying for what I’m renting and should have right to claim what I pay for, don’t I?)
Mar. 11, Thur. 8:30am
Someone from mold repairing company came and took pictures and piece of wall to test.
Mar. 12, Fri.
Not only mold repair people found more spot to repair and still the same as day 1 but also they’ve cut a part of my master bedroom wall and covered with brown paper with tape.
Is there any place I can file a complaint or better to get a help from attorney?
1.I heard it’s not healthy to stay in the unit while mold repair and wall construction are being done.
2.Both bedrooms are next to each other and it’s very hard to get a good sleep at night with the fan and motor’s noise.
3.I’m paying $1900/month for 2 bedrooms but I’m only able use 1 bedroom for 2 weeks of more.
4.I could have prepared more if anyone informed me it takes approximately 2 weeks not 1 day. I can’t even take my iron or clothes out with the closet blocked.
5.More importantly, my landlord is not willing to participate anything such as part of electricity bill (of course, in case of if it comes out excessively high) or prorating the rent.