Expert: Walter Hintz - 4/25/2009

Question
My Fiance and I rent a house in Massachusetts. We moved in last Sept, {2008}  Shorlty after, we both came down with Cold and Flu like symptoms... We took the normal meds, Advil, Robitussin, throat lozanges. We both had a dry cough, low grade fever. Nothing to go to the Hospital with, Yet.. It continued through the winter, and it would come and go.. Now it is April.. I was outside about 3-4 weeks ago, and checked on two 24 inch X 24 inch doors on the side of the house.  I was shocked when I opened it.. There was approximately 6-8 inches of water, insulation hanging down, old rusty lawnmower, rotting wood, and all kinds of algae, growing on this stuff... It is very musty, moldy smelling, and just downright disgusting... The area is quite large, and I believe it covers most of the area under the house... The problem is, all this water is under our bedroom !!! I don`t know which way to turn, but I do believe that this water is a contributing factor in the way we`ve felt all winter.. It`s disgusting that the money we pay for rent {$2000} a month, and to live over a cesspool... Do we have any re-course against this Landlord... I don`t believe that this problem can be rectified, it`s the watertable, and nothing was mentioned prior to our renting about this water...  P.S.  There is no cellar, just a dirt floor... Sincerely Thanks

Answer
Hi Bill
First of all I am not  a doctor nor a lawyer. I cannot connect your medical problems to the dirty water but thy certainly could be a factor.  I also would think you have recourse against the owner of the property.  I suggest that you contact the health department right away and have them inspect the premises. Theer may be black mold involved.  I would also put a lawyer on hold.