When I first approached my landlord I explained to the couple that my credit was badly damaged and I was looking for someone that was willing to work with me and give a chance at rebuilding my credit. I also explained to them that I have a total of 4 children. But, only 2 would be with me at all times. I also stated that my friends, family and in laws were willing to help me with my other 2 since the unit was only a 1 bedroom and that it would be impossible to have all my kids there on a full time basis. I the explain to them that I had a very difficult pregnancy with my last childbirth and that I was recovering from Gestational Diabetes. They then told me that I would have to sign a 1 year lease agreement. I then stated to them that I wanted to rent the unit at the least until the end of June 2014, when my 13 year old would be graduating Junior High School, and 2 years should be enough time for to recover from the medical issues I was having due to the Diabetes during my pregnancy. I also explained that I also had Ulcers, another serious medical condition I had developed due to having a high volume of stress from being a witness to 2 homicide crimes in 2004 and 2006. They appeared to be such a kind, understanding couple. My boyfriend/child's father and his family knew the couple pretty well since the lived next door to the property for almost 8 years. Over that period of time, my boyfriend and his family would help them from time to time with things like cleaning out the units from the mess the previous tenants left behind. My boyfriend even stated to me that they would offer him and his family things like furniture and old bottles of wine. During the time my boyfriend and his family lived next door, they never knew about the property being manage by a realty company. After the couple decided to rent to me and I gave them the deposit and the first months rent, they contacted me and stated that I would have to start paying my rent and put my maintenance request in through the realty company. I then told them that it would be easier and more convenient for me them directly through their personal bank which was right here locally in town and was stated to do so in the rental agreement we both signed. I also told them that it would be hard for me to get the rent to the realty company that was located in Pleasant Hill, Ca, rather then me pay it here in town like we both agreed upon. By December 2012, black mold began to appear on the whole back end of the unit. I immediately contacted the owners and the realty company pertaining to this issue, since I was already aware of how harmful mold can be to people, especially my 6 1/2 month old infant at the time. at one point told me there was mold because I cooked too much and took too many showers. No one has attempted to remove the mold at all. There is also a major electrical problem and that pg&e gave me a notice to refer to Electrician Safety Hazards. On top of these 2 major issues that I feel should have been addressed quickly, I have been humiliated, embarrassed, violated and disrespected during the short period of time I have live here. Now I am once again, dealing with a high volume of stress having to deal with my now 16 month old baby developing asthma due to the mold present in my home, my medical conditions being prolong due to the mold exposure, being miserable all summer long in the heat due to the electrical issues, on top of having to worry about my credit being damaged even more from being sued and having the owners file an unlawful detained on me and becoming homeless with a very small aged sibling. I am in desperate need of Legal help. Having a very low income makes it impossible to afford the proper Legal Help that I need at the moment.
Complaint: not complying with tenant rights. Denying me and my family of
habitable living. Withholding hazardous reports regarding property where
children are present and my now 1 year old daughter has asthma due to present
mold in home that still hasn't been addressed or removed properly. Now they have
sent me a letter stating they are no longer managing my unit but, the still
manage the rest of the property. Now the owners have filed an unlawful detainer
since I wrote them and told them I was withholding the rent due to them not
addressing the major issues with my unit. I moved in this property September
2012 and there was mold showing up in December 2012, as well as major electrical
issues that should be considered not suitable for family living. Other tenant on
property has also been harassing me and treating me with comments like, "the
owners want you out they are going to have the sheriffs putting me out and have
Child Protective Services take my children". She was also telling me things they
told her regarding my lease that I thought should be confidential. People that
are associated regarding this property in my opinion have violated me in several
different ways.