There is black mold in the house I put a partial deposit on...

Question

I didn't sign a lease, I didn't sign any agreement, or contract. I have my receipt, I don't want the house! It has black mold EVERYWHERE! The ceiling is falling in and the floors are falling as well. He has cursed me and refused to give my money back! What do I do? He knew we were in a desperate situation and he took advantage! We have 6 children and have to move without enough money!

Answer 1

you probably need your money back soon so you can get other housing.

first thing, send him a certified letter with a return receipt stating the mold problem, the health issues involved, and ask for your money back.

in the meantime, you can tell him you will take him to small claims court and ask for not only the deposit but what ever cash to had to put out to solve your problem of getting another place to live.

you can look online to see if he has been sued before or if he has had court actions against him.

call HUD and ask if they can help you or if they know what government agency would be able to help you and what gov't agency needs to be notified of a  house that needs to be torn down because it is a hazard.

most lawyers will give you a free consultation,

good luck, and stay out of that house.  

Answer 2

Call your lawyer.  Have him call the person involved.  If he will not comply, file litigation against him.  Show him no mercy.

Answer 3

You put down a deposit without examining the premises in which you were to live ?  Or DID you examine them and suddenly come to your senses ?

HE didn't take advantage.  You made a stupid move under pressure.  If the landlord took the property off the market based upon your decision, he has suffered a monetary loss.  Your chances in a small claims court are NOT good.

Next time you need to move, do it the right way.  Examine the premises BEFORE you provide money.

Answer 4

I suffered brain damage from toxic mold. do what you have to do to get out of this house. and tell the next renters too. God Bless

Answer 5

man black mold is horrible we had it bad after hurricane katrina and it will knock you out i would go in my ro0m after a shower and go straight 2 sleep it was crazy black mold is horrible it will knock you out

Answer 6

DO NOT move into a house full of mold. It can make you very ill, and it is potentially deadly. Talk to the landlord and notify the housing authority in your state.

Answer 7

Most of the good advice has been given by other respondents above, Importantly you must have documented evidence that you have requested the refund of your money from this person before you take legal action. DO THIS YOURSELF FIRST -BEFORE GOING TO YOUR COURT HOUSE. You may find that you can initiate legal preceedings there without going to a solicitor ( they are quite expensive).

Answer 8

get you mold cleaner and start spraying. inside my tub some of us take hot showers which gives black mold. i have to spray w/ a mold spray all over the mold and let it sit several hours. and then i wash it off. get a good lawyer to make him fix the house so maybe you will move in.

Answer 9

If you have no written agreement, you stand a very good chance of getting your money back by taking him to small claims court.

Send him a certified letter stating that if he doesn't return the deposit to you within a certain time frame, you'll haul him before a judge. That might wake him up.

If he still fails to refund your deposit, follow through and let a third party decide.

Answer 10

Without any agreement you are under no obligation to move in there, just go look for another place somewhere else.  

About your deposit just call and tell him flat out you will not move in there and that since you had no agreement he must refund the deposit, if he doesn't you will be forced to take him to small claims court.  Follow this up with a letter (either hand deliver it or send it certified - in fact you could start with the letter instead of a call but you need the letter as proof you told him al this).  Then if he still won't refund your deposit take him to small claims court.

Answer 11

You might check with the District Attorney in your area, or the health department.  Both should be able to point you in the right direction to get help.  

Answer 12

Never buy a pig in the poke. You did this to yourself. Your only option is small claims court. You should have written on the receipt (or your check): "Refundable deposit based on final inspection."