Black Mold, all-u-can-eat bacon & Condescending Lies

Unemployment, losing our dream house, homelessness, bed rest and birth of our fifth baby and death in the family. We have been through it all in the past 9 months. Remember when I bragged about how being so happy that our lives were all settled and happy? Darn me and my bragging! Pride goes before a fall, remember?

The other shoe fell. We evacuated our rental house. Why you ask? Well, hold your sides, get ready to laugh.....wait for it....wait........Toxic 'Black' Mold is infesting the house.

So, after we moved in , I started thinking the house must have been flooded. I couldn't scrub through the grime on the linoleum. The floor air vents were all rusted onto the linoleum, the bottom of the kitchen cabinets showed signs of severe water damage and when I walked around in the kitchen I noticed the flooring underneath was um, soft. Yes, soft like it was rotting under the linoleum.

We called the maintenance company and I told the handyman my concerns. He pulled out the fridge and I swear that old man almost passed out. The handyman was one of those old dudes that has seen it all. He said, "oh no, you need to get that tested!" and promptly left the house wiley-coyote style. Two weeks later we had a man come do air sample & swab tests for the nasty strains. Lucky us, we had it!

Here are pictures from behind the fridge. Sorry about the bad lighting. I can not take a decent picture!

The water line is dripping. It probably has been dripping for years since the fridge was put in.

The fact that the management company didn't notice this when the previous tenets moved out boggles my mind! I noticed today that old damage had been painted over and some pieces of linoleum under the fridge were replaced. So this must have been an issue for a long time.

OK now see the corner of the cabinets right there? In the next picture you can see what the floor looks like beneath it.

So I went to take photos today, the dudes working has the room sealed off with plastic, but ripped the "protective shield" down for me to inspect. {faints} I later got horrid headache and I swear my nose, lips and tongue have felt tingly and numb ever since. Weird, I know. Hopefully I won't grow a tail or extra ear on my forehead!

I worry about those workers' health. They spoke Spanish and their English was iffy. They had no masks on and no gloves. I wonder if the men have any idea how much dangerthey are in. Also, the plastic "barrier" they had up was unzipped so the spores are all through the house and all over my stuff.

I got the owner of the mold removal company on the phone, and when I pushed for answers he proceeded to be condescending and tell me there were no laws governing how it is done and not to bother getting the health dept. involved. I learned later that the Health Dept. will come and declare the home uninhabitable.

By the way, you want to make me angry? Talk to me in a condescending and disrespectful way. I called him on it and he seemed to straighten up. I said, "Listen, my husband and I were just evacuated from the home where we live. We have 5 children, one of whom is 4 months old. I don't think you need to handle my phone call in such an adversarial tone." You would think the third party mold cleanup dude would've been nice, right? The whole thing was just so bizarre!

So we are all holed up here in a Holiday Inn Express, paid for by the management company. I may or may not be going crazy staying here with the boys. Did you know a family of 7 breaks the fire code? We do. Luckily no one who works here is a stickler. The employees are kind, even when my boys eat hundreds of dollars in free breakfast. MMMmmmm, all you can eat bacon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow, the floor will get ripped up and we will know more. As of now we have been told so many crazy things.

When Hubs told the property manager (P.M.) of the mold issue-

• P.M- "Black mold? Impossible. It can only grow where there is feces present."

~~umm, wha...what?~~~

• P.M.- "Mrs. Worthington, good news we have the tests back. It looks great. We'll have you back in the home soon.
• Me- "Really, no toxic strains were found? It was just regular mold?"
• P.M.- "Well, um little bit, but really, it was just mostly mildew. No big deal."

~~the man hadn't even seen it at that point!~~

• Me- "Well, we are not moving back in to a house full of mold."
• P.M.-"Oh, it is an easy fix. I had this issue with another property. No problem."

The very same day he told Hubs that he has never ever seen this! Took him by surprise.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Where did I turn for help today? Twitter! So many friends have rallied and a fellow blogger, who is an attorney, is advising me. I dare not link her, in case she wants to keep it private. Once again my friends on the Internet have given us a big virtual hug. I am so grateful and lucky!

There is so much more to the story. I'm too tired now. My tongue is still swelling and I feel horrible after being around it today. I'm off to bed.

Sorry, I haven't done my normal Life Doesn't Suck & Fight the Frump entries. Life is just so crazy to stay on topic. My posts will probably be filled will tales of woe this week. So come join me & watch the train wreck that is the latest Fussypants drama. LOL.

I'll bring my camera and I'll bring you along with us, K?

Love you immensely, Alli

 

Comments

[Blithe Revival]

This is a nightmare. I'm amazed at your poise.

Rage, pout, cry, whatever. Hang in there!

~xo

[Domestic Extraordinarie]

ack!! Praying that things move along quickly and smoothly and that the room doesn't get any smaller. HUGS!

[Octamom]

Bless.your.heart.

SO so sorry for all you're going through with this--wow. You're in my thoughts and prayers...
Blessings~

[Lucretia Pruitt]

OMG - I'm so sorry!! :(

Definitely if the attorney suggests you do it, call the Health Dept.
What a terrifying thing!!! There are *CHILDREN* in your house!!! This management company is endangering them!!! :(

((((((((((((((((((((hug))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Summer]

Those are frightening pictures. I'm surprised you all aren't sick from being in that place! I hope everything gets better soon for you guys. (((HUGS)))

[bermudabluez]

O.M.G.! I can't believe what you have been through!!!!! I would definitely call the health department. And I can't believe you are so unbelievably CALM! Sending huge cyber hugs to you and your entire family!!

[Kim N]

I am so sorry. We had black mold in our first house. We discovered it after a friend suggested we look around because we had all been sick for about a month and a half straight. We had to move out of the house for just over a month and our house was tented and the workers all wore gear that looked like space suits while they removed the mold. The good thing was our insurance paid for most of it and we ended up getting an entirely new bathroom and most of our kitchen was redone. Our part of it was about $800 or so. I am glad you found yours and didn't live with it any longer.

[Kristen]

Oh my gosh! You poor thing. I will be praying/thinking/pulling for you.

[Sarcastic Mom]

Ahhhhhghhhh... that stuff I can see in the picture where the cabinets were removed... on the wall... it looks JUST LIKE the stuff in the rental we had to get out of!

We are here for you, Alli! Gonna get you back into that dream home you deserve to be in, woman!

In the meantime, let's plan a trip to the zoo next week or something to get all of you out of that hotel room going crazy, okay!?

<4<4<4<4 ;-)

[califmom]

That's some nasty stuff! Glad you're out of there, and that you're at least able to enjoy free bacon. Much of life would be better with free bacon. Don't you think?

[carrien (she laughs at the days)]

Just hugs. FOr a really hard year.

And a virtual cup of tea and cookies instead of the real version that I"d like to invite you and your kids over for if you were nearby.

[melissa @ the inspired room]

I came to hear the whole story (blast that 140 characters of twitter at times like these). Sheesh, I'd say go ahead and title this LIFE SUCKS. Cause for you dear, lately, it sure seems to! You are such a trooper, things are bound to get better, non?

{hugs}

xo

[Heather @ Not a DIY Life]

Oh Fussy! What drama! I pray that your lives settle down soon. We all have drama in our lives, but you've been through the ringer this year.

thanks for taking us along for the ride. Hugs and prayers! Love you!

[Jo]

Are they going to pay for the cleaning of all your clothing and other household stuff?

Also - what would it hurt to get the health department out there anyway (after you've secured new living arrangments :O )

BTW: Your comment form tells me my URL is invalid !!

[MommyTime]

PLEASE don't move back into that house with your children even if the "mold abatement" people say you can. They are obviously not that rigorous. You don't need prolonged health problems. Can you get the company to let you break your lease due to this? Try calling your local housing inspector, who will know the law in this area and may be able to give you advice. Good luck!!

[Elisa]

Gosh, that is just awful! I'm so sorry. I hope you get somewhere clean really soon. Good for you standing up to Mr. Condescending Adversarial Tone!

In the meantime, enjoy the free bacon. ;)

[Sara]

I would not move back into that house, ever. I might consider another rental property by the company if you think you can trust them. Otherwise, I think you have plenty of grounds for breaking the lease and moving on.

Many virtual hugs for this and the rest of your difficult year!

[Jamie]

OMG Alli! I am so sorry. That is HORRIFIC and the landlord should fix this immediately or help you find new housing, in my opinion.

So so sorry my friend.

You go get 'em! Keep documenting the mold.

Big hugs to you all.

[Mary]

Thinking of you during this stressful time.

[uncommonblonde]

Your strength and optimism are amazing. Praying for you and your family this weeks!

[Alli {Mrs. Fussypants}]

Thank y'all so much! I so love sharing my life and getting so much love and support. Y'all help me so much.

xoxo, alli

[Katie @cold noodles]

When we were in the Residence Inn (Nashville Airport), there were several "long termers" that had the same thing happen. Black Mold= 7th circle of hell.

Our attorney in Memphis, Kimbrough Mullins, is very good if you need another face at the party. She could at least advise you as to where to turn. If you want her phone or email, let me know.

[sam {temptingmama}]

Oh Mah Gah! Alli!! We had a smaller mold issue in my house about 2 years ago or so. (We're not renting though) I remember how stressful and horrible it was.

I really hope this gets resolves QUICKLY.

I agree though, you should go back! This may not be the only trouble spot, but you can bet they aren't going to go looking for others!

*hugs*

[Michelle Kennedy Hogan]

Many virtual hugs...we had black mold last winter in our bathroom. We ripped out all of the floor and the spongy floor was also infested with carpenter ants! So gross! It took us weeks to get it clean...but, on the upside, I got to redo my bathroom!

I wish you all the best...stay hopeful!

[lindsey]

That mold looks awfully familiar....our rent house has the same thing by our shower. I'll call the landlord on Monday....scary!

But really...free bacon? There is the light in all this darkness.

Hope everything gets better for you guys.

[catnip]

Call the Health Department. If you don't you'll end up moving back in without knowing if the mold was fully removed. If you do they might declare it uninhabitable but then you could break your lease without penalty and find a new place to live. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I hope it all works out for the best.

[Renae]

I'm so glad you caught it early! Enjoy the bacon while you can. ;)

[Sarah]

Oh Sweetie! Sending you a big cyber hug! I am so sorry. What a horrible scary thing. Take good care of yourself.

[LVGurl]

I'm so sorry you have to endure ANY of this :( Your strength is really inspiring. I know there will be some great reward for you when this is through.

Thinking of you, and praying! :)

[Darla]

UGH! I definitely wouldn't go back.

Not only that, if I had 5 kids I'd need two solid floors of that hotel.

(hugs) Dream house is just down the road for you!

[T with Honey]

Not being left in the dark, knowing your rights and possible courses of action in situations like this is the beauty of the power we have with our blogs and applications like twitter.

Hang in there! You've been through a lot and my heart feel for you. Hoping you make it through this time with your sanity somewhat in tact!

[Hautemama]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that it is THAT bad. Wow. That is some scary stuff to be dealing with, and I'm so glad that you were able to find it yourself... not after someone got sick! I would be afraid to move back in, but I'm sure you will be getting some great advice. I would imagine that you could get someone to test the area with some sort of equipment to see if there is any traces left.
Good luck with all of it... and enjoy the free bacon!!

[Jess]

Oh goodness that is horrible. I hope that it gets taken care of asap and never ever happens again. Sending you tons of hugs.

[Alli {Mrs. Fussypants}]

{feeling the love}

thank you!

[Jennifer]

How awful. Hope life settles down for you soon.

[Kacey]

Wow, quite a year. Had to come over here and see what all was going on after those short little tweets! Hang in there. Hope they get it all sorted out soon. Those poor workers, not using precautions!! That's terrible too.

[Alicia]

Been there, done that! It was in a closet in a bedroom where the outside wall had the water faucet. Didn't find it till cleaned out the closet to move!

Keeping you all in my thoughts, and DON'T MOVE BACK IN TO THAT HOUSE!

[Anjie]

This whole thing is horrible! I am so sorry you are stuffed into a hotel room...although if you look at the bright side, no cleaning, and no making breakfast (mmmm bacon!) Hope it all gets resolved soon...sending good thoughts your way!

[Michelle]

Did you rent from the same agency that Lotus did? Wow...I can't believe that 2 people I know (out of 10) here in Nashville have had mold issues in a rental. I feel so fortunate that my biggest issue with my rental is the rude inspector who pouts when called on it.

Hope you guys get this figured out (safely) quickly because I can't imagine all you can eat bacon is really enough to save your sanity when in a hotel room with 5 boys!

[Mrs.D]

Holy Moldy! That is gross, dangerous, and scary. We will be replacing our tub soon, due to the previous owner "redoing" the tub/shower walls with masonite, which is not meant for constant contact with water. (A quick fix so he could sell the house to a couple of suckers.) So, needless to say, I am afraid of what we might find underneath the old wall. I feel for you, and I hope you get it worked out.

[Angela]

Okay, I'm with others on this - mold does indeed form from spores, which can't possibly all be removed from the property, no matter who fixes it and no matter what they say. It could be forming in places it's just not visible yet. PLEASE do not move your family back into that house, ever. You should have legal grounds, under your lease documents, to terminate the lease and move on.

And I am SOOOO sorry you guys have so much to deal with right now. You are my hero for even blogging at ALL right now, so don't you worry about us! We'll still be here in readerland when you get things settled. You focus on your family and littlest one and YOU right now.

[Jackie W transplanted Okie (Buried in Legos)]

Don't risk 7 healths. Find another place to live.

[Poppy Buxom]

You poor things!

I agree with everyone who has said to get the health department involved before you move back in. If it were me, I'd call the health department and find out what the proper procedure is for removing the mold and for ensuring the mold is removed before you move back in--if you chose to move back in at all.

In the mean time, you have plenty of evidence that the house is uninhabitable, which should get you out of your lease. I'd be looking for another place to live--a place that doesn't show signs of water damage.

http://snurl.com/3qap4 [www_comphomeinspection_com]
http://snurl.com/3qapc [www_boultcummings_com]

I wish you and your family peace and blessings as you get through this crazy stressful time. Good luck, and don't let anyone condescend to you or try to minimize the problem!

[Sam]

You need to insist on "clearance testing" when this hack contractor is through spreading mold all over your apartment. Find a professional mold assessment company that DOESN'T do repairs/remediation. Hammer your landlord/PM until they agree to have your place tested. I guarantee if it's tested they'll find it's loaded with spores. Then they'll either clean it up again, or hand you your lease back. Good luck and hang in there and do not take "no" for an answer on this.

[Heather]

What a nightmare! Keep fighting for yourself and your kids. Don't move back in, even if they claim it's clean, especially with your baby! My aunt who dealt with black mold ended up abandoning all of her belongings rather than risking bringing the spores with her to her new house. The only thing she kept was photo albums. Hang in there.

[Anissa@Hope4Peyton]

Oh my gosh, consider taking your kids to an ENT and just make sure they don't have any fungal spores in their noses or anything. REALLY, not to be super chicken little on you, but you should be aware of whether or not they have any spores growing in their nasal cavities. Normal immune systems can handle average exposure, but longer term, constant exposure is a HUGE danger.

[Adrienne]

DO NOT MOVE BACK IN THAT HOUSE AND KISS YOUR STUFF GOODBYE!

I kid you not! My son ended up spending many nights hospitalized and in grve danger because of black mold. Luckily we caught it and contained it but had to remove an entire outside wall of the house. There are TONS of laws governing how it is to be treated, and is no joking matter. Spores can get anywhere and it is not something that can just be "washed" out.

I know you are getting lots of advice and I certainly you take advantge of the legal advice you will need it.

Kisses to you all, and if the kids get to be too much just ship a couple of 'em out here to California.

[amy mckay]

oh fussy! i'm in agreement with the others - do NOT move back in to that house! black mold is a bad enemy to have! hope you and the kiddos all stay healthy and hearty.
ps - bacon will definitely help make it a little better :)

[*pixie*]

Fussy, that's terrible! I hope every one is alright and things work out soon.

[Steph @ Problem Solvin Mom]

Oh hon, I'm so sorry that you and the fam are having to go through this! Hope everyone stays healthy, and it definitely seems like your management company isn't very trustworthy...I hope you can find a different place to move into.

Praying for you!
XOXO,
Steph