I presently rent a home I have a bad oil leak in the basement coming from the boiler.I spoke to the landlord several months ago concerning the problem. Till this day nothing has been done my children are now complaining of headaches what can I do or who can I speak to for help. I live in the state of Pennsylvania.Please give any advice it would be appreciated.

You should try contacting the building inspector of your city as this is a safety hazard. This sounds like it needs fixed immediately as the fumes from the oil are not good for kids to breathe, hence the headaches.

The building inspector should be able to get landlord to comply as it is a safety hazard. If not, then try the health department as this is definitely a health hazard.

If no luck with either departments, then pay to have the repair done yourself and deduct it from the rental money. Include a copy of the repair receipt showing what you paid along with a note to the landlord telling him that instead of putting your rental money into the court clerk's registry and forcing landlord to fix leak, you paid for it as it was a health and safety hazard and you needed it fixed immediately.

Should landlord take you to court for the remainder of the rental money, you have a copy of your original note that you included with the month's rent stating your reason. No judge in his right mind will side with the landlord.

I would ask the landlord if he is sending someone or does he want you to get someone and apply the rent to it, or should the buidling inspector be called first. If you have not asked in the last week or two, ask one last time to give them a chance ( a day or two chance) before you start calling in the government.

I'd call the government in ASAP as it's a very bad situation both health wise and hazard wise and the more this guy lets the landlord dance around - the worse his kid's health gets. Don't delay, please.