We are currently renting a house from an individual in jacksonville, NC and the septic tank is over flowing into the yard. Its like a swamp. Is this grounds to terminate my lease since he won't fix the problem or have the tank pumped. I have two dogs and two small children.

Here is an article about something similar which I believe is in your area.
You may have to paste it into Google.

Sewage Spill Stinks Up Neighborhood | WCTI NewsChannel 12 - WCTI NewsChannel 12

I didn't read it in its entirety but it gives some facts (if the newspaper got it right). At least it sounds like there is a procedure in place.

If you can't access it, I found it by searching for" jacksonville nc landlord sewer overflow".

Have you checked your lease to see who is responsible for maintenance of septic system.

If landlord, send a certified letter with return receipt to landlord informing him of the problem. Keep a copy for yourself.

After about ten days, notify the health department of the problem. If they are like in my area, they will either notify landlord to take care of it or get it done and then charge him and fine him.

Chuck

According to WA Public health (a state health dept.) these are some of the risks from untreated sewerage:

"What potential health risks does contact with wastewater pose?
Wastewater contains 99.7% water; however, the 0.3% of dissolved and suspended matter, can
contain many micro-organisms that may be harmful to humans, animals and the environment
such as viruses, bacteria, fungal, and parasitic organisms.
Contact with wastewater or its products may cause exposure to pathogens (disease causing
microorganisms) which can potentially lead to a number of illnesses for example:

Gastroenteritis (diarrhoea or vomiting);

Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis (severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea or vomiting);

Viral infections such as hepatitis (liver infections);

Infections of the skin or eye "

You have a failed drain field. This is the landlords responsibility. Connect him at once and get a new drain field installed. If you bring The Health Department in on this they might reed tag the house and force you to leave, Get this work done ASAP and no excuses from the landlord. Good luck, bTom

Hi Tom

I agree with you about the Health Department, but if you are not getting any response from the landlord what chose do you have.

That is why I suggested to wait 10 days after letter.

Chuck

If the landlord is aware of the problem and is not dealing with it, I agree you should contact the health department. Ask them if they are the appropriate agency and if someone can be sent out to evaluate the situation. Depending on your area there may be additional or different departments/agencies involved.

Some areas have tenants rights organizations (non profits) and in some you can call the building department of your city and they may flag the violation and force the person to bring the septic into code.