[boogersmama]

Does the landlord have to help pay an electric bill due to failure to repair the water pump? The landlord knew of the problem before hand and failed to fix it.
Resulting in a very large bill. The cause of the pump running constantly is the water heater. Which led to the floors rotting and excessive mold build up.

[RickJ]

Possibly. Do you have good documentation as to when the landlord knew about the problem?

If so, I would definitely approach the landlord asking him to reduce your next rent payment by a fair amount. Propose something specific and realistic.

Is it fixed now?

[boogersmama]

No it is not fixed, he has already said that there was no possibility of him helping to pay the electric bill. I also told him about the mold and he didn't reply . Isn't there something I can do about this. The electric bill is over half of what I pay for actual rent.

[excon]

Hello mama:

Couple things. First. NO, he does not have to help pay your bill.

Second. Most people who are confronted with the conditions you describe, simply move. Then there are those people who can't move. If you're one of the second bunch, I'd encourage you join the ranks of the first bunch. Why? Because if your landlord is a jerk, you are not going to change him, no matter what you do.

Now, if you CAN'T move, or you absolutely REFUSE to move, then you should do the following:

You say he "knew" about the problem, but I promise you, when and if, you wind up in court, he'll say he didn't. (1) From now on, document EVERYTHING that occurs. If you communicate with him by phone, follow it up with a letter or email, confirming the details of your conversation. Try NOT to talk by phone. Try to use email. (2) Read your states landlord/tenant law. It's not difficult. It's not long. It's not written in legalese. It's the RULES by which you (and he, presumably) are playing. You wouldn't play Monopoly without knowing the rules, would you? And, once you know the rules, you ought to be able to smash him, since he apparently DOESN'T know the rules. (3) IF the mold and the rotting floors makes the place UN-inhabitable, then HE has broken the lease. If it's only partially UN-inhabitable, then you need to do something else.

So, either move now and be prepared to fight him in court, or write him a letter (pursuant to your states law) demanding that he make certain repairs. Once confronted in writing, he just might start acting like a landlord should. If he doesn't, you WILL be prepared to fight him in court.

excon

[RickJ]

I don't fully agree with the above. IF you have proof of when the landlord was notified of the problem, you may have a case... but of course the reality is that you probably don't want to get an attorney and sue him.

I would immediately call your local code enforcement officer and report the problem. You may also be able to deposit rent in escrow until the repair is made. And one source that might help in getting reimbursement is your State Attorney General. Let them know that his failure to repair has caused the electric bill to be much higher (provide as much electrical usage facts as you can on the matter).