[KellySk]

I live in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Bullitt County.

I have a serious problem.

The mobile we moved into in May, is in bad shape. We were told that all of the problems were cosmetic, which was no big deal. But, unfortunately that is not the case.

1. The water, which we were told comes from a well that is fed by a pond, is not the case. The water is straight piped into the house, directly from the pond (which is algae ridden) and is not filtered in anyway. The pump only worked for 2 weeks, and the rest of the time we have had no water.

2. Broken windows.

3. Hot wires hanging in the electrical outlet.

4. We were told that the floors were "wavy" due to age. Not the case. They are damaged from water, and hidden under carpets or old broken linoleum. I fell through the floor about a week ago, and thankfully I was not holding our infant son. There are holes in the floor that are also hidden.

5. There are holes in the walls, and wires hanging free.

6. The plumbing is not glued together at all, and PVC is just pushed together.

7. The furnace has been taken out, and a very dangerous wood stove installed. (just sitting on broken bricks, and sheets of sheet metal are just laying up against the wall.

8. We have no signed lease, are just on a month to month.

We are not the only tenants, there are at least 7 families that are in the same predicament. No matter what agency/attorney we call, we are told "there is nothing we can do". We are told there is no Housing Authority in Bullitt County. So the landlords sit back and do nothing, for they feel they are safe from and above the law.

I fear for the safety of our children and ourselves, not to mention the other tenants. We cannot afford to move.

It would appear that if you have no money, that you are not worth anyone's time, nor are we worth protecting. Is that what has become of our nation? A land where the poor can be pushed down even further, with no recourse for basic human rights?? Is this what my husband fought to protect while he served in the military? I think not, and I hope that this post will yield some results.

Thank you

Kelly

[mr.yet]

Call the local health dept and ask them to inspect the home an ddont take no for an answer, call the county commissioner for your area, remember to tell him your vote counts.

[excon]

Hello Kelly:

You say you can't afford to move. I say you can't afford not to.

excon

[GlindaofOz]

I had a similar problem - I filed numerous complaints with the department of housing and they began an investigation on my landlord (I lived in an apartment but I imagine its pretty much the same process). Then when we weren't seeing changes being made my neighbor called City Hall and demanded that someone come to our home that day to see the conditions for themselves. Lucky for us she was very persuasive. You just have to be really aggressive to not get lose in government red tape. Good luck.

[J_9]

Call your local codes inspector. He will condemn the trailer. Get an application for Habitat for Humanity NOW!!

Kentucky Habitat for Humanity :: Welcome!

[pacific nw]

I fear for the safety of our children and ourselves, not to mention the other tenants. We cannot afford to move.
/Quote

Kelly, you sound like a rather intelligent person and you express yourself pretty well. I think that you will find that the amount of energy necessary to change the landlord would be more wisely spent moving to a larger town or city. The resources and job opportunities would greatly offset any discomfort of moving. This country was made from people who were "too poor to move" but found it within themselves to endure the temporary discomfort for a greater good. That is; if your children grow up in these conditions, (and survive) they face the SAME problems. I'm sure as a caring parent you'd find the wisdom in this. It is hard, but oh, so worth it.

Been there (and MOVED).







.

[Lowtax4eva]

If you don't have a lease you can leave at any time, just move asap. You chose to move in and should have seen the cosmetic damages (holes in the wall, condition of the wood stove) so you can't fault them on that. But the structural damage is their problem.

If you want to stay as said above call the local housing authority but they might just recommend moving also.

[GlindaofOz]

If you dont have a lease you can leave at any time, just move asap..

Agreed - however if you have a lease you probably can break it without enduring any penalties since in most leases there is a statement regarding maintaining habitable conditions. If any terms of the lease are not upheld it may be broken.

[alkalineangel]

Hey you are from near me, Im in Fern Creek, Louisville, and our family's from E-town. I agree with J-9. call the coding inspector: City Departments: Code Enforcement | City of Shepherdsville, Bullitt County Kentucky - Traditional Values, Progressive Leadership

This is against the law. You are not bound by any lease. I suggest you get out first and then start fighting for your rent back. This can help: Kentucky Landlord Tenant Guide
Also this: Kentucky Landlord Tenant Laws and Statutes
And this: Kentucky Tenant Landlord Law Renter's Rights Security Deposit Eviction


Then I agree look into Habitat for humanity or even KHC Kentucky Housing Corporation
You can find affordable housing. Have you thought of moving into Hardin or Jefferson county where you can find some better housing, where laws must be enforced? You said your husband was in military, is he stationed a fort knox? There is housing available there for army families. Or has he been discharged? Hope I helped.

I don't know if you are religious or not, but there are churches nearby who may be willing to help with the cost of moving. I also suggest contacting Wave3 news. They eat this stuff up , and it can help get you the assitance you need.