[blue eyes princess]

My upstairs neighbor had a pipe break and now my carpet is soaking wet and the landlord is doing nothing about. She said that she would put some stuff on the carpet so that the mold and mildew won't grow. I think that the carpet and the tile in the bathroom and kitchen so be changed. I would like some answers or someone that could help in this matter. Plus I have two small children, and I don't think that they should have to breathe in the mold or mildew smell.

[charlotte234s]

That is an unacceptable living condition and you can withhold your rent until it is fixed, and tell your landlord that if it is not fixed, you have the legal right to withhold rent or break the lease without penalty to you. If he refuses, call a building inspector, who will surely take your side haha.

[KISS]

You have to deal with this within 24 hours or mold will grow very rapidly.

The excess water has to be removed. Carpets shampooed if necessary. Disenfectant need to be applied and fans used to dry the carpet.

Water on walls is particlarly bad, since drywall is mold food. If it gets a hold, the only choice is replace.

[jack dandy]

I don't think there is any product that you just sprinkle on to prevent mold, unless it has bleach in it and you would know that because the smell of bleach is pretty distinct. I don't know if there's any magic powder. Id for sure get the water out of the carpet either with wet vacuum or lots of towels and fans. And like KISS said the dry wall is particularly something to worry about it might need to be cut out and replaced unless it is dried immediately and treated with bleach to stop the mold. Also ask her what pipe busted for sanitation reasons. Document everything that goes on with the pipe leak just in case you need to take it to small claims court, Time, things she said what you had to do costs, etc. etc... Good Luck.

[charlotte234s]

Agreed, and take pictures, keep receipts, etc.

[twinkiedooter]

Call the local building dept and tell them about the problem pronto. The landlord may have to replace everything that was water damaged. Is there another apt in the same building or complex that you could move to that is empty? If so, you can approach your landlord with that possibility of physically moving your family ASAP. The mold will only get worse and worse and will not just go away with some powder sprinkled. Call the health dept as well and tell them about the problem. The fact you have kids is the ticket here to get things done. Stress the health of your kids and you'll get speedy results from the health dept and building dept. Don't wait until they get horribly sick from the mold.