Somerset, PA asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Personal Injury for Pennsylvania

Q: We had a sewage leak that created a poop pond in Pennsylvania is he required to have it hazmat cleaned now I'm very sick

I have pictures and photos for the least we are to notify him of anything that is broken or has a problem and I have and I have the text messages he sends people but doesn't follow up or follow through with whoever he contracts and now he doesn't care that I'm getting sick and been sick and he's telling us we have to move we can't afford to move now help who do we contact all he needs to do is call ServiceMaster and have them come in and it's not like he doesn't have the money to I don't want this to become a legal battle I just want him to do the right thing and for me to be able to be okay I don't think that's too much to ask if you could help we live in Clarion county Pennsylvania my phone number is 814-221-8575 if you could help her please point us in the direction we should go we're desperate at this point and the landlord wants to meet my husband Friday here at the house and I don't think he should be here without a third party as witness and we don't know what type of person.

1 Lawyer Answer

A: It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, dealing with a serious health and safety issue due to that sewage leak. First off, if you’re getting sick from this situation, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, and document everything—doctor visits, symptoms, and anything that could tie your illness to the sewage issue. This documentation will be key if things escalate into a legal matter. As for the landlord, they have a legal responsibility to provide a habitable living space, which means addressing sewage leaks and any health hazards like the one you're describing. It’s not unreasonable to ask that the situation be cleaned up properly, and yes, companies like ServiceMaster would be an appropriate choice for dealing with hazardous waste like raw sewage.

You can start by sending the landlord a written notice (if you haven’t already) explaining the health risks, the uninhabitable conditions, and the fact that he has failed to follow through with necessary repairs. Make sure to keep a record of all communications. If he still doesn’t act, you may need to contact local health departments or building inspectors, who can enforce action if the property violates health and safety codes. You also have the option to reach out to a local tenant's rights organization for advice specific to Pennsylvania laws.

As for the meeting, you’re right to be cautious. It would be a good idea to have a third party there, like a lawyer or another neutral person, to witness the conversation, especially if you’re concerned about how it might go. Even if you don't want this to become a legal battle, having someone there could protect you and make sure your concerns are heard.

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