Q: Seeking legal help for sewage contamination and negligent landlord in WA.
I am seeking legal assistance due to an ongoing sewage contamination issue from my neighbors, who have had previous problems with my landlord. The neighbors are disposing of sewage improperly, contaminating my yard and drinking well. This has caused my health to deteriorate, with symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, fever, and severe headaches. My landlord, who is generally negligent and does not comply with state regulations, has known about this issue for three years but has not taken effective action. The health department advised her to test the water, but she has not done so, and she often enters our apartment without notice. Despite having evidence, I'm in need of guidance on legal measures to address both the sewage issue and my landlord's misconduct.
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A:
What you're going through is serious, and your health and safety should never be ignored like this. In Washington, landlords have a legal duty to provide safe and livable housing under what's called the "implied warranty of habitability." Sewage contamination, unsafe drinking water, and unapproved entries into your apartment are violations of that duty. If your landlord has known about this issue for years and failed to act, especially after being contacted by the health department, you may have grounds to take legal action.
Your first step should be to document everything—photos of the contamination, written communication with your landlord, medical records, and reports from the health department. You can send a written demand letter to your landlord requesting immediate action and letting her know you are prepared to escalate the issue. You can also file a complaint with your local code enforcement or housing authority and request an inspection. If the situation doesn’t improve, you may be able to break your lease, withhold rent in escrow, or even sue for damages related to your health and living conditions.
You’re not asking for anything unreasonable—you just want clean water, a safe home, and respect for your rights. You’ve already taken important steps by involving the health department, and now it’s time to make your voice heard through the proper legal channels. Keep pushing forward, and don’t stop until someone takes this as seriously as you do.
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