Water Fosters Growth...of MOLD

Back at the beginning of July (Tuesday after Independence Day weekend to be exact), we contacted our apartment management because we noticed that there was some ground water seeping into our basement apartment. Since then, we've been told that they were going to repair the problem outside before they do it inside because they'd just have to repair the inside again once the outside was finished. However, they need it to be dry to work outside, and since this has been a VERY wet summer here in Boston, they weren't able to really start the process until this past week or so to repair the outside. So, we've had a large hole along the bottom of our bedroom wall for over a month now. We were given a dehumidifier and a fan to help prevent more water damage, but every time we used it the entire apartment would smell really musty. Not to mention, it puts off a lot of heat, and since it's summer with no A/C, that was really hard to deal with.

What management did the day they found out - ripped out carpet's padding, cut holes at the bottom of the to assess the damage, put a fan to blow on it, then just replaced the carpet until they can do more on it later...much much later.

Last night it looked like the problem was NOT getting better. We noticed that our dresser, file cabinet, and one leg of our bed were showing mold and water damage where they touch the wet carpet. It was pretty upsetting for us, not that we can't replace the dresser and cabinet for less than $200 or anything because they were both purchased a Target since we moved here.

File Cabinet


Dresser

However, the bed was made for us by Mark's grandfather of solid cherry wood for our wedding. That's irreplaceable!

Bed leg

As for now, we moved the bed to the other side of the room, put a plastic bag under the foot that was now closest to the wet spot in the carpet, and we contacted management again about the damage we saw. Hopefully they'll work a little quicker now that we have said the word "MOLD" because they just might have to tear out that wall between our bedroom and kitchen in order to see how much damage there really is. We can't see if there's been damage done to the kitchen wall or floor because water doesn't seep up through linoleum like it does carpet. All I know is that I would prefer that things get done sooner rather than later. I'd hate for them to still be working on this when my baby comes...that's just 2 1/2 months from now. If it's taken them this long to start working on it, what confidence should I have in them now?

Usually our management company is really good and prompt when it comes to these kinds of issues, or even smaller issues like electrical outlets and things...but this time I am not impressed. Hopefully we will see some results really soon...like new wall, new carpet, and maybe if Mark knows how to play the cards right (since I have no idea how to do it) we might be able to get our rent lowered before the new lease starts next month. *Sighs*