My son's roof just caved in

[sandnsea]

So you thought you had it bad, my son just came over and the ceiling in his apartment just caved in. Two story, the ceiling between the first and second floor. They had told the landlord a couple weeks ago the toilet was running all the time. Can something like that cause an entire ceiling to cave in???

So he and his girlfriend are homeless with no savings. I just got my last kid OUT of the house two months ago, ack. Looks like it'll be one big happy family for Christmas.

[nini]

1. yep, the water damage could cause that to happen

good thing he didn't get hurt.

scary.

[NewJeffCT]

2. did they document telling the landlord about the toilet?

but, I don't think a running toilet can cause that... however, I am nowhere near sure of that.

And, I'm sorry to hear about your son's bad luck.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

3. The toilet did it, IMHO

Actually, if the landlord did not properly fix the toilet problem after he was told about it, he's DEAD MEAT. Your son could sue him for lots.

[sandnsea]

6. I was thinking about that

They could have really been hurt. I mean it is look straight through, huge part of the ceiling, GONE. But I'm sure the landlord is going to try and blame them. As the kid said, maximize profits, minimize liability, that's business.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

9. Take pictures now

Because you are right:
they could have been UNDER that plaster. Don't let the scumbag landlord intimidate you.

[Cadence]

4. Oh what a bummer. Right before

the holidays too. :( But at least he didn't get hurt.

[skygazer]

5. In answer to your question, yes it can cause that

Depending on how long the water was seeping into the floor, the construction of the floor and the age of the building, it is very easy for it to cause the ceiling to collapse.

Happened to me back in the 80's. Kept telling the landlord that the upstairs bathroom in another apartment, which was located over our bathroom, was leaking. Started as a damp spot on the ceiling, got to the point that I had to take an umbrella into the bathroom with me!

Had I known then what I know now, I would have taken firmer steps but I was very young and just kept calling the landlord who did nothing - until the entire ceiling came down in my bathroom. Turned out the problem was a loose bolt on the toilet or sink or something. Ended up costing the guy plenty to fix - if he'd just come and checked it out thoroughly, he would have been better off. He was a prick, though.

Sorry about your son.

[sandnsea]

8. They didn't notice any dampness though

Just the leaking toilet, then bam, the whole thing fell down this morning. I'm wondering if the leak wasn't some problem that totally broke loose in the middle of the night, the upstairs was completely flooded.

[ohioliberal]

7. Yes a running toliet

can cause a ceiling to cave in because it's only wood and with the weight of furniture there it goes. Since you son told the landlord about it the landlord should provide a new place for him, if he doesn't have your son call the housing bureau and make a complaint. Did your son have renters insurance? Glad he wasn't hurt and have a big happy family Christmas.

[Shakespeare]

10. RENTER'S INSURANCE!!

Anybody who rents NEEDS to have this--it's generally not that expensive, either. I've got $35,000 coverage with a low deductible (and even made sure it's got a rider for earthquake coverage--I'm in CA), and my premium is $36 a month.

Sure, it'd be nice not to part with the $36 a month, but I know I'm OK if anything happens to our townhouse. It's obviously too late for this to help your son this time around, but when he's back on his feet again, urge him to get coverage.

[sandnsea]

14. Covers new place to live?

Renter's insurance is a very good idea, but I didn't know it covered deposits or loss of rent and that sort of thing.

[Shakespeare]

16. I'll have to check the details on my policy.

It very well may, but I'm not sure.

[demnan]

11. I'm so sorry

that is a rotten thing to happen right before the holidays. I hope some legal actions can be taken.

[Maat]

12. Wouldn't it be a good idea to see a lawyer?

A lawyer who is a specialist in landlord-tennant law...there are many laws regarding a landlord's ability to charge rent under substandard conditions, and they are complicated.

[Quakerfriend]

13. He most go back and take photos

before the landlord declares the apt. off limits.

[flamingyouth]

15. Yes, it certainly can

It happened to my parents in late October, and they just now finally got the mess cleaned up.

I'm really sorry to hear this. It's a major PITA, to put it mildly, for your son.

The landlord really needs to provide them with some kind of rental assistance, since it's his fault and he should have insurance for this kind of thing. Good luck to all of you.

[nosmokes]

17. unfortunately, the lanlord's liability is likely limited to

actual damages and losses, and your son and his gf have a duty to go to reasonable lengths modify those. i.e. - they can charge the landlord for a motel, but it can't be the 5-star hilton spa resort on the beach. what a bummer.