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11-02-2007, 06:16 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2007
239 posts, read 222,682 times
Reputation: 99
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Landlord storing property in rental unit
I've been living in an apartment for the past 8 months, and I'm finally getting around to cleaning the basement out and straightening it up a bit. There's a back 'room' in our basement and I discovered what appears to be an oil drum in it (filled with a mystery substance). I discovered it as we were moving in, but didn't have a chance to investigate until now. For all we know, it could be some toxic substance and affecting us. I opened it up, and it smells sort of like road tar, but I'm not positive. Additionally there are some large 5 gallon paint cans and a pile of wood stored there as well. We'd like to use the space for various storage.
Now, the basement is for our use alone, the only entrance is through our apartment. Can we force our landlord to remove the drum? 
Here's a couple of pics of what I'm talking about... |
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11-02-2007, 07:29 PM
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Not a member
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: in drifts of snow wherever you go
2,525 posts
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yes. write the landlord a letter and ask him/her to remove the drum. Otherwise you can call health services.
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11-02-2007, 08:35 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Feb 2007
4,405 posts, read 3,762,069 times
Reputation: 1450
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Or you can move?
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11-02-2007, 10:09 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Jose, CA
3,952 posts, read 3,301,257 times
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Ask first.. it might be that a previous tenant left it and he/she had no idea either.
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11-03-2007, 03:23 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NEFL
7,095 posts, read 4,939,614 times
Reputation: 6296
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That is creepy. What can it be?
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11-04-2007, 10:23 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Oct 2007
432 posts, read 457,573 times
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Speak with a local attorney. I would think writing the landlord would be the appropriate move -- unless an attorney tells you different. You could have some reporting obligation, although it's not probable and only slightly possible. Good luck.
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11-05-2007, 12:24 AM
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Not a member
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
3,436 posts
Reputation: 138
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It's decomposed Blood. SIKE! But you may never be too sure.
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11-05-2007, 05:18 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2007
685 posts, read 699,506 times
Reputation: 296
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I agree that it may have been left by a previous tenant.
If you choose to write a letter to your landlord and are not sure how it will be taken, or if the situation will be resolved, send it Certified Mail with Return Receipt . . . just in case you need to seek legal advice, you would have verification that the letter had been received.
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11-14-2007, 06:32 PM
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Moderator
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Join Date: Feb 2007
4,405 posts, read 3,762,069 times
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What did you find out?
Looking at your pictures, my best guess is the drum contains asphalt sealer.
Does the property have an asphalt driveway?
Let us know what you find out...
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11-14-2007, 06:40 PM
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Not a member
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Join Date: Sep 2007
488 posts, read 433,828 times
Reputation: 65
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This is why we don't give access to the basement of our properties to tenants.
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