Steph, yes. Call right now, and get an appointment ASAP.

Yes!

smonster, give me a minute to tinker with it...

Also, I think you need to make crystal clear what remedy you want: Are you terminating the lease? Are you withholding rent? Are you moving into a hotel and charging him?

{{{buffistas}}}

If you're looking for something positive to read about today, look up the US/Brazil game. I'm shocked that only one sportscaster so far has gone for, "US Waxes Brazil".

Yes, Teppy. Good luck getting an appointment and feel better soon.

Mr. Slumlord Dude:

On July 5, 2011, the water was turned off at the house at (address). I contacted you immediately to notify you of the situation, via telephone. (Did he tell you to go get it turned on yourself here? I mis-remember.)

You told me that the water would be my responsibility, and I went to the Water and Sewage Board (W&SB) in an attempt to remedy the situation. The W&SB informed me that there had to be either a temporary legal meter or no meter at all for the water to be turned on, and that (address) had neither. Additionally, in order to have a water meter installed a permit must be filed, an inspection must be performed by a licensed plumber, and a tampering fee paid to the W&SB.

I informed you of the requirements outlined by the W&SB on (date). To date, according to (who?), no inspection has been scheduled, nor has the fine been paid.

Despite my repeated attempts to contact you and discuss the situation, there has been no resolution nor has there been any evidence that one is forthcoming. This is unacceptable.

The lack of running water renders this apartment uninhabitable (c.f. Landlord's failure to maintain the apartment in a habitable condition. Freeman v. G.T.S. Corp., 363 So.2d 1247 (La. App. 4th Cir. 1978). Therefore, this letter is to notify you that I am exercising my right to (remedy)

If i'm using spray-on bendaryl for my annoying squash rash, is there any problem using generic claritin or allegra for other allergy symptoms? This allergy med stuff is brand new to me, but apparently there is something in the air this week that displeases my immune system.

smonster, Sparky's letter is great, but I would change this

You told me that the water would be my responsibility [which was not my understanding and is not stated in the lease However, given the severity of the issue,] I went to the Water and Sewage Board (W&SB) in an attempt to remedy the situation.

You don't want to give the impression that you are taking responsibility for something when he didn't make that clear in the lease.

Sparky and Vortex, thank you so, so much.

New wrinkle - neighbor two doors down has half that house available, which he'll rent to me for $600. Pluses: usable back yard, landlord with only one place to maintain and who's very handy, month-to-month lease, no deposit, much cheaper (might not need roommate). Minuses: Tiny rooms, carpeting instead of hardwoods, window units instead of central air, itty bitty kitchen, 8 ft ceilings instead of 14 ft.

So it looks like I've got an escape plan if I need one on a couple days notice, but I wouldn't want to live there longterm.

Well, that's something at least, till you can find something longterm. You'd have water at least!