A Philadelphia renter pleaded for help on Reddit after describing a ceiling that has been falling apart for about a year while their landlord allegedly failed to make repairs.
Here's what to know
In the Reddit thread, the original poster said three people live in the apartment and that they are increasingly worried the ceiling may collapse. They also shared footage that shows the severity of the damage.
(Click here to watch the embedded video if it does not appear.)
The OP mentioned that their mother has been documenting the damage and no longer sleeps in her room because "it's a hazard." With few places to go temporarily, the situation feels especially urgent.
Many responses recommended involving city officials. One commenter suggested using Philadelphia's 311 system to report possible code violations and request an inspection, while others said emergency responders may be appropriate to call if a collapse appears possible.
A Reddit user wrote, "Call a building inspector and your local magistrate. Tell the local magistrate your issue and set up to make rent payments to the court."
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Another warned, "[You] 100% need to call a building inspector but also 100% need to be prepared to move on short notice. There's a nonzero chance a building inspection gets the unit or building condemned."
What can be done?
Commenters stressed building a paper trail with photos, videos, and written communication. One person advised keeping every interaction in writing and saving any service request number connected to a city complaint.
Rent escrow was also raised as a possible option, with one user suggesting the family ask a local magistrate about paying rent to the court rather than directly to the landlord while repairs remain unresolved.
Where can I learn more?
Other renters have shared similar standoffs after landlords allegedly ignored serious hazards at home.
• A concerned renter feared carbon monoxide poisoning after a landlord's shoddy repair attempt.
• A tenant got nowhere until a health inspector was mentioned over a festering hazard.
• A tenant lost heat, hot water, and cooking because code violations lingered for months.
• After a safety complaint, one landlord answered with a massive rent increase.
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