An Ohio mother said her family's new rental in Toledo turned into a nightmare after sewage backed up into the bathtub, and getting the refund came with a hush order.
Here's what to know
According to 13 Action News, Cierra Carr moved into the Toledo house after her car was stolen near her previous home and said she paid $2,600 without ever receiving a formal lease.
The home's plumbing issues became apparent after she moved in.
"Everything from the kitchen, bathroom—you flush the toilet, it's coming up in the tub," Carr explained.
Carr pointed to vents taped off to keep a bad smell from circulating through the house.
With two young children in the home, Carr said she was worried about what she believed were patches of black mold in the basement. She also said the landlord tried to clear the drain, but the problem returned.
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13 Action News reported that property records list Khanh Hong Pham, also known as Ken, as a co-owner of the house. When the station reached out to him, he said he would have someone look into the reported problems. He also offered Carr a refund if 13 Action News didn't air the story and they moved out that night.
Carr had taken the home as a chance at a fresh start for her two boys, but the conditions she described pushed her to plan another move less than a month later.
"Cause where am I going to go? You know, like, I'm making a way out of no way," Carr said.
In a text message, Carr said she told her landlord she intended to leave because of the condition of the house. She said he saw the message but did not reply.
What's being done?
"I need—I need—I need my money back," Carr told 13 Action News, saying she needs it to afford a safer place for her children.
No one has confirmed that any refund was granted.
The station requested comment from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department about the reported conditions and was still waiting for a response at the time of publication. The report said it would continue to be updated.
For readers dealing with less urgent rule disputes with landlords — including fights over clotheslines, gardens, or other cost-saving home practices — it may help to work through formal rule-change channels. Those residents can check out the TCD Guide's page on changing HOA bylaws as a starting point for navigating established property rules.
Where can I learn more?
Rental disputes are nothing new, particularly when it comes to water bills and plumbing.
• A renter grew concerned after discovering a strange smell and shoddy plumbing around a gas stove installation.
• At a rental home, a tenant pressed a landlord over an astronomical water bill after a leak.
• Another tenant sought help after a landlord sent a monstrous water bill tied to a leak.
• A renter pushed back when a landlord demanded payment for an inexplicably high water bill with no clear cause.
• A landlord's absurd water-bill requirement left a tenant paying for wasteful lawn irrigation.
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