Sewage leak leaves mom of 3 worried about effects to health, well-being
DENVER (KDVR) — A mother of three says she is living a nightmare after her apartment was flooded with raw sewage.
Ariel Metheny's apartment was affected by a sewage pipe leak that left two inches of filthy water on her floors in late September.
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"My son woke up at 2 in the morning and asked me if I was babysitting a dog because it smelled like dog poop," she said.
Metheny's property management notified residents that the staff was notified on Sept. 27 that someone in the complex misused a toilet, causing the system to back up. Workers found baby wipes and terry cloth towels in the drains.
Holes remain in Metheny's apartment walls as repairs are made, leaving the carpet stained and the smell of bacteria lingering in the air. A bathroom sink is sitting next to her son's bed as construction and remediation of the sewage flood is ongoing.
"It's been really stressful for me and my kids" she said.
Metheny's child suffers from allergies exacerbated by exposure to cleaning agents being used to repair the unit. Legal experts told FOX31 tenants have a right to a safe, clean environment under Colorado's Warranty of Habitability law . Kayla Banzali of Robinson and Henry, P.C. , told FOX31 that, "the landlord does have certain obligations to communicate with the tenant within 24 hours and start that remedial action very promptly as well as inform the tenant of the different rights that the tenant has such as they are required to provide alternate housing if the tenant so wishes." The Rocky Mountain Insurance Association told FOX31 that renters insurance, which covers normal damage to personal property, will not cover sewer related damage. Tenants may ask for compensation from landlords.
Metheny is requesting alternate housing.
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The Problem Solvers asked Dominium Management about how the issue is being addressed. A spokesperson says an inspection shows the unit to be safe to live in while repairs are being made and the company will cover any electric bill overages associated with the restoration of the unit to its original condition.
Dominium Management provided FOX31 with the following statement.
