Posted by verne on May 9, 2007, at 9:26:58
In reply to Need help geting an air conditioner - health prob, posted by JerryPharmStudent on May 8, 2007, at 14:20:56
Besides contacting the utility company as previously suggested or anyone else you can think of that may have an assistance program, write the apartment manager and owners (could be separate) a request for an exception to their AC policy due to your health concerns.
The letter should be unemotional and succinct, describing your situation. A simple, reasonable, request without threats or demands. Date and sign it. Make a few copies.
If they deny your request, or don't respond at all, you'll have something to take to legal aid (usually free and they help with landlord-tenant disputes), and city or county health inspectors. If your city has a rental inspector that may be another avenue. The apartment is a health hazard without air conditioning.
There's nothing like written requests to get peoples' attention. Document, document, document.
Where I live we have a county senior citizens center that is the center for assistance programs for all ages. Other resources might be your city council person or other county and city legislators. Even someone at the state level may be able to help - state assistance or an omsbudsman.
These are just a few suggestions - by no means exhaustive. I'm just thinking off the top of my throbbing head.
Finally, churches may lend a hand. Some of the bigger churches have funds set aside just for this sort of thing. Other long shots are organizations like the Red Cross or even Habitat for Humanity (they've been known to improve and repair existing housing).
Cast a wide net.
Verne
poster:verne
thread:756831
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20070502/msgs/757068.html