I am a tenant in Polk County, Oregon dealing with ongoing water damage, sewage overflow, and suspected mold exposure in my rental home. There have been repeated leaks in the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and cellar. The cellar has had standing water and strong odors, and air from that area appears to be entering the home. In August, the septic system overflowed into the yard and was later covered with a rusted lid, and there are still concerns about odor and safety. Repairs have been attempted multiple times, but areas have been sealed without proper drying, and moisture continues to be present in the floors and ceilings. 

My family has experienced symptoms such as headaches, coughing, fatigue, and irritation that improve when we are away from home. I am trying to understand:  

Question 1: What health risks may be present in this type of environment?

Mold can affect people in different ways. Some people may not feel anything, but others, especially those who are sensitive to mold or have mold allergies, may get symptoms like a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, or a skin rash. Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic lung problems can sometimes get lung infections caused by mold. In rare cases, especially when someone works around large amounts of mold (like farmers handling moldy hay), severe reactions such as fever or difficulty breathing can happen.

Wastewater exposure is more serious, especially if it includes sewage from toilets. Water leaking from drainpipes can contain viruses and bacteria that cause digestive illnesses, and some can be life-threatening. Sewage contact can also lead to infections in the eyes or on the skin.

Question 2: Does this situation count as “unhealthy housing?”

Yes. Living around mold or having contact with untreated sewage is considered unhealthy. Being exposed to sewage is also unsanitary and unsafe.

Question 3: What steps I should take to protect my family and report this properly? Can you advise on next steps, inspections, or resources available in Oregon?

The first step is to work with the property owner or landlord, since they are responsible for fixing the problem. If the landlord isn’t responding:

• Look into whether your city has a rental inspection program. Polk County does not, but some cities do.
• Local building departments (city or county) have authority over mold when it affects a building’s structural safety. Many may not respond to mold complaints, but it can still be worth calling.
• You may want to talk to an attorney about your rights, especially if you are considering breaking your lease or taking legal action.
• You also have the option to move out, but breaking a lease can come with costs—legal advice can help you understand your options.
• For issues involving septic systems: the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees them. DEQ often assigns this responsibility to the Local Public Health Authority, which you can find listed on DEQ’s website.

To learn more about how OHA’s Environmental Public Health section supports Oregon’s communities, visit their webpage or call toll free at 1-877-290-6767.