ANNIE’S MAILBOX: Landlord didn’t mention the dogs

By Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: My family and I recently moved to a new subdivision, which includes several duplexes crowded together. We were told it was a quiet area, and when we checked it out, it seemed very pleasant. In fact, our lease states it has to stay quiet.

When we were choosing the place, I informed the landlord that I do not like dogs and cannot tolerate barking. He neglected to tell us that there are several dogs in the other duplexes and let us move in while withholding this information. He refuses to tell the dog owners to put shock collars on their dogs or otherwise keep them quiet.

My question is, can we get out of our lease because the landlord lied?

Peeved, in Columbia, Mo.

Dear Peeved: Every state is different, but in most instances, even if the lease says something about noise, it is not as inclusive as you may believe. If the landlord actually told you that there are no dogs in the neighborhood, you may have grounds to ask a judge to let you out of the lease. But if the landlord made no specific mention of dogs, you are likely stuck.

Dear Annie: Seven years ago, my mother was diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that literally means “hard skin.”

Mom first noticed that the skin on her fingers and face was becoming thick and hard. Then her physical appearance began to change. By the time she was diagnosed, the disease had caused scar tissue to grow on her lungs. She can now walk only short distances and is on disability.

June is National Scleroderma Awareness Month. Scleroderma affects more than 300,000 Americans and is more common in women than men. Its onset is typically between the ages of 25 and 55. The disease affects children, too. There is no known cause or cure, and few treatments are available. In many cases, it can be fatal.

My mother joined a support group through the Scleroderma Foundation, and the friends she made there changed her outlook on life. If you could help your readers become aware of the effects of scleroderma, many might receive an earlier diagnosis, and it could save lives.

E.C., Boston

Dear E.C.: We appreciate the opportunity to mention the Scleroderma Foundation and the work they do. Interested readers can contact them at 800-722-HOPE (800-722-4673) (scleroderma.org).

Dear Annie: In your reply to “Frustrated Teen Mom in Omaha,” you failed to mention the option of adoption. It is hard enough to adopt a baby with so many young mothers keeping the child, so it is doubly important that adoption be mentioned as an alternative.

Minot, N.D.

Dear Minot: We recommended Planned Parenthood because counselors there will discuss all possibilities, including adoption, as well as provide prenatal care.

E-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Creators Syndicate