Q: Do I have to leave a name and phone number?
A: No, all of our complaints are confidential and the law protects your confidentiality. We suggest that you leave your name and phone number in case the inspector has a question about your complaint. It also is beneficial to leave your contact information so we can call you back with the results of our findings and let you know any other actions we may have taken. If we cannot regulate the complaint made, we can also let you know what agency can help you with your specific problem.
Q: How long do I have to wait to see any results of my complaint?
A: When you contact us with your information, we enter the information into a system. The next morning, the complaint is assigned to a territory that one of our inspectors work. The inspectors try to work all of our complaints within two to three days. If we conduct our investigation and find a violation, we are required by law to give the party time to correct the violation. In most cases, we give the party ten working days. However, if the party is working to correct the problem, we will usually give them more time to correct the issue, unless the violation is a critical health violation.
Q: What about mold and mildew issues that affect my health?
A: At this time we do not handle complaints of mold or mildew. There is nothing in the code that addresses mold or mildew, so we have no way to enforce abatement of this problem. We have no identification labs set up to differentiate between mold and other substances. This is not to say that mold or mildew is not a health issue for you and your family. If you believe you are suffering from a mold issue, we encourage you to contact your landlord verbally or in writing. If you contact your landlord in writing, you can prove that you complained, and if you do become sick from the mold you will have documentation with a date on that written complaint.
Q: Can someone live in a house without water service?
A: If you are an adult living in a home without children and you are not affecting the health of the people around you, then you can live without water service within city limits. What is meant by affecting the health around you is:
- Bugs or insects coming from your home
- Odors coming from your property
- Extremely filthy conditions seen from the outside of the property
- Stealing water from your neighbors
- Using the restroom outside your home
Other Agencies That Could Be Useful:
Adult Protective Services/Child Welfare Service 1-800-522-3511
Concerns with adults in homes or children within the home
Department of Environmental Quality (405) 702-6222
Surfacing sewage outside the home, illegal dumping, or toxic materials
Action Center (405) 297-2535
Any type of complaint made here goes to all organizations but only in the OKC area