landlords responsibilities

Hi, I have recently rented a large old house. It has many problems,the carpet is really old and stinks like dog or cat urine , I have cleaned them twice and it still persists. Can the landlord be forced to put in new carpeting? Also I wondered if he is supposed to have smoke detectors installed ? I called the fire dept. today and they said that they didnt think it was a law and that they couldn't come in and inspect the wiring to see if it was safe unless authorized by the landlord/owner. They said that landlords usually don't agree to this because then they have to fix it at a cost to them. I am very concerned about this as I have 2 small children and they sleep on the 2nd floor.Is there some way I can have the wiring inspected? I want to approach the landlord fully educated on my rights so that he won't try to get out of doing his job!!!. He is a well known "slum-lord" around this area. Thank you in advance for any replies ,zajanasmom

I forgot to mention that I am in Ohio.

[HomeGuru]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by zajanasmom:
Hi, I have recently rented a large old house. It has many problems,the carpet is really old and stinks like dog or cat urine , I have cleaned them twice and it still persists. Can the landlord be forced to put in new carpeting? Also I wondered if he is supposed to have smoke detectors installed ? I called the fire dept. today and they said that they didnt think it was a law and that they couldn't come in and inspect the wiring to see if it was safe unless authorized by the landlord/owner. They said that landlords usually don't agree to this because then they have to fix it at a cost to them. I am very concerned about this as I have 2 small children and they sleep on the 2nd floor.Is there some way I can have the wiring inspected? I want to approach the landlord fully educated on my rights so that he won't try to get out of doing his job!!!. He is a well known "slum-lord" around this area. Thank you in advance for any replies ,zajanasmom<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The carpet issue; L is required to have them professionally cleaned. If the smell is still present after the cleaning, L may be required to replace.

Smoke detectors are required by either City, State or Federal building/housing code. Contact your local building department HUD or CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

The wiring inspection: call the City Building Department and request that the electrical inspector come out to the property to conduct a complete code inspection. You could also hire a home inspector or electrical contractor to complete the inspection. All wiring must be safe and conform to the provisions of the NEC (National Electrical Code). Another way is to find out who the insurance company is for L and have a fire insurance inspection completed.

You have every right to expect the rental property to be clean and safe. You need to do your reseach and investigative homework so you are armed with the written ammunition, I mean documention against this slumlord.