Can I get in trouble for child endangerment?

[martsin]

What is the name of your state? California

I recently got a new roommate. This roommate has a child. She told me about her child before moving in, but did not tell me that he has a severe peanut allergy. Now she is expecting me to remove all peanut products from the apartment. This is not practical for me because my daughter has ARFID and one of the few things she will eat is peanut butter sandwiches. Of course I clean up after her, but preventing my 5 year old from getting tiny amounts of peanut butter residue off of absolutely everything seems practically impossible. My roommate has said that I could be sent to jail for child endangerment if her son comes into contact with a peanut allergen because of me. Is that true?

 

[Zigner]

I think it's time to end the roommate relationship.

 

[Just Blue]

What is the name of your state? California

I recently got a new roommate. This roommate has a child. She told me about her child before moving in, but did not tell me that he has a severe peanut allergy. Now she is expecting me to remove all peanut products from the apartment. This is not practical for me because my daughter has ARFID and one of the few things she will eat is peanut butter sandwiches. Of course I clean up after her, but preventing my 5 year old from getting tiny amounts of peanut butter residue off of absolutely everything seems practically impossible. My roommate has said that I could be sent to jail for child endangerment if her son comes into contact with a peanut allergen because of me. Is that true?

I suggest you and the new roomie part ways.

 

[martsin]

I think it's time to end the roommate relationship.

She refuses to move.

 

[Zigner]

She refuses to move.

Evict her (following the proper legal steps, of course).

 

[martsin]

Evict her (following the proper legal steps, of course).

What happens in the meantime though if her kid get's an allergy attack?

 

[adjusterjack]

She refuses to move.

The proper steps for eviction in CA start with a WRITTEN 30 day notice of termination of tenancy. If she's not out by the deadline, you file for eviction through the court.

What happens in the meantime though if her kid get's an allergy attack?

Make sure the "epi" pen (or whatever remedy) is on hand in case the kid goes into anaphylactic shock.

She's BSing you about jail. It's highly unlikely that the authorities will ever get involved in an accidental exposure to peanuts.

Going forward, I suggest you avoid roommate arrangements.

If what I read on the internet is any indication, they are almost certainly to become nightmares.

 

[quincy]

What happens in the meantime though if her kid get's an allergy attack?

Your roommate should have an epipen on hand at all times and she should want a release from the lease for her child’s sake. You, as a reasonable and caring roommate, should make sure your home is peanut free in the meantime. You don’t want to be responsible for another child’s life-threatening reaction to a known allergen.

 

[martsin]

The proper steps for eviction in CA start with a WRITTEN 30 day notice of termination of tenancy. If she's not out by the deadline, you file for eviction through the court.



Make sure the "epi" pen (or whatever remedy) is on hand in case the kid goes into anaphylactic shock.

She's BSing you about jail. It's highly unlikely that the authorities will ever get involved in an accidental exposure to peanuts.

Going forward, I suggest you avoid roommate arrangements.

If what I read on the internet is any indication, they are almost certainly to become nightmares.

I wish I could, but I can't afford this apartment on my own and I still have half a year on my lease.

 

[Zigner]

I wish I could, but I can't afford this apartment on my own and I still have half a year on my lease.

Well, you may wish to find an alternative to peanut butter for your child.

 

[martsin]

Your roommate should have an epipen on hand at all times and she should want a release from the lease for her child’s sake. You, as a reasonable and caring roommate, should make sure your home is peanut free in the meantime. You don’t want to be responsible for another child’s life-threatening reaction to a known allergen.

She wants to stay because rent is more affordable than living on her own. I can be more diligent in cleaning, but there's no way I can make the apartment completely peanut free.

 

[adjusterjack]

I wish I could, but I can't afford this apartment on my own and I still have half a year on my lease.

See if your apartment management will allow you to transfer to a smaller apartment that you can afford.

 

[martsin]

Well, you may wish to find an alternative to peanut butter for your child.

I've tried before. her school doesn't actually allow peanut butter either. But given her condition she would rather starve than eat alternatives. So she has to eat lunch in a separate room and clean up before she goes out to play with the other kids. We are working with a therapist, but it takes time.

 

[adjusterjack]

She wants to stay because rent is more affordable than living on her own. I can be more diligent in cleaning, but there's no way I can make the apartment completely peanut free.

Bottom line: she accepts the risk or she moves.

 

[martsin]

See if your apartment management will allow you to transfer to a smaller apartment that you can afford.

I'll check