Money issue VS Health issue...how to handle?

[Rose1959]

Ok this is very confusing but I will attempt to be as clear as possible...I am in dire need of direction on how to handle this. In June of 1999 my hubby and I lost our home due to foreclosure, we rented a duplex from a man gracious enough to give us a break and rent to us. Our rent was $850 at the time and I do admit that we missed some payments, I admit to being very naive back then and letting my hubby do all the dealings with the landlord (first mistake on my part) because I later found out that he was telling me one thing and another was happening. Anyway, I know we did get behind, but I dispute the amount he is saying we owe, which is $19,638.00 in late fees and his accessed late fees...which is the main dispute...I do not deny owing him money....I do however dispute the amount. BUT that all being said here is the confusing part...Even though we owe him money, we are living in a duplex that has NUMEROUS HEALTH ISSUES....1 yr after we moved in the plumbing under the bathtub began to leak (we didnt and couldnt know) until water buckled the ceiling in the garage below it, leaving a HUGE mold spot, then the dishwasher had a plumbing issue that also caused a water issue under the cabinets that also molded, and collapsed the cabinet flooring under the the sink. *Also no use of a dishwasher or bathtub for over 5 yrs. Then about 2 months ago...we had a rain storm and I was asleep in my bed when water hit my feet...I had water, running ...not dripping...from the pull chain on the ceiling fan over my bed...it filled a mixing bowl...I told the landlord about it and still nothing...there is now a wet stain and beginnings of yet more mold around the ceiling fan base. I have a daughter with asthma that goes to a local college but cant live at home because the mold causes her asthma to go crazy. Ive been having headaches that I have had numerous tests and MRI's to try to find a cause to. My question is...what is my best option on how to handle this...do I call the health dept and get them involved...how do I respond to the summons I was just served today to collect the $19,638? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT IS MY BEST OPTION.

 

[Cvillecpm]

Take some of the $19,000 and move NOW.

 

[Rose1959]

But I dont have the $19,000 , have been making payments above and beyond the rent for a couple yrs now....and I am moving aug 1 but have to wait for my new place to come available....also...Ive been reading that if the mold issue is bad enough we might not be able to take any of our things...they may be contaminated....trying now to learn what I can on that and what action I need to find out if that is the case....