Megan, I read through your post on the 22nd and agreed with the advice given… The health department isn’t always the best choice when it comes to dealing with rental problems. After a renter has filed a complaint with the health department many times I have seen a situation go from bad to awful. The health department can come in and condem the property, and sometimes they will do so over very debatable problems. When this happens the renter is forced out– many times with no where to go. If there is a health hazard in your rental and you file a complaint with the health department they will be obligated to condem a property that has visable dangers, otherwise they can be held liable. So, I would hesitate contacting the health department, at least until all other reasonable options have been exhausted. I would first suggest filing a complaint with the RPA. You can file a landlord complaint by clicking on the following link: Click here to File Landlord/ Tenant Complaint

I dun know if you have delt with the health department before, but I dont suggest it. It will only make you’re landlord mad. Trust me, it no good renting from a mad landlord.

This really depends on how big of a hazard the cracks are posing. If they are small cracks from settling, they probably pose no to little risk to you as a renter. It should be a simple fix that anyone can quickly do. You can run down to Home Depot and buy some “Joint Compound” to fill the crack in yourself. I would do that only after you have failed to get your landlord to do it. If you do it right you can charge the landlord for the materials used to fix the repair.