What is the law on septic tanks being uncovered

[divemaster002]

I rent a home in Brazil Indiana, The septic tank is uncovered, and the hole is always full of sewage water. I have asked my landlord several times to cover it, with no action to follow. I need to know my rights as a tenant. And can he be forced to fix the problem?

[Stuart Meade]

It sure sounds like your system is failing.  Water inside the riser (or on top of the tank) is proof that they system isn't working correctly and is backing up.
This is a nuisance and a health issue.  Be sure to notify your landlord that the system appears to be failing.  He/she should then contact the local Health Department and follow their procedures to get it repaired.
Just covering this won't fix the problem.

If your landlord ignores the problem, you could call and complain to the Health Department.  This approach will likely cause relationship problems between you and your landlord and possibly make your life very stressful.

The friendly approach is always better. 

[dorothee3]

as a tenant, you have the right to complaint, let the owner fix to avoid any big problems that may come

[Toxic Avenger]

All septic tanks require a lid.  On open hole to a septic system is not only a health hazard, it is a safety hazard.  Children can easily fall into these holes, and even if they don't get stuck, they will come into contact with raw septic effluent which can make them very sick.