Mold or Other Hazard FAQs for Renters

Index to all Q&A about renting a moldy or environmentally unsafe rental apartment or home

Management Won't Respond to Rental Unit Hazards FAQs

Tip: Seesee HEALTH DEPARTMENT HELP for RENTERS found by searching InspectApedia.com

How to Get Management to Respond to Mold in My Rental Housing

I live in his housing at 110 Corthbridge Ct Apt D-8 in Moncks Corner SC, and I believe I have a mold issue that is so severe that I have had to have two biopsies.

My management doesn't see it my way. How can I get someone to check it before they bring in the contract rafters to prove me wrong! 2016/10/21 Sharlenepole

Reply by (mod): Contact your building department and also seek legal aid

Sharlene please see RENTERS & TENANTS ADVICE for UNSAFE or UNHEALTHY HOME where we give our best advice about what a tenant can and should do about mold hazards indoors.

Watch out: If you believe there is an unsafe or unhealthy condition in your rental home and management will not respond to written notice by either taking appropriate action or providing you with authoritative evidence that the mold problem you cite is not present, then your recourse is with your health department or an attorney.

In most communities there is free or low cost legal aid available to you if you cannot afford an attorney on your own. Often legal aid attorneys are particularly informed about rental home and tenant issues.

Free or low-cost legal aid is indeedd provided in Moncks Corner, SC by contacting the South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) at (888) 346-5592

For other U.S. readers, you can use LegalAidNow [Website] to find legal aid in your area or call LegalAidNow at the number that will appear on your screen if you use that link.

What can I do if the landlord ignores a mold problem?

I have been trying since July 2013 to get the manager at my HUD apartment complex of two hundred apartments to fix the problems of my seriously infested mold/fungi apartment.

I've followed all protecal; certified letters to management LLC owner/s LcC.site manger, HUD and Mayor. I have hundreds of pics, two lab results (I paid for inside and out)signed statements from others and much more.

Nothing has been done, and I can prove it's even in the plumbing as well as rugs, roof and all my furnishings.

No response. I'm st my wits end. I have "extremely low" retirement income (I'm 82) and can't afford attorney. Should I go to the media? manager says "can't see it, can't smell it" but everyone else can and he is not a cert. mold inspector.

I've studied mold and know how many colors it comes in, all the different smells it can produce (some don't even smell) etc and he was told by town health inspector to get air quality test (this man is not certified at anything - really!), but now both mgr. and health rep say this was never said.

I have two witnesses, but it has never been done what can I do before I die here? (Dec 28, 2014) Anonymous

Reply by (mod): air testing for mold is not reliable

Anon,

IF you have notified the manager in writing of a significant mold contamination hazard (more than 30 sqft of contiguous, non-cosmetic mold) such that professional remediation is appropriate, or notified them of apparent building-related illness or safety hazards and you still get no response your options are to ask for help from your local health department, from an attorney who will provide pro-bono assistance, from a source of funds for seniors needing assistance, or to move.

You can use LegalAidNow [Website] to find legal aid in your area

What do I do about mold and leaks if my landlord won't fix stuff?

I have a problem with my landlords I rent a house everytime something breaks they don't take care of it we'll recently our bathroom window since we moved in never opened or had ventalation it

has a fan in the ceiling but it don't work

we'll mold stArted to build so my wife started cleaning when she did the window broke now a yr and a half later after the window broke they want to fix the fan but not the window I'm so frustrated with these renters they never do there part and always take advantage of you what can I do plez hel (Mar 16, 2015) Justin

---

My apartment has mold,roaches and no heat and sewage coming uo through the drains and the other aprts adjoined are having the same problem,landlord refuses to do anything.

Already called the health dept. and the up to code place as the electric outlets are not properly installed. What other options do I have? (Mar 25, 2015) Pamela

Reply by (mod):

Justin and Deanna

See the detailed suggestions we give at

• TENANT LANDLORD MOLD DISPUTE

Be sure that notices to your landlord of unsafe or unsanitary conditions are given verbally right away and also in writing.

Who do I call to get check my apartment for mold if the landlord says there isn't any?

Who do I call to come to my apartment at the Cottage Creek apts to do a mold check too check for mold when the people at the office trying to tell me that there is no mold and I know there is mold and its at the point that I'm starting to have nose bleeding. And conjunction? On 2017-09-18 by Craylon. Hargrow Hargrowcarol@gmail.com

Answer by (mod) -

Craylon,

If you've already considered my advice to renters with a mold problem in the article above, then at Continue Reading (at the end of the main article) please check out

HEALTH DEPARTMENT HELP for RENTERS that links to

MOLD SAFETY ADVICE for TENANTS

Since if the landlord is not responding and you have good reason to think there's a health issue, in most communities that's who can help you out.

Keep me posted.

Landlord says he's not going to repair mold and water damage from air conditioner leaks. What are my rights?

My landlord informed me that the unit below has mold due to a leaking AC. He admitted that he's known about this for a year, and when I asked him if he was going to repair the damage he flat out said no. His reasoning being the tenant didn't take care of the place anyways so why bother. This is very disturbing to me, as the AC unit that has the mold is just below my bedroom.

So far I don't have any symptoms, but knowing this information really concerns and upsets me. Am I at risk? Is is lack of action a violation of any health/hazard laws? What are my rights now that I know this information? On 2017-09-14 by Kim

Answer by (mod) -

Kim,

Large areas of indoor mold contamination, more than 30 sqft. are a sufficient health hazard that professional cleanup is appropriate, and of course the source of leaks (probably AC condensate drain) needs to be fixed.

If your landlord won't respond to written request and you are convinced there's a real hazard you may need to ask your health department for help.

Water heater leak and mold in HUD apartment

I live in a HUD apt and the water heater leaked and caused mildew [sic actually it's mold]

I have asthma.

They repaired some but the mold is still there. (June 30, 2015) Anonymous

Reply by (mod):

Check with your health department or

see HEALTH DEPARTMENT HELP for RENTERS found by searching InspectApedia.com

See also WATER HEATER LEAK REPAIR

My rental unit is mold contaminated; what are my rights?

I live in a low income apartment iv had black mold for about 3 years. My apartment manager gave me spray and said I have to clean it. The mold has been coming back off and on, now I have mushrooms growing from my wall. What can I do about this ? (July 8, 2016) Krystal

I have black mold in my bathroom from the people upstairs. 3 times the people upstairs flooded my bathroom and now I have black mold what are my rights - (July 9, 2016) Patrick

Reply by (mod):

Krystal, Spray alone is not an effective remedy for mold contamination nor will spraying mold do any of the following:

- find and fix the cause of leaks that caused the mold growth

- remove moldy materials that cannot be cleaned, such as dryrwall, insulation, wall-to-wall carpeting

- clean moldy wall, ceiling, or floor cavities

Patrick: your rights, if there are any, will be in your rental contract - something to review with an attorney.

Depending on where you live, there may be laws that protect the rights of tenants or renters.

And in many jurisdictions the tenant is entitled to a safe, habitable space.

My apartment has mold and health concerns: do I owe rent?

I have one vent in my studio apartment, and it's in my bathroom. It's not used seeing as how we do not have central air or heat, but it is not blocked off at all.

I have a stray cat that climbs underneath the house and comes up through the vent. I could just block it off myself or sit something on top of it, but I feel that it's not my responsibility considering this is just one of numerous problems. My heat has been broken for over a month, but yet she still expects me to pay rent. All three units in the building have cockroaches that she has yet to spray for just brought me foggers.

My bathroom has mold. I had no fire alarm when I moved in, and still don't. My front door needs replaced, because it was glued together to begin with and I went to open it one day and it fell apart

. I feel I don't owe her a dime until I'm getting what I'm supposed to be paying for. Am I wrong? Is any of this legal?

Would I have a leg to stand on in a court room? On 2018-02-12 by Whitney

by (mod) - apartments must be safe and habitable

The question of just what your landlord is obligated to deliver is a legal one that's answered by

- the wording of your lease

- rental laws where you live

Depending on local laws where you live, a lease usually requires that the landlord has to provide a property that is safe and habitable.

Safety Hazards Unaddressed at Rental Property Q&A

Tip: See MOLD SAFETY ADVICE for TENANTS 

Also see SAFETY & HEALTH IN RENTAL UNITS

Also see UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT, CAN'T LEAVE - what if you have to continue to live in a moldy apartment or rental home?

Landlords who won't address building hazards like leaks and a collapsing retaining wall

I have a driveway with a retaining wall about 4 feet high that is caving in on one side. Have called the landlord and he refuses to do anything about it. Not only can my vehicle be damaged by this I am afraid that somebody walking next to it could be severely injured if the wall would collapse.

Not sure what the responsibility of the landlord is but quite sure he would not want to pay for the damages to people and property. Is it just me or is this a major health risk? I assure you the wall is on its last limbs.

On a side note the reason, I believe, is because they set it to drain water through the wall which in turn softened the ground. (Dec 15, 2014) Andy Dillon

Reply by (mod):

Andy

A safety hazard from a possibly-collapsing retaining wall won't of course be diagnosed nor fixed by e-text.

Notify the landlord in writing of your concerns. Often that's sufficient.

For questions of just what your landlord is required to do you'd need to take your lease to an attorney familiar with rental property law.

My rental trailer is Unsafe: water leaks, gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks - the owner says the black stuff I see is not harmful mold

I moved into a single wide trailer 3 months ago in Battlement mesa, CO I am a 61 yr old disabled person on O2 a t night. Since I have been here there has been a water leak under the floor, one through the roof, gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks.

I have had the maintenance people over every week. They half way fix things or tell me I am wrong about things. The leak under the floor got so bad the windows where dripping with moisture and the humidity in here was stifling.

Today they finally had to do something because the walls where wet and it has smelled terrible in here the whole time. They pulled off a panel, and found one leak and then knocked holes in the floor and found way more leaking. There is black stuff along the bottom of the walls and on the floor. All the wood is blackened and rotted.

I had the owner come look at the mess. Now they say it’s not mold, the stink will go away, it’s just old, and they have seen worse. I have breathed this smell all day. I feel like it’s in my mouth. I don’t trust these people. I am afraid I am going to die in this place.

What do you suggest? They have a fan blowing in there now, and I am going to sleep on the floor tonight, for at least for four more days.If they don’t think the black stuff is mold and just cover it up, will it make me sick?

I can’t afford to move again. Also, the lease says I don’t get my deposit back $500 when I leave. I know I signed this even though I never had that in a lease before, but I needed a place to live that I could afford after the bank foreclosed on my home. The bank did not even care I was disabled. - J.M.

Reply by (mod):

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem with mold, leaks, and more of an emergency, possible very serious health risks for someone with a respiratory illness as you must have if you need to use oxygen for breathing assistance.

That said, here are some things to consider:

Watch out: My first concern is that running fans in a moldy area risks an enormous increase in the level of airborne mold, if problem mold is present - and could thus increase the mold hazard for you.

Second, it would be appropriate to have a neutral professional, someone with no link to your property management/ownership and with no connection to companies who repair or fix mold or buildings to examine your home for unsafe conditions, leak causes, and visible mold. That inspection may or may not lead to the need for some supporting mold testing.

Mold tests without an inspection are unreliable.

If your home is mold contaminated, the problem

• won't go away on its own
• may stop increasing in size if all of the leaks are fixed and the home is dried out
• but even drying the dryout process the mold level may increase - some molds such as Aspergillus increase their spore release rate when the moldy area is being dried

At our EXPERTS DIRECTORY of home inspectors

at MOLD & ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORS you might find a professional who will help you pro bono or at a reduced rate if you explain your concerns.

You might find a local real estate attorney (also try DIRECTORY OF ATTORNEYS & expert witnesses) who will also help you pro bono or at a reduced rate. Most leases require the landlord to provide safe, habitable living space.

You may also have financial aid available to you locally through your local senior citizens, town, or county associations or even the Red Cross.

Make sure that you have expressed your concerns and health risks to your property management in writing.

Moldy Rental Apartment or Home Safety FAQs

Tip: See MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD 

There's Mold all over my apartment - now what do I do?

There is mold all over my kitchen floor building mold black mold and in my bathroom and on my balcony and the air conditioner

I I'm having breathing problems I already went to the allergy doctor could the board of health - On 2021-10-30 by Maryanne

Reply by inspectapedia.com.moderator - large areas of mold, more than 30 sqft., deserve professional clean-up

@Maryanne,

That certainly sounds unsafe for you. You should follow your doctor's advice.

Watch out: If there is more than 30 sq.ft. of contiguous indoor mold in your home

1. it requires professional cleaning

2. it is most-likely not a healthy environment

If the landlord is not responding to a probably or known-unsafe condition, see TENANT HELP for MOLDY RENTAL

Can the health department check my apartment for mold?

Can the Health Department test for mold in a wall? I manage a fast food restaurant and we have an infestation of gnats and rats. We are in a strip center. I need help fast or I am going to get fired. Our pest control has stated the is a BUILDING issue, not just us. - On 2021-06-11 by Sylvia Reyna

by danjoefriedman (mod) - health department inspection for pests: bugs, rats, roaches

@Sylvia Reyna,

Your health department can inspect the building for pests and they should have people who are competent to recognize mold by visual inspection.

No test is necessary. Testing to identify the species of mold wouldn't change what's needed one bit.

Maintenance people fixed mold in my apartment then charged me for the repair

There is mold all across 2 walls in my apartment and part of my roof. I called the maintenance department of my complex and they came and rectified it. When I logged in online a few weeks later, there was a charge for the repair of the mold.

The complex is claiming that the mold is my fault hence the charge, but other online reviews from previous residents all support the existence of mold in the complex. I am trying to figure out what my options are as mold remediation is upwards of $750. On 2020-04-30 by Ebony

Reply by (mod) - questionable mold cleanup by landlord, charged to subsequent tenant

Ebony

In order of priority, here are my thoughts

1. Watch out: Safety:

we need to know that the mold problem was addressed properly.

That means not something superficial like painting over moldy surfaces.

Moldy drywall gets removed along with other moldy materials that can't be cleaned, such as insulation or carpeting; exposed surfaces are cleaned,
and the cause of the mold is identified and fixed.

I raise question #1 because the cost you cite sounds lower than what would be charged by a professional mold remediation company - someone who'd be called in if there was more than 30 sq.ft. of contiguous mold contamination in the first place - that is, unless the landlord has expert, trained mold remediators on staff.

2. If the mold was present before

you occupied the apartment, a claim that you caused it is not reasonable. If the landlord elects to ignore solid documented evidence that you can offer, then your recourse will be either to move or to go to small claims court.

Unfortunately I worry that even if you're successful in a small claims court decision, your landlord may make life difficult. So an amicable agreement would be far preferable.

Keep me posted.

Do these mold test results for my apartment show a problem? Now what?

I have been sick from a mold related illness since June of last year. I live in an apartment with my husband and 21 year old son. All of us have respiratory problems and I became violently ill because of my exposure and the amount of time spent in my bedroom with the vent closed and my door shut.

My landlord did have a test done and the company that did it put everything in my bedroom under aspergillus/penicillium and the count done on February 11th was 633 for our bedroom.

Since Aspergillus is only supposed to be outside in the Spring, Summer and Fall, the man told my husband that 150 was high a normal count usually is about 50.

Our bedroom started leaking soon after moving in and the walls which are covered with paneling if you hit them you can here the plaster falling. I went into the crawl space above our bedrooms and the wood is rotted except for the beams. All of us have been running low grade fevers for a long time.

My husband and I are disabled, my husband with a back injury and I with Fibromyalgia.

I had mentioned something to my landlord last spring about mold and how it was affecting my son's health.

The only time it leaked into our bedroom is when it was a windy rain. But who knows how long it was leaking into the crawl space.

My landlord lied to me about having a new roof put on, the man that just fixed the flashing around the chimney that was supposedly causing the problem they just fixed and he said it was an old roof.

I have never been in a place with mold before and did not realize the dangers and when I became very ill had forgot about the mold. I ended up in the hospital twice all of my tests came out negative.

The second time they did exploratory surgery and removed my gall bladder and appendix. This is only part of what happened and it would take pages to continue. We are currently looking for another place to live, but where this is an old roof, I do not want anyone else getting sick.

If I was an elderly person or someone with a compromised immune system I would have died. I now have asthma in which I have never had this before even when I have smoked for 40 years. I have never not been able to breathe. I have been sleeping in the living room for about a month now and my concentration is better and I do not get dizzy much.

This was also affecting my skin, where my skin would turn red with bumps usually my face and scalp as these were exposed the most. My husband is now getting little bumps on him on his torso and legs because he is still sleeping up there and sleeps naked.

I am going to enclose the report from the other company and it does not seem he did everything as their are leakage spots all on my ceiling and they did try to cover some by nailing tiles on the other tiles. I do not know what else to do and need advice or help. Could you please help? - J.G.

Reply: Start by following your doctor's advice; mold counts without an inspection are confusing.

This case is far too important in health and secondarily in possible costs to you for someone to pretend to diagnose or for which to make specific advice for via email.

You should start with advice from your doctors about your health condition and the risks from possible mold exposure, and you should keep your landlord informed about what you are told.

Your physician should be the starting guide about what sorts of environmental contaminants are most likely to be a problem for your family members, with attention to those. Or she/he may refer you to a physician who specializes in environmental medicine if s/he agrees that your environment is a likely cause or contributor to the complaints you describe.

RENTERS & TENANTS ADVICE for UNSAFE or UNHEALTHY HOME has some general advice for tenants where mold is a problem

Your description of what sounds like a wet crawl space is a strong indicator that there is risk of a significant indoor mold problem in the building.

An expert impartial and in-depth inspection of the home for mold or other obvious hazards may be helpful. And in our - in renters advice you'll see that we warn about moving: your items may need to be cleaned before bringing them into the new space so you don't import of moldy dust and debris into your new home.

I need advice about my moldy apartment in Sydenham, Victoria Australia

I'm in Sydenham Victoria and urgently need this house inspected. My baby and I are sick and have all mentioned problems in / by the articles [read at InspectApedia.com]. The ceiling exhaust of [...] is growing mold and its barely breathable. Please help. Thank you.

Reply: how to decide if it's safe to remain in a mold-suspect or visibly moldy rental home

I'm sorry to read of the illness and mold problems you and your family are facing. You need to call a local surveyor or your local health department. Onsite inspections are not something we can offer and unfortunately I don't have listings for Australia (where I take it you are located).

Indeed if there is more than ten square meters of moldy material in your home, you certainly do not need an inspection to determine that the environment is unsafe and needs professional cleaning and mold remediation. And if you have reason to believe the environment is making you or your baby sick you should not be there. I understand that it is far too easy for a stranger to send an email saying that the safe thing to do is move out, and that it's far more costly and disruptive to you.

Check with your doctor

Start with a visit to the pediatrician and to your own doctor for advice. If they agree that your home is at high risk of making you ill you need to find temporary, even emergency quarters

Continued exposure to harmful mold not only is a health risk, it can increase individual sensitivity, thus risk increases over time. Especially I'd be worried for a baby, an elderly person, an asthmatic, or someone who is for other reasons of fragile health in the first place, but even a person in normal health can be at risk.

If you are renting, see RENTERS & TENANTS: MOLD ADVICE - where we give advice for renters on dealing with a moldy rental home.

How to check with your health department

To contact your local health officials or health ministry you can find contact information from your telephone book, online, or from any local government office.

For Sydenham Victoria where you are located, your ministry of health can be contacted at

• Victoria (VIC) Department of Human Services
• You can contact the Victoria state emergency services help line at 132-5500.
  [The state's website includes a Flood/Storm emergency web page but that address is not functional]
• To speak with a housing and support worker, if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Victoria, call 1800 825 955
• If you may need emergency shelter in Victoria, more information on emergency shelter is at Homelessness Services-Victoria AU website.

Sick Occupants of Rental Unit: Mold or Other Causes Q&A

Tip: See MOLD HEALTH RISKS for TENANTS

Also see UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT, CAN'T LEAVE - what if you have to continue to live in a moldy apartment or rental home?

And read details at MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE 

Apartment in BC Canada is mold contaminated; I saw many doctors, I'm still sick

I live in BC Canada I have been to 4 doctors 2 different emergency wards and blood and chest X-rays done 2 times in 4 days I've lived here only 4 weeks and got sick within the first 3 days. Try 3 types of antibiotics and 2 misdiagnoseis later and now I were a mask in my own house.

My government and my landlord have done nothing I can't breath tight chest headaches can't eat and coughing so hard I throw up. I just moved here and now I have to move again it is not even my first month here. I don't wish this on anyone these slum lords should be accountable big time

. All I can say is it feel like a slow death, never felt this bad in my life.

Why is it the disabled,vetrans,and seniors that get the but end of the stick. This is a crime against humanity as far as im concerned. Merry.... Christmas EH! . thanks hope no one else has to go through this. (Jan 2, 2016) CPR said:

Reply by (mod):

Sounds awful, jaydun. If I were sure a building was making me sick I'd go elsewhere asap

I got sick working for a rental house and apartment company

Hello, very pleased to hear at least an opinion on whether it is worth fighting, maybe someone else will protect against diseases caused by similar problems. I worked with a company J9 Accommodation for 8 years, which dealt with renting houses and apartments. These houses were about 140.

I worked there as a handyman. I changed the locks, doors assembled, painted, repaired and did all reconstructed houses, which bought the owner. I am preparing them to live. I worked also as a driver, transport- furniture, mattresses, refrigerators, washing machines, dirty litter the same car and it was all moldy and infested with fungus it was poison.

In 90% of homes are infected with mold and fungus because the owner buys old houses for demolition, he does not even notice that they are infected with fungus and mold, any of us workers or landlords never informed about the consequences of being in such polluted areas.

Only now I know it is a long-term poisoning of people, which leads to severe illness and sometimes death.

When performing a standard fault as always it did in one of the houses landlord wyprosili me out of the house and told that I have to arrange to come inside, I noticed that customers are narcotics, they were drugs.

I told all this to my superiors, superiors told the landlord house, that I about them reported a about their problems with drugs and maybe even distribution, I began to fear for their safety, I complained to the owner, but I sold and two weeks later I was informed that they are dissatisfied with my services and immediately fired me without any warning.

I was without a job, without money, plus my partner also awaiting surgery. I fell into a hidden depression, which I did not know also worked in a mold, moisture and toxic mushrooms in these homes, and my body was weak immune and this has triggered my disease hyperthyroidism, which already suffer two years with various additional complications.

I would also add that I got an attack of thyroid storm and then I went to the hospital at night where you found my thyroid disease and treatment is initiated, it is requested that the sick on it for a long time but it also did not know

I put on FB page where everything is described and what documents I sent to the company, but never received a reply.

A lot of time has passed. If you know someone who has lived in the home J9 Accommodation in the West Midlands. Or was cheated by this company, or want to live there, please let me know. (Mar 15, 2016) Kazimierz

Since moving into an apartment I've had asthma and allergies and a severe cough

Since moving this apt in October asthma and allergies severe cough numerous things going on woth my body. Drs tried everything Finally Friday the 29th of january 2016. Diagnosied with mold poisoning. Dr said move immediately with a letter. Managment said today they would keep my deposit.

We have to be tomorrow night. Today i got infussion for hypogammaglobulin enemia weaked immune system. Suppose to rest for at least 2 days in the bed. Instead putting furniture in storage and moving to hotel room. Is there anything i can possible do ? (Feb 1, 2016) evelyn boring

Moderator reply: set key priorities of action: start with your doctor

Of course we're sorry that you've suffered these various health issues. But my OPINION is that before fighting with your employer or landlord, start with your doctor to get his or her guidance on where to spend your energy on being well and safe.

Evelyn: I add that if there is significant mold contamination in your apartment you may need to move out promptly. Start with your doctor's advice but be sure to describe your living envirionment to the doc.

Odor Complaints in Rental Unit FAQs

Tip: See ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE and the additional articles recommended at the end of that page.

What do I do about urine odor in condo - tried a black light

rented out a condo Feb. 1. Upon moving in, i detected a strong urine odor. The owner had an eldery, incontinent dog and a cockatiel. I washed the carpet, couch, and loveseat 3 times with a special enzyme cleaner, but the smell still prevailed.

I bought a flourescent light, and to my dismay, discovered that urine stains are in every room of the apt., on the carpets, furniture, and even the walls. The landlord refuses to have it cleaned, claiming they don't have the money. Is this a cause to break my lease?

I am beginning to have terrible coughing spells upon wakening in the morning. (Mar 10, 2015) Sandy said:

Reply by (mod):

Sandy you need to ask this question of an attorney familiar with rental property law where you live. Typically a rental contract obligates the landlord to very little but does require a habitable space.

See our detailed advice about dealing with animal urine at

• URINE ODOR SOURCE DETECTION
• ODOR REMOVING DETERGENTS

What to do about odor of detergent coming out of my vents

I am renting townhouse I have COPD & on oxygen, people own townhouse above and their dryer vent is not hooked up correctly so odor of detergent comes threw my vents.

Odor is so strong for me I must take oxygen tanks and go sit in my car for several hours til odor disapates.

They have had heating/air conditioner company tell them what is wrong but think they can fix it them selves but have done nothing for several months

My Leasing company has talked with them, Home Owners Ass. & I have pleaded with them to fix problem but they don't seem to be in a hurry to do anything.

This is a health problem, I'm 73 yrs. old, my lease is up for renewal end of Aug., I don't know where to go and need help. Please advise me on what to do about problem. Thank You (July 21, 2015) Anonymous

Reply by (mod):

Anon:

You need to call your local health department for assistance, and also to ask them if your community has an organization that can help elderly or ill people with housing.

see HEALTH DEPARTMENT HELP for RENTERS found by searching InspectApedia.com

Tenant Blocks Cleanup or Repair of Moldy or Unsafe Rental Unit

Tenant won't let me tear down and clean up a moldy mobile home on our property

Hi my name is Deeanna and I live on privately ownded property. My brother's ex girl friend has a run down moble home on our property and it it completelt destroyed in the inside and has black mold all through whats left of the inside walls.

She was envicted from the property in Nov and completely moved in Dec by the 15. I have offered to tear it down and clean our property up however she will not let me. She cannot move back on the property ever again and can't live in the moble home it is completely inhabitable with a lot of rats and garbadge in it along with the mold.

If I go to try and clean it up and get rid of it off the perperty she said she would have me jailed. it cannot be moved because it is severly rotted and molded. C

ould you give me some advice on what I can do about this. I have children and not only it being a danger but the rats and black mold are a grave concern to me thank you, Deeanna Castle. (Mar 24, 2015) Deeanna Castle

Reply by (mod):

Deeanna, this is beyond my expertise. I think you need to talk with human services, health care officials, or someone similar in your area along with an attorney.

Move Out of Moldy or Contaminated Rental Unit

Tip: See UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT, CAN'T LEAVE - what if you have to continue to live in a moldy apartment or rental home?

Does the landlord need to give us a safe place to live?

My apartment has a mold issue.

The landlord has a resteration team to. Clean it up. But it will take at least a week and is in the center of the apartment. We were told that it will be a mess and might not want to stay here while repairs are done. OWhat are my options?

Does the landlord need to give us a safe place to live? My daugter has had a heart transplant so she is (Apr 24, 2015) Anonymous

Reply by (mod):

Anon: in most rental contracts and communities a tenant is entitled to safe, habitable housing.

My health problems went away as soon as I moved out of my moldy apartment

I smelled mold in sept but the smell went away. However I continued to have burning eyes and skin really red cheeks and a burning sensation in my throat. I don’t see mold but the smell was right outside the closet where the washer dryer is . I suspected the front loader washer and suggested taking it out. But the repair man my landlord hired saw no mold...

my landlord is out of town and I’ve been staying with my adult children since the middle of oct. when I go back to the apartment to get things the symptoms return as soon as I leave they go away!

Other symptoms are heart palpitations, night sweats and itchy scalp with break outs on the back of my neck - all Gone since I’ve moved out. On 2017-11-12 by Celia

by (mod) - What's the evidence of unsafe indoor air?

Celia,

Your description does sound like there's a building related indoor air quality problem.

Since there's no obvious visible mold Reservoir what's probably need it is a thorough visual inspection of the home buy an environmental or home inspector who's familiar with these issues.

Such an inspector looks for common things that are likely to cause a hidden mold Reservoir such as leaks into a ceiling or wall. She might also look for past history of animals rodents pets Etc. Of course there could be some other cause as well.

Mold Contamination in Trailers or Mobile Homes FAQs

What steps do I take to deal with mold in a trailer we are renting-to-own

My husband and I rent a trailer. It's rent to own.

However the landlord is supposed to take care of repairs until we own the trailer.

In March or April we discovered a leak underneath our master bath sink which a joins to our bed room.

We called maintenance they said the fixed it. A mont later we discovered it was still leaking and it was much worse. We called again they said it was completely fixed that there was a Crack in a part of the pipe and they got a new part and fixed it.

We believed them because there was no dripping anymore. I checked under my sink 3 days ago to do some light cleaning and I keep supplies in our bathroom there was moisture accumulating on everything underneath there and black mold on the back of the wall underneath the cabinet.

So we now know they still haven't taken care of the leak completely. What actions should I take to get my landlord to take care of this we took pictures and my husband has been cleaning the mold and bought special air purifiers.

We even stayed at a hotel for two days so we could air out the trailer by opening the windows using the purifiers and running fans. I'm concerned because my son has asthma, I have a severe allergy to mold and so does my husband. We also have a 10 month old baby.

We called our landlord this past weekend and and she is supposed to send someone over. What are the next steps if this isn't taken care of? (Aug 17, 2015) Anonymous said:

Reply by (mod):

Anonymous:

No one can accurately assess the actual health hazards of your home from must your note below, but I can warn you that "air purifiers" cannot possibly fix a mold contamination problem in your home. When the leak has been repaired you'll need to have the moldy materials removed, the surfaces cleaned, and perhaps sealed with a fungicidal sealant, before re-insulating.

If you cannot assure that the home is safe for your family the conclusions are obvious, if troublesome. If the landlord is not responding to repair requests or not having the work done properly, document that clearly in writing to the landlord. You may need help from a local real-estate-sales attorney who can review your contract, clarify the landlords obligations, and protect your interest.

Mold or Other Smell Hazards in Rental Units FAQs

Our rental trailer smells moldy and our son is now in hospital

There is the smell of mold in our rental trailor complained but no one would ever do anything now my son is in the hospital with a high white blood count.

I dont know if that is the reason but with leaking plumbing and floors i am jus not sure dont have the money to test is there any free tests iam on cherokee housing. sandymissy@hotmail.com (Oct 15, 2016) sandra sherman

Reply by (mod):

If you smell mold, there's a mold reservoir to find and remove as well as a need to find and fix the leaks that caused it, Sandra.

In my OPINION testing for mold is unnecessary and not justified UNLESS your son's doctor says she needs to know the mold genera/species to which your son was probably exposed: there will probably be more than one mold genera/species present.

Otherwise, the steps to find, remove and clean up mold contamination indoors are not affected by the mold identity.

At MOLD & ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORS you might find a professional who will help you pro bono or at a reduced rate