Can I break my lease if there are black mold in my apartment?

By Tenant

Black mold is a very dangerous type of mold that can cause severe respiratory diseases and eventually, death. Having them growing on your apartment is not acceptable. If you do find one growing in your apartment, it is not necessary for you to move out immediately.  Here are some suggestions on what actions to take when finding black mold:



  • Make sure that it is black mold. Do not touch the mold. Just take pictures and show them to some experts for verification.
  • Report immediately to your landlord.  Make sure you put everything on paper. And do your best effort to communicate with him on the actions to take, paying for treatment, etc.
  • Isolate the area. Make sure no one touches or goes near the area with the mold. If you can seal the entire room, do so.
  • Hire an expert. Regardless on the agreement you had with the landlord on payment for the treatment, you still should hire an expert for the treatment.

So, when is it time to move out and break lease? When you already reported to your landlord about the mold and don’t take action, you can file a complaint about him with one of the mediation companies like the RPA. Why file the complaint? Aside from your landlord getting a bad record, you can use that complaint to present as evidence in court. Black mold problem is a pretty big issue in some states and when you do report that to court with all the evidence you have, pictures, complaint forms, etc. You have a very strong case. And the court can rule in favour of you and you can now break your lease and possibly get some kind of compensation for the damages. Doing the suggestions above is case to case basis though, and will depend on the lease agreement you signed. If the agreement states that you should pay for treatment, then you should go ahead and do so.

Edited on: Saturday, March 9th, 2013 12:09 am

15 Responses to “Can I break my lease if there are black mold in my apartment?”

My response: (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality)
 

Armando

March 9th, 2013 12:20 am

Make sure to document everything


Hal

March 9th, 2013 11:00 am

It is frustrating to experience things like that.


Deonna

March 9th, 2013 9:40 pm

How can I know when to pay for treatment?


Harland

March 10th, 2013 8:40 am

I suggest you read the lease agreement.


Kenia

March 10th, 2013 7:40 pm

In some situations


Dee

March 11th, 2013 6:40 am

How can I split the expense with my landlord?


Sherri

March 11th, 2013 5:20 pm

If your agreement doesn’t say anything about this


Larhonda

March 12th, 2013 4:20 am

Ugh


Derrick

March 12th, 2013 3:20 pm

Can I request my landlord to pay for a professional to determine when the mold started in out apartment?


Rodrick

March 13th, 2013 2:00 am

Of course you can!


Sherilyn

March 13th, 2013 1:00 pm

Can I sue my landlord if he doesn’t pay for the treatments?


Alla

March 13th, 2013 11:40 pm

Sure


Risa

March 14th, 2013 10:20 am

My lease agreement doesn’t have anything that says who is responsible for treatment


Augusta

March 14th, 2013 9:20 pm

You can always file the complaint if you think you do not have to pay.


Mickey

March 15th, 2013 8:20 am

Right! It is really important to have everything put into writing.


Close


Yes, the RPA® Can Help You!

Filing an official complaint is the nation's fastest way to solve tenant problems.

Not Ready? Learn more...

Virginia Complaint Filling Deadline  Tips/Suggestion

Need Help Filing Your Complaint?

Agents Available Mon- Fri 10am to 10pm

Recently Resolved Complaints:

See how the Nation's Rental Authority has helped thousands of tenants already!

Ask Question:

Post a new question to the RPA Tenants rights forum.

You Have Tenant Rights.
Recently Posted Questions:

Over 4,000 questions have been asked by tenants including these new posts:

Tenant Rights Categories

Popular categories about renters rights.