Natwerk Designs

What should I do if mold is growing in both of my bathrooms, and my Landlord is not fixing it. Legal action?

Both bathrooms in my apartment are growing mold inside and between the wall, which separates both bathrooms. The wall is also becoming soft on both sides, which I am sure that there is a leak somewhere between the wall. My Landlord has been notified for a year. Can I take legal action? I know that this "black" mold can be dangerous. Any advice would be great.

Public Comments

1. call the department of health. this mold is only going to get worse and can cause severe health problems.
2. First of all. move to a hotel until this is fixed because you can get SERIOUS respiratory problems if you continue to live with it. call 911 and say that there is an extremely dangerous mold on your walls and the proper authorities need to look at it. but after it's resolved YES take legal action. also keep a journal of how man times you've contacted the landlord and what you said.
3. If, after repeated calls to landlord woth no fix do to following: Keep track of all calls to landlord. Get pictures of any mold damage or leaking. Mold can become a signifcant health threat once it reaches a certain point, especially if you have allergies. Contact local or state dept. of human services with the above evidence. Be prepared to move, if necessary.
4. Yes, you could take legal action and based on what your telling me you would win. If this mold is to the point where it is a health hazzard, your landloard would be in big trouble if he is ignoring your request to fix it. I forgot the institution as to where you would report this, you can google it and find that --- it is similar to the Better Business Bureau (but I don't think that is it). Your situation is similar to when an employer doesn't pay a worker ---- the worker is protected and the employer would be forced to comply or a lean would be put on their business (eventually, if they don't comply).
5. mold is becoming a widely known and increasing problem there are those in the know call the housing department first they will provide you with a direct line to the mold people at the board of health and also register your complaint mold is a sure sign of a slumlord. they will come to you fairly promptly...
6. With all the advice everyone has given you, the one thing that you CAN NOT do is not pay your rent. Make sure you pay him every month and that way he can't get you for not paying! DO NOT go the route and say you will not pay unless you fix it. Take the others advice and keep paying! Good luck!!!