My apt (New England rental) has mold in the basement. Do I have any rights as a tenant to have it cleaned up?

Question

I have only been living here for a couple of months and it has been here the whole time and seems to be getting worse. I have mentioned it to them but have not pursued it further as I don't know what they are obligated to do. I am worried about the health issues associated with breathing mold spores and don't know what to do. Is there any easy way I can get it cleaned up? Help please.

Answer 1

Yes, you have a right. Attach a health report which you may DL online with the request to clean it up, they do not want that liability. You have more than a right, you have a responsibility to your well being. If you want to maintain good relations, then cosnder the approach you take, perhaps even mentioning the health problems and suits, but asking for their input as to the best way to handle it.

Remember though, anything not in wiriting is worth less than the paper you saved, next to nothing. So, if you are worried the issue could escalate, keep a log of any verbal exchanges. Take pictures too.

QUOTE:
MOLD can cause health problems that range from itching eyes, sneezing and coughing to serious allergic reactions, asthma attacks and even permanent lung damage. And what many people do not know is that mold could be growing in their homes right now.
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http://iaq.iuoe.org/iaq_htmlcode/iaq_news_clips/The%20Dangers%20of%20Mold%20in%20Homes.htm

QUOTE:
Toxic Mold
Toxic mold, sometimes called black mold, is a term used to describe a variety of fungi that can grow indoors. Despite the names, the mold comes in many colors and is not itself toxic; rather, it releases substances called mycotoxins that can cause toxic reactions, including flu symptoms, respiratory problems, headaches, skin irritation and cognitive problems. Mold also releases spores that commonly cause an allergic reaction in humans, and can less commonly cause a fungal infection of the sinuses, digestive tract, skin or lungs. It can live on drywall, wood and carpets and is exacerbated by darkness and poor ventilation. Toxic mold is more common in buildings constructed after the 1970s, which are more airtight, and is more likely to occur in buildings with persistent water leaks or flooding.
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http://toxic-mold.legalview.com/

Mold Suit Cont.
... the mold had spread further into the house as well, their suit states. ... The suit charges that Sousa violated state consumer protection law, as well as ...
http://www.enviro-ed.org/Pages/Moldstrycont.html

Answer 2

Call your local Health Department. They should be able to tell you if there are any local precedents to your situation and give you guidance. Go to http://www.mold-abatement-sop.com/ . There's a pretty wild photo which suggests that inhaling mold and mildew spores should be avoided. There's also lots of info on the website.

If an unreasonable landlord won't fix the problem, you may have legal recourse. You'll need to check with local officials or a lawyer. It may, however, be easiest to try to remediate the problem yourself, especially if all it takes is bleaching the walls or painting the cinder blocks with some waterproofing compound. Just make sure you use a good mask while you're working.

If the walls are wood or sheet rock (drywall), the problem gets a little more complicated and probably more expensive to solve. It can, of course, be solved, but not without effort by one or more reasonable people.

Answer 3

Follow all the advice already here AND keep records & receipts of any trips to the Doctor!

This is a serious problem. Should be LOTS of info about it through the internet, your Dr. office, the Health Dept.

You may even be able to SUE them!

Answer 4

do a search for tenant rights in the state you live in