There is mold on our bathroom ceiling, is it necessary to call the Health Department?

Question

I am an at will tenant. My roommates and I have repeatedly told our landlord that there is mold and periodically he will come to clean it up with some bleach. The ventilation fan is pretty much shot and makes a horrible screeching noise when we turn it on. It clearly doesn't work. He has acknowledged that we need a new bathroom, but hasn't done anything to expedite that process. After numerous complaints (and nothing being fixed), is it time to call the Health Dept.? I really want to avoid confrontation.

Answer 1

First of all, it is not mold. Its mildew caused from the trapped moisture from the bath or shower. Heat rises to the ceiling. You said the fan makes a noise when you turn it on, so I am assuming you quit using it. It may be working, just squeeking, so clean it and oil it. Its very simple and should be done once a month. Hair and dust can do this. In my rentals, this is the tenants responsibility. So is wiping down the bathroom and keeping it clean. This includes the ceiling. I have the same problem in my own home. The fan gets a build up of hair, hairspray and dust and wants to start making noise. Take the vent covering the fan off and clean it. Clean the blades of the fan and squirt some WD40 to make it easier for the blades to turn. Put the cover back on and you are all set. Then get out the mop and bucket. Fill the bucket half full and add 1/2 cup of bleach or amonia. Wear safety glasses so it doesnt drip in your eyes. (I had a nice little trip to the ER because I forgot the glasses). Now wipe down the ceiling.
Your landlord is NOT responsible for cleaniing your bathroom nor your exhaust fan. You are. Its called normal tenant maintenance.

Answer 2

Based on the information provided I am certain it is nothing to worry about. When a health department is 'surprised' you didn't bring your child and asks for samples when the child is already back to full health, that is very suspicious. It sounds like the health department were waiting for bad news all along. It's also quite suspicious how they cannot give you any information or additional details as to how you can avoid that particular virus. It's pretty much suspicious why they got involved in the first place. My advice, keep your child's immune system strong everyday. Organic food is the best way to go and always works. Stay away from the health department, I know it sounds crazy but the health system has been corrupted. You are perfectly right, this is about more than just a virus but that is a different story. But again stay healthy and you'll be just fine. Keep calm, take a moment to sink in all your information. Bad decisions are mostly made due to emotional reactions. You are perfectly fine, always go with your gut feeling. All the best.

Answer 3

you need bleach and water not a law suit. quit being lazy and clean your bathroom. if your that concerned go buy a new fan and put it in. it costs about 100 bucks for a fan. Then just deduct it from your next months rent with a receipt. the landlord may be mad but it you have it documented that you made several attempts to have this replaced you as a tenant can do it and bill him

Answer 4

If you want to avoid confrontation. Get your own spray bottle of bleach and water and spray it away.

Tell the landlord to put in a new fan in the bath or you'll do it yourself and deduct it from the rent.

Best of luck,

Answer 5

your landlord needs to fix the problem with the fan..it could just be harmless mold, but you wont know..i would just call the health dept and see what they have to say first before having someone come over..if your landlord doesnt fix the problem, then have the health dept come over

Answer 6

NO GET OUT A BOTTLE OF CLOROX AND A SPRAY BOTTLE SPRAY THE CEILING EVERY DAY FOR A WEEK OR SO IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM

Answer 7

If you have reason to believe it's unsafe, make the call.

Have you felt any symptoms?