Mold in Rentals: Tenant & Landlord Responsibilities
Mold grows where there is moisture: leaks, condensation and poor ventilation. It can trigger asthma and allergies, and damage a home. In a rental, both tenants and landlords have a part in preventing and fixing it.
- Tenants
- Landlords
- Property Managers
The key is moisture
Fix the water problem, and mold cannot grow. Cleaning mold without fixing the cause means it will return. See Mold at Home and Mold.
What tenants can do
- Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans or open windows when showering and cooking.
- Wipe up spills and condensation, dry wet items quickly and don't leave wet clothes lying around.
- Keep humidity below about 50 percent; a small humidity meter helps.
- Leave space between furniture and exterior walls so air can move.
- Clean small areas of surface mold (under about 10 square feet) with detergent and water, wearing gloves, eye protection and a mask. Dry the surface fully. Do not mix cleaners, especially bleach and ammonia. See Household Chemicals.
- Report leaks and moldy areas promptly in writing and keep copies and photos. Email creates a record.
What landlords should do
- Keep the building weather-tight and dry: fix roof, plumbing, window and drain leaks quickly. See Landlord Safety Duties.
- Provide working ventilation, such as bath fans, and a reasonable heating system.
- Respond to tenant reports within a reasonable time, find the moisture source and dry or replace wet materials, usually within 24 to 48 hours of a leak to prevent growth.
- Hire qualified contractors for larger mold. See Mold Remediation.
- Follow local disclosure, notice and habitability laws. Some places have specific mold rules, and most treat serious mold as a habitability problem.
Health
People with asthma, allergies, weak immune systems, infants and older adults are most sensitive. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, eye or skin irritation. See a doctor if you have symptoms, and tell them about the mold. Large or long-lasting mold, or a musty smell with a history of flooding, deserves professional help.
When the problem is not fixed
- Send a written notice describing the problem, with photos and a deadline
- Contact the local health department or housing code enforcement for an inspection
- Ask a legal aid office or tenant organization about your rights. Rules vary on repairs, rent reduction or ending a lease. See Tenant Safety Rights
- Do not stop paying rent or make big repairs on your own without learning the local rules first
- Landlords generally cannot retaliate against a tenant for reporting a health or safety violation
Standards & references
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