Landlord ignoring mold and pest issues — what's my recourse?
CAdeepwater1 month ago
Black mold in the bathroom, roach infestation. Reported in writing twice. Nothing. What do I do?
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✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
You have several tools — used in this rough order: (1) Written notice to the landlord (you have this — keep copies). (2) Call your city or county code-enforcement / health department. They inspect for free and issue notices of violation. The inspection report is gold in court. (3) Repair-and-deduct (very limited — generally up to one month's rent per repair, and only twice in 12 months, only for serious habitability issues, and only after reasonable time to fix). (4) Rent withholding (riskier — varies by state, sometimes requires escrowing the rent). (5) Affirmative lawsuit for damages and rent abatement. (6) Defense if the landlord then tries to evict you in retaliation. Mold and infestation are both habitability issues in nearly every state. Document everything with date-stamped photos and certified mail. Not advice for your specific case.
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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.