If you suspect that your rental property in Los Angeles has a mold problem, you will want to take action to mitigate the contamination, for the protection of occupants, before it can cause any serious health damage. The steps you can take to prevent a mold infestation from happening, or to address a problem that already exists, are outlined below.
1. Call the Landlord: Notify your landlord or property manager immediately and report your suspicions that you have a mold problem. Describe where you have seen mold growth and mention any problems with leaks or moisture issues.
2. Inspection Request: Ask that the landlord arrange for an independent inspection by a professional mold inspector or remediation specialist to determine what kind of mold exists and its potential sources (water damage, humidity, etc).
3. Document Evidence: Take pictures of the suspected mold and of any related water damage or moisture issues. Make copies of any correspondence with the landlord regarding the mold problem, such as communications through email or in writing.
4. Read your Lease Agreement: Read your lease agreement to understand your rights and obligations for the handling of a mold problem at the rental property. Some leases will confine the landlord’s obligations or impose requirements for handling mold remediation. For example, a lease might require the tenant to report the presence of a mold problem to the landlord in writing and permit the landlord some time to remedy the problem before the tenant takes further steps, remediation included.
5. Appeal to the Law: If the landlord fails to or refuses to fix the problem and you’re not in a position to pay to do it yourself, familiarise yourself with local laws regarding tenants’ rights and landlord-tenant relations. Depending on the nature of the mold problem and the strength of your rights under local law, you may be able to force your landlord to intervene and provide relief.
6. Avoid Health Risks: Until then, minimise exposure to mold by avoiding direct contact with moldy surfaces, keeping the affected area well ventilated, and if possible, relocating temporarily if the mold issue represents a health hazard, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems.
7. Contact a Lawyer: If your landlord has not remedied a mold issue or you and your landlord are disagreeing about who should pay for remediation, contact your local tenant rights attorney or a housing advocacy organisation to discuss your rights and potential recourse.
Dealing with mold in a rental context often involves collaboration between tenants and landlords so that, if mold is identified, it’s properly remediated and the property restored to being a ‘fit and habitable premises’, per the LAHD. By taking the right steps, you can protect your rights as a tenant and effectively deal with a mold problem.