For many renters, this is a serious problem. Especially during the hot summer months, getting mold in your apartment and forcing your landlord to fix it is not as easy as it sounds.
Cane In Your Corner We receive many complaints about living conditions from renters.
If you live in New York City, the answer is clear: landlords with buildings with three or more apartments need to keep them mold-free.
Elsewhere, it’s a little trickier. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut all have laws that say apartments must be safe to live in, but like lead, there are no legal limits on mold. Each case must be handled individually.
So what do you do when black mold occurs in your apartment?
Experts say the first step is to notify your landlord. If they don’t fix it, you can call your local health or building department or go to court.You can sue for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, mold usually has to be the landlord’s fault, not the result of something you did. There’s a right way and a wrong way to withhold rent, so if you’re thinking of doing it, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer first. If you do it wrong, you may be kicked out.
Cane In Your Corner.