lawyer who deals with tenant leasing issues mold and mildew

by Clifford Wehner 3 min read

What to do if there is mold in a lease?

Feb 09, 2021 · A mold attorney will be a personal injury lawyer with experience in toxic mold claims. Toxic mold claims are complex and require a great deal of expertise. There are multiple areas of law that may be involved, including breach of contract claims and personal injury claims.

Is a landlord responsible for mold problems?

Code §§ 1102-1102.17 (2021).) California law requires landlords to provide tenants with a written disclosure, prior to signing a rental agreement, when they know, or have reason to know, that mold exceeds permissible exposure limits or poses a health threat. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 26147 (2021).) Although the law allows for the adoption ...

Can a mold attorney help me with a toxic mold claim?

Jul 08, 2017 · If you suspect you have mold in your real estate property, call attorney Jacqueline Salcines right away. Often if handled from the beginning, there are no delays and the issue can be resolved immediately. We can review your lease at no cost to you and advise what is the best course of action.

What are the legal options for a tenant after a mold outbreak?

Florida law allows landlords to do this, provided they give the tenant a required notice with written explanation of the mold damage costs (along with any other claimed damages) within 30 days of the tenant's lease termination. If the tenant doesn't object (within 15 days), then you must return the remainder of the deposit to the tenant within ...

Tenant Self-Help Strategies in California

Courts in California have recognized two common legal self-help strategies that some tenants choose to pursue following a mold outbreak in their ap...

Landlord Liability For Mold in California

There is currently no federal law covering a landlord's responsibilities when it comes to mold. Also, aside from disclosure requirements (as discus...

Mold Disclosure Requirements in California

California requires sellers of residential buildings with up to four units to disclose in writing any known hazardous conditions, including mold (C...

Deducting Mold-Related Costs from Security Deposits in California

If you believe a departing tenant caused a mold problem (beyond ordinary wear and tear) in an apartment or rental unit, you may wish to deduct the...

Why is mold growing in my house in Florida?

Due to the warm and humid climate in South Florida, it is common for tenants to have roof leaks, air conditioning leaks and pipe bursts all of which introduces water into the property. Once water breaches the inside of the property and it is not immediately dried out and left untreated, it can result in the growth of toxic black mold.

Can I send a letter to my landlord?

It is fine to send the letter in other ways such as e-mail or text in addition to the certified letter. We recommend that you use this form when giving the landlord the written notice. It is very important to be a specific as possible when providing the landlord with written notice.

Do landlords have to make repairs to a house?

Under the law, landlords are not required to make any repairs to the property unless and until the tenant notifies the landlord in writing. It is very important that you give the landlord the notice to the address as required in your lease.

What is mold attorney?

A mold attorney will be a personal injury lawyer with experience in toxic mold claims. Toxic mold claims are complex and require a great deal of expertise. There are multiple areas of law that may be involved, including breach of contract claims and personal injury claims.

What is the California mold protection act?

California is one of those states, with the Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001, it established mold remediation standards for contractors, owners, and landlords. The Act also requires landlords disclose suspected and/or known mold problems to current and prospective tenants.

What is mold in a house?

Mold is an organism that develops in places where there is excessive moisture. This can happen when a home or building experiences a water leak such as a pip leak, a flood, a roof leak, or any other way in which water can enter. Mold can cause property damage. Mold removal, also called mold remediation, can be costly and time consuming ...

Where does mold grow?

Common places for mold to grow in a building are: In an air conditioning unit; In a basement that has flooded; Beneath a refrigerator; Beneath a bathroom or kitchen sink; Around windows that leak; On a shower curtain; In a humidifier;

What are the two types of mold?

Two types of mold, stachybotrys chartarum and toxigenic aspergillus, may cause adverse reactions in individuals. These are the types of mold attorneys and mold remediation companies often refer to as toxic mold. Adverse reactions to these molds can lead to life threatening issues.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold remediation?

Mold problems can also occur in areas that have experienced water damage. Many times, mold remediation will be covered under a homeowners insurance policy under water damage.

What is black mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum is what most individuals are referring to when they say “black mold.”. It has a dark green or black appearance. The mold produces spores which are released into the air as it feeds on organic material in the building or home, such as drywall or carpet.

Where does mold grow?

A top environmental hazard, mold thrives in warm, damp places, and often grows quickly in basements, attics, and other parts of buildings with poor ventilation and humidity problems . Although mold is often associated with buildings in wet climates, no rental property is immune from a mold outbreak, as one can occur following an unattended spill, ...

Can you deduct cleaning costs from security deposit?

If you believe a departing tenant caused a mold problem (beyond ordinary wear and tear) in an apartment or rental unit, you might wish to deduct the cost of cleaning from that tenant's security deposit.

Is mold a federal law?

There is currently no federal law covering a landlord's responsibilities when it comes to mold. Also, aside from disclosure requirements (as discussed below), California doesn't have any laws that specifically address a landlord's duties or liability when it comes to mold prevention and remediation. In San Francisco, however, mold is ...

What is the legal strategy for mold in an apartment?

(Note that regardless of what may appear in a written lease with tenants, landlords in Florida are bound by the "implied warranty of habitability," a legal doctrine that requires providing tenants with apartments in livable condition.) The second strategy, known as "repair and deduct, " involves tenants taking care of mold cleanup on their own and then subtracting the cost from their rent.

Where does mold grow?

A top environmental hazard, mold thrives in warm, damp places, and often grows quickly in basements, attics, and other parts of buildings with poor ventilation and humidity problems . Although mold is often associated with buildings in wet climates, no rental property is immune from a mold outbreak, as one can occur following an unattended spill, ...

How long does it take to return a security deposit in Florida?

If the tenant doesn't object (within 15 days), then you must return the remainder of the deposit to the tenant within 30 days of the date of your written explanation (Fla. Stat. Ann. § § 83.49). For more information about security deposits in Florida, check out Florida Security Deposit Limits and Deadlines.

Does Florida require landlords to disclose mold?

Florida doesn't have any statutes or regulations that require landlords to disclose high concentrations of mold in rental properties to prospective tenants or buyers. Also, while federal law requires disclosures about lead paint, it doesn't impose a similar duty on landlords when it comes to mold.

Is mold a federal law in Florida?

There is currently no federal law covering a landlord's responsibilities when it comes to mold. Also, Florida doesn't have any laws that specifically address a landlord's duties or liability when it comes to mold prevention and remediation.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any harm you suffered. One option is to hire a lawyer to sue the landlord in court.

What happens if a landlord doesn't maintain the property?

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring repair job could spark an electrical fire in your living room, damaging your furniture and other belongings.

What to do if landlord serves termination notice?

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a local lawyer that is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant law and has significant experience fighting evictions.

What to do if landlord evicts you?

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hands—for example, by locking you out, canceling your utilities, or even removing your doors, windows, or possessions—consider hiring a lawyer.

What happens if you don't have renters insurance?

If you have renter's insurance, your insurance company will cover the loss and its lawyers will then seek reimbursement from your landlord. If you don't have insurance or have inadequate coverage and the damage to your property is substantial, consider hiring a lawyer to help you obtain reimbursement from your landlord.

What is tenant rights?

The more you know the law and your legal rights, the better. The Tenant Rights section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website provides a wide variety of state and local resources, including links to fair housing groups, rent control boards, tenant unions, and legal aid organizations for each state ;

What happens if your landlord doesn't fulfill your lease?

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the landlord who keeps putting off needed heating system repairs until winter is well under way, or the landlord who ignores a ground-floor tenant's requests to fix a broken window until a burglary occurs.

What is the responsibility of a tenant?

You, as the tenant, are responsible to maintain reasonable health, cleanliness and sanitary standards throughout the rental unit and residential property. If you’re dealing with mold that you believe is not your fault, take lots of pictures and document everything including conversations with your landlord.

How to withhold rent?

There are very few situations in which a tenant is allowed to withhold the rent. These are: 1 By order of the Residential Tenancy Branch 2 When the landlord agrees in writing 3 When the landlord illegally increases the rent 4 When the landlord does not reimburse the tenant for emergency repairs after receiving the written account and receipts.

Can a tenant withhold rent?

There are very few situations in which a tenant is allowed to withhold the rent. These are: By order of the Residential Tenancy Branch. When the landlord agrees in writing. When the landlord illegally increases the rent.