Monthly Archives: April 2016

Tenants: Moving Out When Mold Moves In

Moving out when mold moves in is actually a tricky situation. Regardless of anything else, and no matter where you live, you can’t just drop everything and leave. There are certain protocols that must be adhered to before you can legally move out.

Notification

The first thing to do if mold is found, is to notify your landlord. This is an absolute must, and once notified the landlord must remedy the situation in a timely manner.

However, if you wait too long or know about leaking pipes or a high humidity situation, like when an exhaust fan in the bathroom goes out, you yourself might be held liable for the mold infestation. This is why it’s important to notify your landlord at the first sign of a problem, or the first sign of mold.

Moving Out

In most states, the landlord will have 30 days to rectify the problem, and if it poses a health risk, the landlord may relocate you to another apartment or a hotel room until the mold extermination has been finished.

If the mold is considered a health risk and your landlord does nothing, you may be able to legally break your lease and leave. Make sure to keep documentation, like pictures and video, in case you must prove your case in court.

If you have any questions about mold extermination issues in your residence, rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or do a free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.