What can I do regarding issues with mold and other things in my new apartment?
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What can I do regarding issues with mold and other things in my new apartment?
We moved into our new apartment almost a week ago. Upon paying the security deposit, we left a list of things
with our leasing agent/maintainence guy that needed to be taken care of before we moved in, including a moldy
situation under the sink. We were assured that these things would be taken care of. They were not, most
specifically the mold under the sink was just covered up with a board. I immediatley allerted my landlord and they
are not taking care of the situation. We were also lied to that the mold had been tested and cleaned up. I have this
in writing in an email. I’m pretty much ready to find a new place.
Asked on June 10, 2017 under Real Estate Law, Colorado
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
IF the mold and/or other issues actually impair habitability--make the unit unsafe to live in or unfit for habitation--and your landlord has not addressed the issue(s) despite written notice and a reasonable amount of time to do so, you may be able to terminate the lease early under the doctrine of "constructive eviction"--i.e. under the idea that you have been forced out (evicted) by unhealthy conditions.
But bear in mind that this is a risky strategy: if you move out on this basis and the landlord sues you for the rent, if a court disagrees with you and decides that the premises was still fit to be lived in (not perfect, but safe to inhabit), then you could be held liable for up to all the unpaid rent for the remainder of the lease term, even if you have moved out.
Safer might be to withhold rent until the conditions are fixed. Again, first make sure the landlord had written notice of the issues and a chance to address them. Then if he doesn't, withhold part or all of the rent; *important*--keep the withheld rent safe and available. When he tries to evict for nonpayment, tell the court you have the money and did pay because the landlord refused to fix mold, etc. If the court agrees with you, it can order the repairs be done and that the landlord only get the rent when they are. If the court disagrees, you'll have to pay the rent to avoid eviction--but because you kept the rent safe, you can do this.
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