Common Conditions FAQ: What Can I Do if I Have Mold?
Are you living in Mount Prospect and finding mold in your home? Don't worry; you're not alone, and you can take steps to address it!
- Let Your Landlord Know: The tenant should tell the landlord about the mold issue. If the Mount Prospect Residential Landlord and Tenant Regulations applies and the Village found a code violation, then the tenant can send a 7-day demand letter. Keep a copy for your records.
- Give Some Time: Your landlord needs time to fix the mold problem. If they don't act, things can escalate.
- Seek Village Inspection: If your landlord doesn't do anything about the mold, you can contact the Mount Prospect Code Enforcement Program. They might send someone to check the situation and tell your landlord to fix it.
- Assert Your Rights: If the mold problem is severe and your landlord doesn’t respond, you can withhold some of your rent money or terminate the lease. A 7-day letter must be sent before withholding rent. A 14-day letter must be sent before terminating the lease. It’s important to follow the rules carefully, so don’t hesitate to talk to a lawyer before you try this.
- Understand Lease Terms: Check if your lease talks about leaving during repairs. Usually, landlords can ask tenants to leave temporarily if repairs are hazardous or contractors need space. Remember, landlords must give two days’ notice before entering for repairs.
- Mold Testing: Testing is not a requirement, but you can test mold by buying a kit, hiring a professional, or reporting it to the Village of Mount Prospect. If the landlord pays for testing before repairs, they might charge you, as long as it’s not for repairs.
- Risk of Retaliation: If the landlord retaliates after you request repairs or file a complaint, then you may have options. For more information, read this article.
Remember to keep good records. Write down when you told your landlord, their responses, and what you did. This can be helpful if things get more severe and you need to show that you tried to solve the problem.
If the Mount Prospect Regulations does not protect you, there are other options available. Click here to learn more. Don’t hesitate to understand your rights and take action for a healthier living space.
The above article provides information about legal issues but is not the same as legal advice. Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific situation. The information in this article does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. Law Center for Better Housing cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information in this article and is not responsible for any consequences that may result from using it. You should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure the information in this article is appropriate for your specific situation. Using the information in this article does not create a relationship between Law Center for Better Housing and you as your attorney.