Landlord, Rent, and Mold

Eradicator receives most of its clients from organizations and individuals that are buying and selling properties. Many of these abnormal mold scenarios are often highlighted by home inspectors who have been asked to assess the property to determine its actual value. If mold activity is noticed the home inspector will suggest that the client consult with a certified mold inspection company to determine the scope of the problem and to have it resolved in its entirety. This is mandatory before the property may be purchased or sold. In the case where an individual is renting from a landlord here are some additional information to be aware of. 

Tenants have rights

Unfortunately, the other scenario are tenants of apartment complexes that are forced to deal with mold issues. These individuals often are forced to rely on the assistance of their landlord to attend to and fix these issues. Many times, these individuals are unaware of how to get the proper assistance as they may be neglected, or their concerns not attended to in a timely manner. This is further highlighted in a study done by Seton Hall University School of Law and published on NJ.com on October 2016. The study concluded that “Most tenants living without heat or hot water, with mold or rodent infestations, or in other substandard conditions are overwhelmingly unaware of their legal rights.”

Tenants should be aware

The study also highlighted that “…of the 40,000 residential eviction proceedings carried out in Essex County in 2014, only 80 of the tenants used what is called the “implied warranty of habitatability” defense, which allows for tenants to legally withhold rent if they are subjected to substandard living conditions.” Additionally, this is highlighted by the NJ Department of Community Affairs Landlord/Tenant information that states that “A tenant has the responsibility to pay the full amount of rent on time. An owner has the responsibility to maintain the dwelling in a livable condition.”

Eradicator is aware that sub par living conditions may be frustrating. Unfortunately even though within New Jersey “There are no regulations by a state agency regarding mold,” there are options available. Ideally your home is a place where one should be at peace. If there are conditions that prevents this from occurring, then it is essential to contact your landlord to have these issues resolved within a reasonable time frame. If the mold activity is not resolved timely then this issue may become unrestorable.  If you have determined that your requests are not being attended to then we suggest gathering all the necessary evidence needed to represent your case. This will be essential when contacting the organizations that will assist with getting results. We may assist by providing clients that are experiencing these issues with mold testing results and a proposal. This will be necessary to have your apartment brought back to a normal level of fungal activity. Feel free to contact us. We will help ensure that your apartment, no matter the size, is a home; and your voice, no matter how soft, is heard.