Mold issues...

[kwaters81]

I am a current tenant at an apartment complex. A few months ago I found out there has been a problem with mold in the complex. Tenants have had mold visible growing and one tenant even had mold growing on the plastic in her nose after rhinoplasty. Since August I have had cold-like symptoms, fatigue, depression, and a chronic cough. I have always been a healthy individual and have never had a chronic sickness. I did mold tests on the air in my apartment and they came back with results of black mold and a rapid growth. My landlord bought me 2 air purifiers and paid for the tests. That was the last action taken. I have no been to the ER with symptoms of shortness of breath and my chronic cold-like symptoms. Because of being sick they gave me a few days off school and work. I got fired for calling off and now have to make-up days at school. I want to break my lease which is still in effect till August '09. The mold issues are severe enough for me to miss school and lose my job. I believe this is a sick building syndrome and need to know where I stand legally. Can I break the lease? Can I sue for lost income? Please someone help me!!!

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Was the mold testing done in a do-it-yourself kit or was it done by a professional?

The reason I ask is that mold has become such an overblown issue that the tendency to believe it's the cause of illness has swung to the "other side" when a tenant wants to break a lease.

Often home testing kits will not be consider acceptable evidence as a reason to break the lease should the landlord take the tenant to court for doing such.

gail

 

[presutin]

Also, you don't mention on your posting that you have documented your problems in writing with the landlord. That can be a huge issue when you present your case in court. Make sure you do so and that you give your landlord reasonable time to address the issue before you can make your case regarding a lease termination.

 

[kwaters81]

Yes, they were done with do-it-yourself kits, and yes, I have all correspondence in e-mail and saved in it's own folder. Should I see if a professional with come and check it out too?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Yes; this would be an excellent idea. Start by calling your local code inspection office and discussing the matter of mold testing with them.

Gail

 

[kwaters81]

ok...

Thank you for your feedback...I will update when I have had a chance to call the inspection office and have had testing for allergies done.