Black Mold & a California Landlord
by Paddy O'Furniture (2019-03-17 14:38:01)

....walk into a bar.

Not really, but someone else would have likely posted that if I hadn't.

So here's the deal.
The Landlady is re-doing the downstairs bathroom and when they left the walls barren, we saw what looked like black mold and called it to her attention. She said, in her authentic Korean accent, "I take it care of."

She did alright.... she covered it up with the new bathroom shower. Nothing else done.

What kind of legal specialist should we seek?


She's been getting out of hand lately. Coming in annannunced. Decided on construction without telling us, ordered construction during sleeptime and when told "this isn't acceptable" she had the guys continue on. Didn't tell us of the water shutoff at all, let alone in advance.

If I were a landlord, I would hope I would do the following for my tenants:
Give them 60 days heads up that there was to be necessary work done.
Ask what their schedules are so I could conveniently arrange the work around it.
Find out how I could make the interruption easier for them.
Communicate everything in writing, after letting them know in person.
Give them a written schedule.

Am I nuts?

I've been staying at a friends hows the last couple of days and need to figure out if it's OK to sleep in a house that has black mold.


I represent tenants in situations like this.
by sayahailmary (click here to email the poster)  (2019-03-18 01:23:20)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Feel free to contact me, email below. I’m in Orange County. If you are up north, I can still give you some help or point you in the right direction. My principal concern is that mold that was once encapsulated in walls was disturbed and became airborne, which would potentially have some adverse health consequences.


unintended consequence
by johneye  (2019-03-18 00:49:53)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Consider that if you report this to the authorities, that they may declare the unit "unfit for human habitation" and decide you cant live there anymore. Best to arrange for somewhere else to live I would think. I don't see any real win by staying in a place where your landlord sucks (wont change) or the environment is potentially toxic. (wont change without making your unit unlivable it seems). I would start looking now, then report it if I need to break my lease. Photos would be a good idea.


Lots of options. Call an attorney *
by airborneirish  (2019-03-17 20:45:19)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


I feel for you
by GU82ND4ever  (2019-03-17 15:16:18)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

You might’ve seen it already, but the link might be helpful re mold treatment under CA law. Fwiw when I rented, the only time I can remember a landlord coming into my apartment without permission was when a fire sprinkler in the unit above mine burst, and they needed immediate access to prevent damage to my bathroom and property inside. Your lease should spell those terms out (unannounced entry, repair responsibilities).

The lawyers on board here can answer further, but speaking as a longtime renter, I would definitely document her actions and get everything in writing. And no, you’re not nuts, but you may need someone who specializes in landlord-tenant law.