Apartment and Rental Properties - landlord ignor mold issues in my apartment

I have been living where the slumlord is irnoring the mold issue in my apartment.

I have decided to with hold rents for this month because of the mold issue and wrote a letter of complaint. I also contact the Broward County indoor health department with regards to the mold.

That's really bad that the landlord is not responding to a mold issue. I think you did the right thing by contacting the health department.

A word of warning, though. Most states have very strict laws regarding withholding rent; I hope you have looked into that. It's usually not as simple as just not payng the rent and I would hate to see you become the bad guy in the eyes of the court trying to get the landlord to do the right thing.

I would be careful, he could just evict you for with holding rent. The correct action would of been to write a letter to the landlord AND the health department at the same time before you with held rent.

Yes, withholding rent is almost always a violation of the lease and grounds for the landlord to evict you. I know from experience in Minnesota you can only legally withhold the rent by placing it in escrow with an attorney. The health department is the place to go for resolution of this if your landlord won't cooperate. Keep paying your rent.

As a landlord, I know this is a "hot topic" among tenants now... Some are genuinely (if needlessly) concerned, and others are simply viewing it as a way to scam the landlord.

Most "deadly black mold" is actually harmless mildew which is eradicated with bleach. Open a window and clean up water after showering. Most bathrooms have this to some degree, and MOST basements aren't absolutely bone dry. If every rental property with any moisture in the basement were shut down, there would soon be precious few apartment to rent.

Many landlords are now including a "mold" clause in the leases relieving them of responsibility from such claims.

I plan to add it to mine in the near future. I'm sure your landlord would be willing to let you out of the lease; ask.

you can never really hold rent. its against most state laws. calling the boh was the right call. they can advise you on what to do next. id send that money out asap if you want to stay living their. with holding rent is a very serious move with very serious consiquences. god help you if you have the house gone through by the boh and nothing turns up. in ma. you can get evicted and hit with triple damages (rent with held) .