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What Should I Do If I Have Mold but My Landlord Says It Is Not Mold?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Document the Evidence

Take clear photos and videos of the mold, including close-ups and wide shots that show the location. Note the date, time, and any musty smell. Save any email or text messages from your landlord about the mold. Written records help if you need to show the situation to a housing authority or a mold professional.

Keep a log of any symptoms you or your household experience, such as coughing, sneezing, or headaches. If anyone feels unwell, see a doctor. Your health matters, and a medical record can support your case. Do not clean the mold away before documenting it, as that removes evidence.

  • Photograph the mold from different angles
  • Note the size and color of the affected area
  • Save all written communication with your landlord
  • Record any health symptoms and dates
  • Keep receipts for any cleaning supplies you buy

Ask for a Professional Mold Test

Request in writing that your landlord hire a mold professional to test the area. A mold professional can identify the type of mold and determine if it is a health risk. If your landlord refuses, you may need to arrange your own testing, though that can cost money. The cost depends on the size of the area and the testing methods used.

A mold test can provide an objective answer to whether the substance is mold. Without a test, the disagreement may continue. In Detroit, where the humid continental climate can encourage mold growth in damp spaces, a professional opinion carries weight. Keep the test report for your records.

Check Your Lease and Local Laws

Read your lease carefully to see what it says about maintenance and mold. Many leases require the landlord to keep the property habitable. Local tenant laws in your area may also give you rights. You can contact a local housing authority or tenant rights group for guidance, but avoid legal advice from non-professionals.

If you live in Detroit, you can look up the city's housing codes online. These codes often require landlords to address moisture problems that lead to mold. Knowing your rights helps you respond to your landlord with confidence. If the mold is severe, you may have grounds to withhold rent, but only after following proper legal steps.

  • Review your lease for mold and maintenance clauses
  • Search for local tenant rights organizations
  • Contact your local housing authority for information
  • Look up your city's housing codes online
  • Consider consulting a tenant lawyer if the dispute escalates

Protect Your Health While Waiting

While you wait for a resolution, reduce your exposure to mold. Keep the affected area ventilated by opening windows if weather permits. Use a dehumidifier to lower indoor humidity. Avoid spending long periods in the room with mold, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Do not attempt to remove large areas of mold yourself, as that can release spores into the air. Small patches on hard surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water, but porous materials like drywall may need professional removal. If the mold is extensive, consider staying elsewhere temporarily if possible.

If Your Landlord Still Refuses

If your landlord continues to say it is not mold, you have a few options. You can file a complaint with your local health department or housing authority. They may inspect the property and issue a violation if they find a problem. This can pressure your landlord to act.

You can also hire a mold professional yourself for an inspection. The inspection results can be shared with your landlord. If the mold is causing health issues, a doctor's note may help. Keep all documents organized. If the situation becomes serious, you may need to consider breaking your lease, but check your lease terms first.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I break my lease because of mold?

In many places, a landlord must provide a habitable home. If mold makes the home unsafe, you may have legal grounds to break the lease. However, you must document the mold and give your landlord a chance to fix it. Check your lease and local laws before taking action.

Who pays for a mold test?

Usually the landlord pays if the mold is due to a maintenance issue. If your landlord refuses, you may pay for a test yourself. The cost depends on the size of the area and the testing method. A professional test can cost a few hundred dollars, but it provides a clear answer.

What if the mold is black mold?

Black mold is a common term for certain molds that can be dark in color. Not all dark mold is toxic, but any mold can cause health problems. A mold professional can identify the specific type. If you see black mold, take it seriously and seek professional advice.

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