What to do when you find mold in a rental
Write it down and photograph it
Take dated photos of the growth, any stains, leaks or condensation, and anything damaged. Note when you first noticed it.
Notify the landlord in writing
Use the method your lease specifies, or email or a letter with a copy kept. Describe what you see and where, and ask for repair.
Limit the source if you can
Report active leaks immediately, run bath fans, and avoid blocking vents. Do not tear out materials yourself.
Keep a log
Record every message, visit, phone call and repair attempt, with dates.
Protect your health and belongings
Move belongings away from damp areas. If anyone has symptoms, talk with a doctor and keep any notes they give you.
Why Wheat Ridge rentals see the same problems repeatedly
Much of Wheat Ridge's rental housing is older: side-by-side duplexes, small brick apartment buildings from the 1960s and 1970s, and ranch homes with basements that were later divided into extra bedrooms. Garden-level and basement bedrooms are a frequent source of complaints because they are close to cold foundation walls, often have small windows, and may have been finished without moisture control.
In attached units, a leak in one unit can show up as mold in the neighbor's wall or ceiling. That makes clear written notice more important, because the landlord may need access to another unit to find the source.
Questions to ask the landlord or property manager
- What caused the moisture, and how will it be fixed?
- Who will do the mold removal, and will the area be contained?
- Will I need to stay elsewhere during the work, and for how long?
- Which of my belongings need to be moved, and where?
- Will I get a copy of the scope and any clearance or completion record?
For landlords and small property owners
- Respond in writing and schedule an inspection promptly
- Find and repair the moisture source before cosmetic repairs
- Use containment for anything larger than a small surface spot
- Keep tenants informed of dates and access needs
- Retain records of the cause, the work done and completion
Common questions
- Can I withhold rent because of mold?
- Colorado law sets specific procedures for habitability complaints, and withholding rent without following them can put a tenancy at risk. Get advice from a tenant rights organization or attorney first.
- Is the mold my fault if I did not use the bath fan?
- Tenant habits can contribute to condensation, and leases may address that. Leaks, failed plumbing and building defects are generally the owner's responsibility. Records help sort out which is which.
General information for Wheat Ridge, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.