Hi...I am a single mom w/2 little kids. We are in an older apartment since summer, frame outside and plaster inside, tile throughout on floors. It is a duplex type, one of about 6 units on the property with oak trees growing over top so the unit is pretty shady.
About 2 months ago when the weather got colder we noticed a sudden and dramatic mold growth, at least 3 types on walls, window sills, window ac unit, floors, and all over personal items throughout the apartment as well as on the front screen porch. (Thick green fur on my leather sandals in closet, lots of stuffed toys, clothing and linens w/black spots, green and black mold on window sills and spots on walls etc.) as well as a VERY nasty smell throughout the house. So far I have lost items to the tune of about $1600!
When I asked the property manager on the phone if there had ever been a problem with mold, she told me no--yet when the handy man came out with his bleach bottle to "fix" the problem, he immediately told me they had the same problem with the other unit next door in the same small building. They blamed it on the tenants "not properly airing out the bathroom when they showered" and the landlady actually tried to make me believe that in our case it was caused as a result of having 3 people in a 1-bedroom "and we have a lot of stuff." This sounds ludicrous to me.
So far they have put in a bathroom fan and had someone come out and supposedly spray to clean the mold--but they left the big mold spot on the closet floor so they obviously didn't do a very good job. The mold immediately came back, only worse--it now looks like it is growing through the wall in the living room in a big patch about 2 to 3 feet square, as well as attacking the box spring on my bed and the leather knife covers in my kitchen drawer--not to mention small black spots on walls in every room. Every time I use the window heater the windows are completely covered inside with condensation so heavy it runs down like rain.
As of yesterday they came out and put in a dehumidifier unit and sprayed again--but when I came home today the big mold spot was STILL on the closet floor and they were unable to clean all the dark discoloration from the living room wall.
I have withheld rent for Jan and Feb and sent her 2 certified letters so far, requesting a professional mold inspection to make it livable if possible as I can't afford to move. So far I've gotten a sinus infection requiring antibiotics and both my kids have been coughing for about 2 weeks although they never get sick as a rule.
Here's my question: What do I do to protect my family, make them replace my damaged items, and get to a safe place?
Any advice would be much appreciated as I'm at my wits end. I've talked to the health dept in Tallahassee and they told me which statute to quote in my letters--but I'm not sure what my rights are at this point.
Thanks in advance for your input!
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HELP I am a renter with a huge mold problem!
Do some self testing to provide evidence
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