What are my rights if my landlord keeps the basement locked?

Full question:

My landlord keeps the basement locked and I think he is concealing a mold problem that may be making me sick. What are my rights as a tenant?

Answer:

If you suspect your landlord is hiding a mold problem, you have rights as a tenant. Unhealthy living conditions, such as mold, can be reported to your local building or health department. They can investigate and take necessary actions to ensure your living environment is safe.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

No, a landlord cannot legally evict you for reporting mold or other health hazards. This would be considered retaliation, which is prohibited in many states. If you face eviction after reporting mold, you may have grounds to contest it. Always check your state's specific laws regarding tenant rights and retaliation.