Use this letter when you find mold in your home — on walls or ceilings, around windows, or under sinks — especially if it keeps coming back or is caused by a leak or poor ventilation you can't fix yourself. Putting it in writing gives your landlord formal notice of the problem and gives you a record if you later need a housing inspector, a rent reduction, or another remedy.
[YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_ADDRESS] [YOUR_CITY], [YOUR_STATE] [YOUR_ZIP] [DATE] [LANDLORD_NAME] [PROPERTY_MANAGEMENT_COMPANY] (if applicable) [LANDLORD_ADDRESS] [LANDLORD_CITY], [LANDLORD_STATE] [LANDLORD_ZIP] Re: Mold in Rental Unit — Request for Repair Rental Unit: [UNIT_ADDRESS], Unit [UNIT_NUMBER] Dear [LANDLORD_NAME], I am writing to report mold in my rental unit and to ask that it be properly repaired. Where the mold is: 1. [LOCATION_1 — e.g., "Bathroom ceiling above the shower, an area about 2 feet by 3 feet."] 2. [LOCATION_2 — e.g., "Inside the bedroom closet, along the bottom of the outside wall."] What seems to be causing it: [LIKELY_SOURCE — e.g., "a leak from the unit above," "the bathroom fan does not work," or "water coming in around the bedroom window when it rains." If you don't know, say so.] I first noticed the mold on [DATE_NOTICED] and [reported it to [PERSON] on [DATE] / am reporting it for the first time in this letter]. [OPTIONAL — "The mold is affecting my household's health: [brief description, e.g., my child's asthma has gotten worse]."] I am asking you to: 1. Find and fix the source of the moisture. 2. Have the mold removed and any damaged materials (drywall, carpet, caulk) replaced. 3. Let me know in writing when the work will be done. Please complete the repair by [REQUESTED_DEADLINE]. I will provide access with the notice required by my lease and [STATE] law. I have attached dated photos of each area. If the problem isn't addressed, I may contact [LOCAL_HOUSING_OR_HEALTH_DEPARTMENT] and pursue the other remedies available to me under [STATE] law. You can reach me at [YOUR_PHONE] or [YOUR_EMAIL]. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] Enclosures: Photos dated [DATES]
Replace all [PLACEHOLDER] fields with your actual information before sending.
Photograph every patch of mold with something for scale (a coin or a ruler) and the date visible, before anything is cleaned.
Say where the moisture seems to come from — a leak, a broken fan, a window. Removing mold without fixing the moisture means it comes back.
Don't paint over mold or tear out materials yourself; that can destroy your evidence and spread spores.
If anyone in the home has asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system, say so — and keep any doctor's notes.
Set a reasonable deadline, and a shorter one for large areas or an active leak.
Send it in a way you can prove — certified mail, or email plus a copy through the tenant portal — and keep copies.
If your landlord doesn't act, a local housing or health inspector can inspect and create an official record.
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