At Fox & Moghul, we frequently get contacted by tenants asking questions along the lines of “How long does a landlord have to fix a mold problem?” or “How their lease is is affect if their landlord does not fix the mold problem in time?” These problems are commonplace in the areas around Virginia because of the warm and humid climate there. The humidity in the air can promote the development of a toxic material on the walls of the house mainly known as “mold.” Even if that is not the case, there can be roof leaks or leakage problems related to air conditioning or occasional water pipe bursts that can seep the water into the walls causing the formation of mold. Mold is consider as toxic and it can cause complicated health issues and every tenant is rightful in their worry. In this article we will explain the details of your stand point as a tenant if you have a mold problem and your landlord isn’t taking it seriously. We will explain the legal actions that you can take to fix the problem.
How long does a landlord have to fix a mold problem?
Under Virginia’s state laws for rental property “Mold problem” is consider under the repairs and maintenance of a rental property. The laws require you to give adequate time to your landlord to make repairs to the property and get the require maintenance work do before you have a legal position to take an action against the landlord.
If the problem is serious, such as short circuitry or heater problems then the landlord have a few hours if not a couple of days to make the required repairs. If the problem can take time on the part of the landlord, such as in case of mold then you should give a few days (at least 10-15 days) to the landlord to fix the problem. According to the law taking more than 30 days to make repairs and maintaining the property is unreasonable and then you have a legal position to take your landlord to the court to break the lease.
With that said it is necessary for you to issue your landlord a carefully drafted notice. About the maintenance issues rather than just talking to them about the problems. The time for your landlord to fix the problem starts after they have received your notice. Furthermore, you must also give your landlord permission to enter your. Home to make the repairs and maintenance and at your notice. You must also let them know about the time. And dates that you will be available for them to make the repairs. Generally speaking, the landlord has a time limit of 7 days to start. Making the repairs and the repairs can take longer than 7 days depending on the severity of the mold issue. The landlords are also liable for compensating. You for any damage done to your personal belongings and your own self. That were a result of the repairs and maintenance. If you’re looking for a bit of personal legal advice on the issue. Kindly get in touch with us so we can discuss your issue in detail.
