Mold and the Landlord/Tenant Act
Nowhere in the Landlord/Tenant Act is mold mentioned. Can a tenant break a lease because of mold? Does the landlord have to remove the mold for the tenant? Can the tenant withhold rent due to the mold? Suppose the tenant’s actions or inactions cause the mold problem? Can we simply terminate the tenancy because of the mold? These are tough questions in an incredibly grey area.
83.52 Tenant's obligation to maintain dwelling unit. The tenant at all times during the tenancy shall:
(1) Comply with all obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building, housing, and health codes.
(2) Keep that part of the premises which he occupies and uses clean and sanitary.
(3) Remove from his dwelling unit all garbage in a clean and sanitary manner.
(4) Keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or used by the tenant clean and sanitary and in repair.
(5) Use and operate in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances, including elevators.
(6) Not destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or property therein belonging to the landlord nor permit any person to do so…
Proper wording in a Mold Addendum could be the answer. Since mold can be a serious problem requiring the landlord to terminate the tenancy, we recommend that the parties agree by way of the Mold Addendum that the tenancy can be terminated in the event of a mold situation. Many leases have clauses which allow termination in the event of damage to or destruction of the premises. The Mold Addendum clause deals exclusively and specifically with termination due to mold. Can the tenant terminate if there is mold? While it is not mentioned in our sample clause, the answer is yes. If a landlord receives notice of mold from the tenant and the landlord does not rectify the situation within 7 days, the tenant by law can most likely terminate the tenancy or withhold rent.
Reprinted with the permission of the Law Offices of Heist, Weisse, Davis & Wolk 1.800.253.8428
JCG Property Management is a Fort Lauderdale based company. Janice Correale Gomez is a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker located on the 17th Street Causeway. Visit www.fortlauderdalepropertymanagement.com or call Janice at 954.562.8210
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