Are tenants or landlords responsible for black mold?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for black mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture. In your JVC apartment, the location on the bathroom wall strongly suggests a leak from plumbing or a condensation issue from the AC unit, which is the landlord's structural responsibility to fix.

Tenants are typically responsible for mold caused by their own negligence, like failing to use bathroom ventilation. Landlords are responsible for fixing the underlying cause—leaking pipes, faulty AC drainage, or building envelope defects—which is what allows the mold to grow. The high humidity here exacerbates any existing moisture problem.

Formally notify your landlord in writing with photos, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this only addresses the surface and the root cause will make it return. For a confirmed leak or to document the issue for your landlord, a professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source. In cases of significant growth, remediation by a certified company is advised to prevent spores from spreading.