What should tenants do if they suspect their rental unit has health hazards like mold?

When tenants suspect that their rental unit has health hazards such as mold, reporting the issue to the landlord immediately in writing is crucial. This action ensures that there is an official record of the concern, which is important for both the tenant's safety and any future legal considerations. By notifying the landlord promptly, tenants enable them to take the necessary steps to investigate and address the problem effectively.

Proper communication through written notice also demonstrates that the tenant is acting responsibly and is aware of their rights regarding safe living conditions. It allows the landlord the opportunity to remedy the situation, which is often required by state laws regarding habitability and necessary repairs. This proactive approach helps protect the tenant's health and can prevent further issues related to property conditions and legal responsibilities.

In contrast, ignoring the issue could lead to worsening conditions that impact health and safety, while trying to remediate it themselves might not resolve the problem adequately and could even create liability issues. Waiting for inspections without proactively reporting the problem may delay necessary action to ensure the unit is safe.