Break Dani's Lease: Mold Is Affecting Health

Hello, I’m Dani. I’m trying to break my lease due to an ongoing mold problem. I have severe asthma and allergies and have been experiencing complications due to my current living conditions, including daily use of my rescue inhaler and nebulizer since April. At the beginning of May is when my cat also started showing symptoms of mold exposure such as sneezing and coughing fits and eventually leading to hair loss around her neck and ears.

I started experiencing mold issues in my apartment at the beginning of May. On May 5, I contacted my complex asking them to treat my unit; however, I did not hear back from them until May 9, when I was told to submit a maintenance request. Unfortunately, they did not respond to my request until May 20. By this point, the mold had visibly spread across the bottom of my wall. The maintenance performed was ineffective as they only replaced the drywall and painted over any visible water damage on the trim. The insulation was left, and no inspection of the interior of the wall was done. They did nothing to stop the water from entering my wall from the outside, and by June 9, there was already visible mold growth on the new drywall.

When I asked them if I could move units because I’m asthmatic, they pushed back, saying I hadn’t given them an opportunity to remedy the situation and refused my request. I have been dealing with this for two months and have accepted that they will not be fixing the issue. I have contacted legal officials and filed complaints; however, I do not have the funds to go to court or move out. Due to the location of the mold, I will have to throw out my couch, dining table, dresser, and bookshelf. I need $3,000 to break my lease with no negative impact on my renter's history.