Know Your Mold Rights in Los Angeles
California & Los Angeles Mold Laws:
Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities
What the Law Requires — Landlord Duties & State Standards
Residential Properties
In California, rental housing must be kept livable. This is called the “implied warranty of habitability.” If a rental unit has significant mold growth caused by leaks, dampness, or other building problems, it may be considered uninhabitable. When that happens, the landlord is legally required to correct the issue.
State law (Civil Code §§1941–1942 and SB 655) also recognizes visible mold, excessive dampness, or mold odors as conditions that can make a home “substandard.” Landlords must handle these issues unless the problem is minor (such as a little mildew in a shower) or caused by the tenant’s own neglect.
California law also requires landlords to disclose known mold hazards to new tenants and to provide renters with an informational booklet on mold and dampness prepared by the Department of Public Health.
Commercial Properties
Commercial leases are treated differently. Unlike homes, business properties are not covered by the warranty of habitability. Most mold responsibilities in commercial rentals come down to what the lease says. Unless a lease agreement specifically requires the landlord to handle mold, tenants usually must manage the problem themselves—unless the mold is so severe it violates workplace safety standards (Cal/OSHA) or building codes.
Los Angeles County Rules
Los Angeles County enforces state standards and adds its own tenant protections. County guidelines say that landlords must keep units free from health hazards, including mold. The Department of Public Health can inspect properties and order landlords to make repairs when mold is found to be a risk to residents.
Tenants in LA County who discover mold should:
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Notify the landlord in writing. Be specific about the problem and request prompt repairs.
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Contact LA County Public Health at 888-700-9995 if the landlord doesn’t take action.
Inspectors can investigate and require repairs.
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Use legal remedies if necessary. California law allows tenants, under certain conditions, to repair and deduct costs, withhold rent, or move out if a landlord refuses to correct dangerous conditions.
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Relocation assistance may apply. In some cases, if mold remediation makes a unit unlivable for a period of time, landlords may be required to cover temporary relocation costs under local or rent-control rules.
Tenant Responsibilities
While landlords carry most of the legal duty, tenants also play a role:
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Use ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture.
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Report leaks, water damage, and visible mold promptly.
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Keep the rental clean and avoid behaviors that cause excess dampness.
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Landlord Responsibilities: Mold in California Rental Properties
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Under California tenant law, every rental unit must be safe and livable. This is known as the implied warranty of habitability. When mold is present due to leaks, poor ventilation, or water damage, the rental may be legally considered uninhabitable.
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State law (Civil Code §§1941–1942 and SB 655) states that visible mold, mold odors, or persistent dampness can classify a home as “substandard housing.” In those cases, the landlord is required to take action. Minor mold that builds up in naturally damp places, like a shower, may fall under the tenant’s responsibility—but serious or structural mold issues are the landlord’s duty to fix.
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Landlords in California are also required to:
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Disclose known mold problems to new renters.
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Provide tenants with the state’s official mold and dampness information booklet created by the California Department of Public Health.
Key Difference Between Residential and Commercial
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Residential tenants: Strong protections under state and local law. Landlords must fix serious mold problems, disclose known issues, and keep units habitable.
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Commercial tenants: Limited protections. Responsibilities are mostly determined by the lease and general health/safety codes.
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Bottom Line: Know Your Mold Rights in Los Angeles
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Residential tenants are strongly protected by California mold laws and Los Angeles County enforcement.
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Commercial tenants should carefully review their lease, since their rights depend mostly on the contract.
If you’re a renter in Los Angeles dealing with mold, remember: landlords are required to provide a safe, habitable home. Tenants have the right to demand repairs, call public health inspectors, and in serious cases, seek rent relief or move out.
Disclosure Statement
The information provided on this website of Prestige Green Touch Inc., dba/ PGT Garment restoration, is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Mold laws and tenant rights may vary depending on the specific facts of your case, your lease agreement, and your location within California or Los Angeles County. If you are experiencing mold in your rental property, you should consult directly with an attorney, tenant rights organization, or local housing authority to understand your rights and obligations. We make every effort to keep this information accurate and up to date, but we do not guarantee its completeness or applicability to your situation.
For more information, please visit https://www.ca.gov/departments/176/
For Safety and emergencies https://www.ca.gov/topics/safety/