'/%3e%3c!--%20Compass%20outer%20ring%20--%3e%3ccircle%20cx='128'%20cy='128'%20r='80'%20fill='none'%20stroke='%23ffffff'%20stroke-width='8'%20opacity='0.25'/%3e%3c!--%20Compass%20needle%20-%20North%20(gold)%20--%3e%3cpath%20d='M128%2056%20L144%20128%20L128%20116%20L112%20128%20Z'%20fill='url(%23accent)'/%3e%3c!--%20Compass%20needle%20-%20South%20(white)%20--%3e%3cpath%20d='M128%20200%20L144%20128%20L128%20140%20L112%20128%20Z'%20fill='%23ffffff'%20opacity='0.85'/%3e%3c!--%20Center%20circle%20--%3e%3ccircle%20cx='128'%20cy='128'%20r='12'%20fill='url(%23accent)'/%3e%3ccircle%20cx='128'%20cy='128'%20r='6'%20fill='%230d4a4f'/%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
What Counts as Retaliation?
Common Forms of Retaliation
- Serving eviction notice after you report mold
- Raising rent significantly after a complaint
- Reducing services (like cutting off amenities)
- Refusing to renew your lease
- Harassment or intimidation
- Threatening negative references
- Entering your unit excessively
Timing Matters
Most retaliation laws presume retaliation if the adverse action happens within a certain period after you exercise a protected right (often 30-90 days, depending on the state).
This means if you're evicted right after reporting mold, the landlord may have to prove it wasn't retaliation.
Protected Activities
Landlords typically cannot retaliate against tenants for:
Reporting Issues
Notifying the landlord of needed repairs, including mold and moisture problems.
Contacting Authorities
Filing complaints with code enforcement, health department, or other government agencies.
Organizing
Joining or organizing a tenant union or association.
If You Experience Retaliation
Steps to Take
- Document the retaliation (save all notices, emails, texts)
- Note the timeline (when you complained vs. when retaliation occurred)
- Keep copies of your original mold complaint
- Contact a tenant rights organization
- Consider consulting an attorney
- File a complaint with relevant agencies
Possible Remedies
Depending on your location and situation, you may be able to:
- Defend against eviction
- Recover damages
- Get attorney's fees paid
- Remain in your unit
- Receive rent refunds
Best Practices to Protect Yourself
Before and After Reporting Mold
- Always report problems in writing (email creates a record)
- Keep copies of everything you send to your landlord
- Save all responses from your landlord