Renters · Free template
Mold Letter to Your Landlord: Free California Template
Written notice is the first real step in any California mold complaint. Copy the free letter below, fill in your details, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. Keep a copy and dated photos. If nothing happens, call your city or county housing inspector. The inspection is free.
- CostFree to copy and use
- LawCivil Code 1941.1, HSC 17920.3
- ProtectionCivil Code 1942.5
- CoverageAll of Los Angeles County
- Call(213) 659-0672
Why it matters
Do I need to tell my landlord about mold in writing?
Yes. A text or hallway conversation is easy to deny. A dated letter proves your landlord knew, and when.
California law is on your side here. Since SB 655, visible mold growth counts as a substandard housing condition under Health & Safety Code 17920.3, except minor mold on surfaces that normally get wet, like a shower. Civil Code 1941.1 sets the basic habitability duties. For the full picture, read our plain-English guide to California mold laws or start at the LA renter mold hub.
The template
Free mold notice letter to copy and paste
Copy the text in the box into an email or document and replace everything in [brackets]. Keep it factual.
[Your full name] [Your street address, unit number] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] | [Email] [Date] [Landlord or property manager name] [Landlord or management company address] Re: Written notice of mold and request for repair at [address, unit number] Dear [Landlord or manager name], I am writing to give you written notice of mold growth in my unit at [address, unit number]. I first noticed it on [date]. It is located in [rooms and spots, for example: bathroom ceiling, bedroom closet wall, under the kitchen sink]. The affected area is about [size, for example: 2 feet by 3 feet]. I believe the cause may be [leak, roof, window, plumbing, or "unknown"]. Visible mold growth is a substandard housing condition under California Health & Safety Code section 17920.3, and Civil Code section 1941.1 requires rental units to be kept habitable. I am asking you to: 1. Inspect the unit and find the moisture source causing the mold. 2. Repair the source and properly remove the mold and damaged materials. 3. Contact me in writing by [date] to schedule access and explain the planned repair. I have attached [number] dated photos. I am making this request in good faith, and I understand that Civil Code section 1942.5 protects tenants from retaliation for asking for repairs. Thank you. I can be reached at [phone] or [email]. Sincerely, [Signature] [Printed name]
This template is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, contact Bet Tzedek Legal Services or a tenant lawyer.
Filling it in
How do I fill in the mold letter?
Be specific. Stick to what you can see, smell and measure.
- Location: name every room and spot, such as “behind the toilet” or “closet ceiling, northeast corner”.
- Size: measure it. A rough number beats “a lot”.
- Cause: mention any leak, drip or water stain. If you don’t know, say so.
- Response date: pick a reasonable date, such as one to two weeks out, for a written reply.
- Skip “toxic black mold”: color doesn’t tell you the species, as our black mold in an apartment guide explains. “Mold growth” is enough.
Sending it
How should I send it and keep proof?
Send it in a way that creates a record, and keep everything in one folder.
- Take dated photos first. Shoot wide and close, with something for scale.
- Mail it certified with a return receipt. Keep the mailing slip and the signed receipt card.
- Also send a copy by email or the tenant portal. Screenshot the sent message.
- Keep a simple log. Note every call, visit and repair attempt with the date.
- Keep paying rent on time. Staying current protects you. See why withholding rent for mold is risky.
Next steps
What if my landlord doesn’t respond to the mold letter?
File a complaint with the agency for your address. Code inspectors can cite the owner, for free. In the City of Los Angeles, call the LAHD Code & Rent Helpline at (866) 557-7368. LAHD aims to contact you within 72 hours (24 if urgent), and owners typically get up to 30 days to fix a violation.
| Where you live | Who to call |
|---|---|
| City of Los Angeles | LAHD, (866) 557-7368 |
| Unincorporated LA County and County Health Code cities | LA County Public Health, Environmental Health, (888) 700-9995 |
| Long Beach | Code Enforcement, (562) 570-2633 |
| Pasadena | Code Compliance, (626) 744-8633 |
| Santa Monica | Code Enforcement, (310) 458-4984 |
| Glendale or Torrance | Call city hall and ask for code enforcement |
More cities and details on our LA County mold complaint directory.
If the mold is hidden or disputed, documentation-grade apartment mold testing from an independent inspector gives you a lab report to add to your file. You don’t need it to file a complaint, as our page on free mold inspections for renters explains.
Mold notice letter FAQ
Is an email enough to notify my landlord about mold?
Email is better than nothing because it is dated. Certified mail with a return receipt is stronger proof. Many renters do both.
Can my landlord retaliate if I send a mold letter?
California Civil Code 1942.5 bars retaliation against tenants who ask for repairs or contact a code agency. If you see a sudden rent increase or eviction notice after complaining, contact Bet Tzedek or a tenant lawyer.
Do I need a mold test before sending the letter?
No. Visible mold is enough to report. Testing helps when mold is hidden, when the landlord disputes it, or when you need documentation for a claim.
How long should I give my landlord to respond?
Ask for a written reply within one to two weeks. If there is an active leak or the problem keeps spreading, call your local code agency sooner.
Should I stop paying rent after sending the letter?
Usually not. Unpaid rent can lead to an eviction case. A code complaint and good records are safer. Talk to legal aid before holding back any rent.
Does my landlord have to tell me about mold?
Under Health & Safety Code 26147, a landlord who knows of mold that is a health threat must disclose it in writing.
Sources
- California Health & Safety Code 17920.3 (SB 655) and 26147
- California Civil Code 1941.1 and 1942.5
- LA Housing Department, housing.lacity.gov
- LA County Department of Public Health, publichealth.lacounty.gov
- EPA, epa.gov/mold
Last updated October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Contact Bet Tzedek Legal Services or a tenant lawyer for advice about your case.
Need proof the landlord can’t argue with?
If the mold is hidden or disputed, we can test with an accredited lab and give you a written report. Call (213) 659-0672, 24/7 across Los Angeles County.