I have mold in my apartment.

The size of the mold patch determines how serious the violation is and how fast your landlord has to fix it. Good photos with a size reference are the single most valuable piece of evidence you can collect, and they're what an HPD inspector and a Housing Court judge will look at.

1. Take wide shots and close-ups. A wide shot shows where the mold is in the room. Close-ups show the texture and color.
2. Include something for scale in every photo. A ruler is best, but a dollar bill (6 inches), a phone, or a soda can will work. Without scale, "10 square feet" becomes a guess.
3. Measure the patch. Use a tape measure or even a piece of paper of known size. Write down the measurements: "Bedroom ceiling, mold patch approximately 2 ft × 3 ft = 6 sq ft."
4. Note the location and date for each photo. Most phone cameras save this automatically, but write it down too.
5. Photograph the source if you can find it. Mold usually means a leak or moisture problem somewhere. If you see a water stain on the ceiling above, a damp wall, or condensation around a window, photograph that too.

All photos, your written measurements, and any notes about smell or symptoms. Back up the photos somewhere — email them to yourself, save them to cloud storage, or text them to a friend. Don't risk losing them if your phone breaks.

Most landlords will respond to a written complaint, especially if you mention Local Law 55. Even if they don't, this letter creates the paper trail you need for everything that comes next. A text or a verbal complaint to your super is not enough — it has to be in writing, and you need a copy.

1. Write a short, factual message. Email is fine. If you don't have an email for them, send a letter by USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt — a few dollars, but proof they received it.
2. Be specific about location, size, and how long the problem has existed.
3. Keep a copy of what you sent and any response.
4. Attach photos if you're sending email.

A responsive landlord will acknowledge your message within a few days and arrange to inspect. What to watch out for: a landlord who promises to "have someone come paint over it" or "wipe it down with bleach." That's not remediation. Real remediation means finding the source of moisture, fixing it, and properly removing the mold. If your landlord proposes a quick cosmetic fix, push for actual remediation in writing — or move to Step 3.

A 311 complaint triggers an HPD inspection. The inspector will measure the mold, classify the violation, and start the legal clock on your landlord. This is the step that turns a private dispute into an official record.

• By phone: Call 311. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use TTY at (212) 504-4115
• Online: Go to portal.311.nyc.gov and search for "mold."
• Mobile app: Download the NYC 311 app (iOS or Android). The app lets you upload your photos directly.

• HPD will attempt to contact your landlord first to give them a chance to fix the problem.
• If the problem isn't fixed, HPD sends an inspector to measure the mold and check the conditions. The inspector will classify the violation as Class A, B, or C based on the size.
• Once a violation is issued, your landlord has the legally required time to fix it: 90 days for Class A, 30 days for Class B, 21 days for Class C.
• If your building has 10 or more units and the mold is over 10 square feet, your landlord must hire licensed professionals — not just send the super.

You need to know whether HPD has actually inspected, what class of violation was issued, and whether your landlord is on track to fix it within the legal time frame. This is also the moment to escalate if things aren't moving.

1. Go to HPDOnline and enter your building's address.
2. Look for open mold violations. The phrase HPD uses is "trace and repair the source and abate the nuisance consisting of mold."
3. Note the violation number, date issued, and class (A, B, or C). The class tells you how many days your landlord has.
4. Save a screenshot or print the page.

Violations typically appear online within a few days of the inspection. If your complaint doesn't show up at all, the inspection may not have happened yet, or the inspector didn't find a violation — in which case, call 311 again and request another inspection.

Important: If your landlord "certifies" they fixed the mold but you can still see it, you can challenge the certification. HPD will re-inspect and, if the condition still exists, the violation will be upgraded to a more serious class.

By this point, you've given your landlord multiple chances and the city has been involved. If the mold is still there, you have stronger options — but most involve legal or advocacy help, and you shouldn't try them alone.

Free, staffed by trained volunteers, and the best starting point for figuring out what to do next.

• Phone: 212-979-0611
• Hours: Mon & Wed 1:30–8 PM, Fri 1:30–5 PM.
• Heads up: The hotline is very busy — call after 4 PM if you can, and avoid Mondays.

A legal proceeding asking a judge to order your landlord to fix the mold. You can file one yourself or with help from a free legal services organization. An HP Action can result in a court order forcing the landlord to remediate, plus fines.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR) can order a rent reduction when essential services aren't provided. Use Form RA-81 for an individual apartment or Form RA-84 for a building-wide issue. Call DHCR at 833-499-0343 for forms.

NYC's Right to Counsel program provides free lawyers to low-income tenants facing housing issues. The Met Council hotline (option A) can help you figure out if you qualify.