How low-income tenants can tackle mold, mice, other living condition issues

Many people living in substandard and unhealthy housing don't speak out about it. They may not know where to turn, or fear that speaking out could leave them homeless. 

Elena Popp is a tenants' rights attorney and the executive director of the Eviction Defense Network. She says there are two common reasons why low income families don't speak up about subpar living conditions.

"I think the most common reason is that folks don't know where to call, and the second most common reason is that even if they know where to call, they're afraid of retaliation or reprisals from the owner," she said. Popp noted that she's seen cases of eviction, rent increases and even harassment like turning off utilities.

She offered tenants these tips for tenants facing housing quality issues:

• Send a written letter or about your issue with proof that you wrote it, send it certified and your landlord has to address the issue within 30 days. Emailing your landlord also works. 
• If that doesn't work, call county code enforcement if this is an issue dealing with vectors for disease, like rodents, roaches and mold. Popp recommends calling city code enforcement as well.
• Landlords are also not allowed to offer a unit "as-is." Popp says there is an implied warranty of habitability, or that every tenant has right to unit that is habitable. 

To listen to the full interview, click on the blue audio player above