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Can I Call the Health Department on My Landlord? What Tenants Should Know

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‍If your landlord is not fixing serious issues that affect your health and safety, like mold, pest infestations, sewage problems, or unsafe conditions, you may wonder, can I call the health department on my landlord? The simple answer is yes, but it’s important to understand when and how to involve health authorities to protect your rights and your home effectively. This post explains your rights as a tenant, how health departments handle complaints, and key steps to take if your landlord ignores health and safety problems.

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When Is It Appropriate to Call the Health Department?

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‍Health departments enforce local housing and health codes requiring landlords to keep rental properties safe and habitable. If your landlord fails to address serious conditions that threaten your well-being, such as:

• Mold or water damage
• Rodent or pest infestations
• Sewage backups or plumbing problems
• Lack of heat, water, or electricity
• Structural problems creating safety hazards

You can file a formal complaint with your county or city health department. Keep in mind, before calling, it’s often best to notify your landlord in writing about the problem and give them a chance to fix it. This provides important documentation showing you acted responsibly. Depending on where you live, complaints may need to be filed in writing and sometimes require you to send a copy to your landlord by certified mail. Local health departments can then inspect your rental and, if violations are found, demand repairs from your landlord. Persistent noncompliance can lead to fines or legal enforcement.

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What Happens After You File a Complaint?

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‍Once you file a complaint, health inspectors or building officials will investigate. If they find your landlord violated health or safety codes, they can order repairs and monitor compliance. In emergencies, they may even take immediate action to protect you and charge your landlord later. Remember, health departments are there to protect tenants. Reporting a legitimate problem is your right and an important way to improve your living conditions.

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Important Tips for Tenants

• Document all issues with photos, videos, and written records.
• Send written repair requests to your landlord and keep copies.
• Follow your local health department’s complaint filing procedures exactly.
• Understand your lease terms and local tenant laws.
• If you face retaliation or harassment after filing a complaint, such as threats or eviction attempts, this may be illegal. Contact a tenant rights attorney immediately for help.

Calling the health department is not “snitching” but standing up for your right to a safe home.

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Need Help? Contact Us to Protect Your Rights

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‍Dealing with unsafe housing can be overwhelming, especially when your landlord ignores serious problems. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. We help tenants like you navigate complaints, enforce landlord responsibilities, and protect you from retaliation. We’ll guide you on the best steps to get repairs done and defend your rights. Don’t wait; reach out now to make your home safe and healthy.

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Read: How much can I sue my landlord for emotional distress?