Mould

Moulds are microscopic fungi that grow everywhere in our environment. When they are present in small quantities and are eliminated regularly, moulds do not pose a health problem.  However, when allowed to develop, they spread respirable particulates into the surrounding air and may cause health problems for some people. Conditions that promote their growth in homes and other buildings are the repeated infiltration of water and persistent and excessive humidity.  In order to grow, moulds require high humidity levels, fairly warm temperatures and some kind of food (wood, cardboard, dust, etc.). High humidity levels and mould can cause an apartment to become in poor habitable condition or unfit for habitation. Find more detailed information about unsanitary conditions.  

There are certain signs that indicate the presence of mould or too much moisture:

• Spots in all colours, but often green or black on walls, ceilings or carpets, around windows, in closets, etc.
• An earthy smell
• The presence of stains, buckling or peeling or other signs of water seeping through walls or ceilings, which could indicate a hidden problem

https://www.quebec.ca/en/homes-and-housing/healthy-living-environment/finding-and-eliminating-mould-from-your-home/ 

https://santemontreal.qc.ca/en/public/advice-and-prevention/mould/ 

Prevention

• Mould thrives in humid areas with poor air circulation, so try to keep all rooms in your apartment well ventilated
• Taking shorter showers and being sure the fan is on can help decrease the humidity in your apartment
• Use a dehumidifier in rooms that tend to be particularly damp
• Keep windows open to increase ventilation if it is warm enough

If you already have mould

• First, notify your landlord
• Take pictures of all mould and water damage and keep it as a record. Send a copy of these pictures to your landlord as well. 
• Make sure to use gloves and a mask when cleaning any mould to protect yourself. Your landlord should come and clean, but if they do not, you can go to a hardware store to buy mold-removal products. 
  • Note that bleach sometimes makes these products less effective.
• Do your best to clean any items with mould on them outside so that you don’t spread the spores further
• A dehumidifier can be helpful in reducing humidity in your home
• Your landlord will likely have to come to determine the source of the humidity to prevent this from becoming a recurring issue and may have to do repairs. 
• If the owner doesn't take action, send them a formal letter by registered mail, with the notice of delivery.This notice must mention that if the building owner fails to take the appropriate steps, a copy of the letter will be sent to the Division des permis et des inspections of the borough concerned.
  • You can use this repairs letter template to send your formal notice 
• If the owner doesn't take action within a reasonable time (up to 10 days), contact your borough (call 311) or linked city to file a complaint.
• You can also get in touch with the Tribunal Administratif du Logement to ask for advice or to file a complaint
• You can ask your neighbourhood’s housing committee for help at any time during this process

IMPORTANT: In all cases, be sure to keep documented proof of everything that has happened. This includes all photos of the issue, communications with the landlord, and proof of the formal notice. 

See also:

Tenant Rights and Things to Know

Tenant Rights Organizations