Landlord refusing to fix black mold in bathroom - can I withhold rent?

There's been visible black mold in my bathroom since August. I've notified my landlord 6 times in writing (emails, texts). He keeps saying "I'll send someone next week" but nobody ever comes.

My 7-year-old daughter has asthma and her symptoms have gotten way worse since September. Doctor says mold exposure could be the cause.

Rent is $2,800/month and I'm paying full price for an apartment that's literally making my kid sick.

Can I legally withhold rent until he fixes this? What are my options?

Can I get estimates for mold remediation now, or do I need to wait for something? And if I do repair and deduct, can he evict me for "not paying full rent"?

Get estimates now. Here's the proper procedure:

1. Send landlord final written notice (certified mail) stating you'll use repair and deduct if not fixed within 30 days
2. Wait 30 days (you've already waited 4 months, but this formal notice is required)
3. Get 2-3 estimates from licensed mold remediation companies
4. Hire cheapest reasonable estimate
5. Pay company, keep ALL receipts
6. Deduct from next month's rent, attach receipts with rent payment

If you follow this procedure correctly, he CANNOT legally evict you. Civil Code Section 1942 protects tenants using repair and deduct. If he tries to evict in retaliation, that's illegal under Civil Code Section 1942.5.

Also call LA County Public Health Environmental Health Division. They will inspect for free and issue violation notices to your landlord. Those notices create an official record and put pressure on the landlord.

Document everything with photos (with timestamps). Get your daughter's medical records showing the asthma worsening - that's evidence for a potential damages claim.

FYI, professional mold remediation typically costs $500-2,000 depending on extent. Under $2,800 so you're good for repair and deduct.

UPDATE: Sent certified letter on Dec 23. LA County Health inspected on Dec 24 (yes, they came out on Christmas Eve!). Inspector said it's "extensive mold growth" and issued violation notice to landlord.

Landlord called me 2 hours after getting the notice, suddenly ready to fix it. Remediation company coming Monday.

Lesson: get the health department involved immediately. That lit a fire under him.