Unsafe conditions & repairs, by problem
Page last updated: August 22, 2026 · How we source & update
Ten condition-specific pages — mold, bed bugs, no heat, no hot water, pests, leaks and water damage, and more. Most states require a rental to be livable, but what that covers, how fast a landlord must act, and what you may do if they don't are set by your state and city. These pages explain the usual process, the evidence to capture, and when a condition is urgent enough to call an inspector or legal aid.
Mold, bed bugs, no heat, pests, leaks. Most states require a rental to be livable — what that covers, and how fast a landlord must act, is set by your state and city.
Problems, one page each
Mold in Your Apartment: Your Rights and What to Do
Ongoing mold, especially from a leak or moisture problem the landlord hasn't fixed.
Bed Bugs in Your Rental: Who's Responsible and What to Do
Bed bugs are generally the landlord's responsibility to treat.
No Heat in Your Apartment: Get Help and Know Your Rights
No heat in cold weather is treated as an emergency in most places, not a routine repair.
No Air Conditioning in Your Apartment: What Renters Should Know
Rules about cooling vary far more by location than rules about heat — some places now require it.
Roaches and Pests in Your Apartment: Your Rights and Next Steps
Roaches, rodents, and other pests are usually a habitability issue, especially in multi-unit buildings. Learn how to document and report an infestation.
Water Leak or Flooding in Your Apartment: What to Do
A leak or flooding is a habitability issue and can become a safety hazard fast.
Lead Paint in Your Rental: What Renters Need to Know
Peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint in an older building can be a lead hazard.
No Hot Water in Your Apartment: Your Rights and What to Do
Going without hot water affects hygiene, health, and daily life. Learn how it's treated as a habitability issue, safety notes, and how to report it.
Broken or Unsafe Appliances: Your Rights as a Renter
A stove, fridge, or other appliance that came with your unit is usually the landlord's responsibility. Learn safety red flags and how to report a problem.
Sewage Backup in Your Apartment: Get Help and Know Your Rights
Sewage backing up into your home is a health hazard, not a routine repair.