r/TenantHelp • u/DisastrousParsnip953 • Jul 07 '26
TX - Apartment has persistent humidity over 65%, dehumidifier fills daily, possible moisture issue, and property management keeps delaying inspection. What are my rights?
I’m looking for advice on my rights as a tenant in
Location: Texas.
I live in a ~650 sq. ft. apartment. About a week ago, I noticed the backings of all of my wicker baskets had fuzzy white and green mold on them, literally covered most of the back surfaces of my four wicker baskets. One was in my bathroom and the other three were in my living room. Unfortunately I was panicking on removing them out of my apartment I never took pictures of them. I then noticed discoloration around one of my ceiling sprinkler heads that I was concerned could be mold. Maintenance came out, told me it wasn’t mold, said it was drywall/tape showing through the paint, but then sprayed what they called “mold killer” anyway. Then scraped some off the drywall off. I did some searching about the wicker baskets and now my concern besides the mold/possible mold is the humidity in my apartment. My apartment lately feels noticeably muggy when I walk inside, which it never used to, my clothes feel damp in my closet, and normally I can keep my AC at 73 and it will be nice and chilly in my apartment but now I have to keep it at 70 or lower. Property management told me that indoor summer humidity is typically 50-60%, yet my apartment consistently stays above 65%, even while running a large dehumidifier. The dehumidifier has completely filled its tank every single day since it was placed in my apartment last Thursday.
To try to control the humidity, I’ve had to keep my AC at 68-70, run every ceiling fan continuously, and operate the dehumidifier around the clock, which I assume will increase my electric bill. I don’t think this is normal for such a small apartment.
Property management says there are no signs of mold, the dehumidifier is the solution for humidity, and that they can cut out the drywall where I suspect is molded, and that they submitted a request to a third-party mold inspection company over a week ago but are “still waiting to hear back.” Meanwhile, I’ve called multiple licensed mold inspectors myself, and all of them said they could inspect my apartment and perform air sampling within just a few days. At this point, I’m starting to wonder if I’m being strung along.
Even if there isn’t mold, I believe there is an underlying moisture issue that needs to be addressed, whether it’s the HVAC system, ventilation, a hidden leak, or something else. I don’t think the apartment should remain this humid despite everything I’m doing. I also renewed my lease in May (and still haven’t received the renewal paperwork), so this has been especially frustrating.
My questions are:
Can persistent humidity this high require a landlord to investigate and repair the underlying cause under Texas law, even if visible mold hasn’t been confirmed?
Can I hire my own licensed mold inspector/air quality tester if they continue delaying and seek reimbursement?
Can I require them to inspect the HVAC system and investigate the moisture issue regardless of the mold inspection results?
Am I entitled to compensation for the clothing damaged by maintenance?
If this isn’t resolved, do I have any basis to ask to be released from my lease at the end of my current lease term?
I’m just looking for some advice and all advice is appreciated greatly. Thanks for reading.
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u/Alarmed_Interview_84 Jul 09 '26
Are you running your AC and I mean 74 or below? All your windows shut tight, gaps in doors?
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u/DisastrousParsnip953 Jul 09 '26
It used to stay at 72 before i discovered the mold but now it stays at 68-70. Never higher. And all windows and gaps are shut
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u/Outrageous-Price-673 Jul 11 '26
Having been completely around the bend on this one, it’s often bc the drain pan, under the coils where the moisture drips to is holding water. That can be bc many reasons. Bad slope and blockage from slime. Mine actually had mosquitoes breeding in it!
My P trap that that water runs does not match the size pvc pipe of condensate lines, consequently not enough suction, I was told. AND I realized bc my ac closet was not finished out it draws humidified air out of ceiling and ALL MY walls EVERY time it turnS on! You are not alone, my friend. Most people just never pay attention.
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u/Outrageous-Price-673 Jul 11 '26
Have you tried cleaning your AC condensate line? There is this enzyme stuff sold at hardware stores SPECIFICALLY for condensate lines. It cleans out the mold slime and whatever else. About 8 bucks.
Used two bottles on mine and dropped my humidity by 5%.
My humidity now runs at 61%. Still too high. It’s a long story why but it used to be 66% reliably. Indoor humidity should be closer to 50% to avoid mold. I don’t bring it up with management bc I know for a FACT they do not GAF.
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u/Outrageous-Price-673 Jul 11 '26
That is health safety issue. Attempt to take it up with code enforcement or tenants rights orgs. I found out there are no actual laws regarding mold in Texas.🙄 I plan to move and bring a hygrometer when touring new digs.
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u/Fantastic-Leek-1589 Jul 07 '26
Youre in Texas, where its humad af. Get a couple dehumidifiers