Mold - plausible reason to terminate contract without losing deposit???

[conniebononie]

Thanks, Muzha Man. I think it is serious enough so that I do not want to stay. I guess my plan of attack for now is:
1. Record and take pictures of everything and anything I could possibly need for later
2. Contact the agency that hired me to contact her on my behalf and notified her that I would like to terminate my contract because of the mold problem that will (is?) affect my health without penalty. If necessary, reason that while she fixes my apartment, the apartment becomes uninhabitable and she will have to put me up in a hotel that will cost her anyways.
3. If it doesn't work, speak to someone from Tsuei Ma Ma and see if there's anything they can help me with.
4. Contact consulate

What do you guys think?

[Mucha Man]

Thanks, Muzha Man. I think it is serious enough so that I do not want to stay. I guess my plan of attack for now is:
1. Record and take pictures of everything and anything I could possibly need for later
2. Contact the agency that hired me to contact her on my behalf and notified her that I would like to terminate my contract because of the mold problem that will (is?) affect my health without penalty. If necessary, reason that while she fixes my apartment, the apartment becomes uninhabitable and she will have to put me up in a hotel that will cost her anyways.
3. If it doesn't work, speak to someone from Tsuei Ma Ma and see if there's anything they can help me with.
4. Contact consulate

What do you guys think?

Consulate will not help. Landlord will not pay for a hotel while repairs are done.

You really don't have a lot of tenant rights here. I would just lay it out to her flat: the apartment has a bad mold problem, you have tried to remedy it with bleach and a dehumidifier but it isn't working, and you need to move out. She can take next month's rent off your deposit and pay the rest when you move out.

Don't negotiate at the beginning. Just say what you want and see how she reacts. At worst, you lose one month's deposit. Don't risk lose two by paying for next month's rent.

[conniebononie]

Wow, this really bums. I'm still going to try Tsuei Ma Ma, just to get a Taiwanese opinion. Other than that, I guess I'm going with your plan, Muzha Man.

[Mucha Man]

Wow, this really bums. I'm still going to try Tsuei Ma Ma, just to get a Taiwanese opinion. Other than that, I guess I'm going with your plan, Muzha Man.

Yes, do try to get some solid legal advice.

[conniebononie]

Hi all,

I meant to post the update of my situation earlier in case any of you are wondering what happened, but I have been busy. I finally have some time. My recruiter called my landlady and basically told her I wanted to move out due to the extreme mold growth and that I was starting to feel sick. My landlady agreed to allow me to move out and return my deposit without any penalty assuming I leave the apartment in a good condition. I think to start with though, she always has been on the kind side.

I am now in my new mold-free apartment!

[Mucha Man]

Glad to hear it all worked out for you.

[Isha]

I am now in my new mold-free apartment!

I am pretty sure that in the absence of drastic measures (like regular dehumidifier use) no place in Taipei is mold free. Watch out as it's only a matter of time before mold starts taking over bathroom and kitchen areas specifically.