Quick answer
Request appropriate inspection and remediation and seek medical guidance for health concerns.
Do now
Notify the landlord in writing, document location and dates, and ask the local agency about inspection. Tell healthcare providers about relevant exposure concerns. Preserve notices and prior repair history.
Local note
DC’s current tenant-rights materials include mold and lead-specific protections; do not import their timelines into NJ or NY. Watch for: Do not disturb suspected hazardous materials yourself or assume an online photo can identify a health hazard conclusively.
Official sources
NJ DCA — Truth in Renting, NY Attorney General — Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide, DC OTA — Tenant Bill of Rights, September 25, 2026.