The first thing to do of course would be to contact apartment management. Check all rooms for any signs of the black substance on the walls. Most commonly found areas for mold are the utility room, behind the washing machine, the refrigerator (could be a leaky ice maker) or behind the dishwasher. Also check underneath all sinks for signs of a water leak.

No signs of trouble? It could be coming from your ac vents.

Change your air filter to a HEPA filter. This will provide a little relief to reduce the mold spores. Reduce indoor humidity as much as possible to discourage mold growth. Try wearing a mask if you have to disturb the mold.

Once you've determined that mold is present, you have decisions to make. First ask the apartment management to move you immediately. Removing the mold will disturb the spores and you will have to live in it for awhile. They may also decide to just cover it up, which is no long term solution. Going to court is unrealistic. It will probably take too long and may outlast the length of your lease. There are no legal limits on the amounts or types of mold in occupied apartments.

• Take pictures of the mold if possible and try to get a sample of it in a sealed container.
• If you can afford it, get a mold remediation company to check it out and provide you with an estimate.
• Ask others to witness the mold and sign a statement.

Mold is not to be taken lightly. It is against the law for management to endanger your health.