Telling mildew apart from a real mold problem
Mildew is a common surface mold — usually powdery and gray or white — that wipes away fairly easily. "Mold" more often describes fuzzy or slimy growth that can sink into surfaces and point to a deeper moisture problem.
In everyday use, people call light surface growth "mildew" and treat it as a routine cleaning task, especially in bathrooms and around windows. Heavier, spreading, or discolored growth is usually what people mean by mold, and it more often signals a leak or dampness that needs a real repair rather than a wipe-down.
Honestly, the label matters less than the cause. If the growth keeps coming back no matter how often you clean it, something behind it is staying wet — and that underlying moisture is what needs attention. When recurring "mildew" is really a sign of a leak the landlord should fix, it stops being a cleaning chore and becomes a habitability issue. If you are not sure which you are dealing with, a quick, free conversation can help.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.