Housing and Mold/Mildew

[Trey_P-I_47]

Ok everyone, I need some advice about my current house.

We just got our water bill and for one month it was over $800, and the bad thing is that we have reported several leaks and faulty faucets to our landlord and he hasnt done anything about them. SO my first question is what should I do about our water bill. Should I tell the water company he has been the problem in our water use being too high (mind we are in a drought with water limitations) and see what they say?

Also we seem to have a leak in our ceiling over our laundry room (beside my bedroom) and I have noticed a black substance on the sheet rock. I believe it to be mold/mildew growth and was wondering if that would be enough for me to opt out of my lease without any penalties.

If anyone has any advice please let me know