Mold is a serious problem that must be addressed immediately when found in your rental property. Not only is mold dangerous to the health of your tenants, but it is also a violation of landlord-tenant laws if it is located in the living space. It’s not always easy to detect mold, but performing routine testing can help ensure that the property is safe for inhabitation. When mold is detected, follow this guide to eliminate it quickly and efficiently.
Know the Signs
It’s important to know the signs of mold growth so you know what to look for in your rental property. Some of the most common signs include dark spots on walls, floors, or ceilings, musty odors in the space, or health symptoms like congestion, sneezing, eye or throat irritation, skin rashes, or coughing. The symptoms are often similar to those you might experience when you’re coming down with a cold, but when they are caused by a mold allergy, they should go away when you leave the property.
If the property has been exposed to excess moisture recently due to a flood or water leak, this can also increase the risk of mold growth. When remediating water damage at a rental property, the process should involve a thorough mold testing service to detect the presence of this toxic substance.
Mold Remediation
Although mold spores are generally present in every living space, visible mold growth is what can cause health concerns and violate the terms of your rental agreement. In this case, you will need to have the mold properly remediated. However, you need to make sure that whatever is causing the mold to grow excessively is resolved first. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending a lot of time and money to eliminate mold only to have it return. A water leak, damaged pipe, cracks in the foundation, or other issues can all be to blame for mold growth. Fix this problem first, and then begin the process of remediation.
Mold exposure can also make you sick and cause a variety of health concerns, so you may want to hire a professional to perform the remediation service. If you do choose to do it yourself, make sure to wear proper protective gear, including goggles, a mask, and gloves. The affected area should be sealed off from the other areas of the home to prevent spores from moving throughout the space. When disposing of mold-affected building materials, you should package them in thick plastic bags and take them outdoors right away.
Perform Proper Cleanup Procedures
If you are removing the mold, you also need to follow certain cleaning protocols to make sure the materials remaining are protected from additional mold growth. Any wood or nonporous surfaces can be cleaned with a mixture of bleach and water, which will kill the mold spores. Throw out any cleaning supplies used to eliminate the mold as well as the clothing you wore while performing the cleanup.
After you remove the mold, you may want to make sure that all impacted rooms have proper ventilation. Adding a fan to a bathroom can reduce the risk of mold growth due to high moisture levels in the air. Installing a dehumidifier in the basement or attic may prevent mold from growing again since it will eliminate excess humidity. Finally, you will need to replace all materials you removed from the property, including insulation, drywall, flooring, curtains, window sills, and trim.
Legal Concerns With Mold
Since mold can pose a health risk to your tenants, it can have legal implications for you, as well. Although mold is more prevalent in areas with high humidity levels, it can happen on any property located anywhere. Mold only needs moisture to thrive, so even a small water leak can lead to a major mold problem. If a tenant believes they have been harmed by the presence of excess mold in a rented property, they can take legal action in an attempt to recover damages.
If a judge or jury determines that your negligence created or contributed to a mold problem in a rental property, you could be responsible for a substantial cost. In one court case that took place in Orlando, Florida, a landlord was fined $15,000 per day for 31 separate violations of safety and health codes due to flooding, leaks, and serious mold growth. This is a risk you do not want to take, nor do you want to expose your tenants to mold that can make them sick.
Mold Prevention
Dealing with mold in your rental property isn’t a fun experience, so it’s something you will want to avoid. The cost of remediating mold after it has spread can be substantial, especially if it has impacted flooring, drywall, and other materials that will have to be removed and replaced. If mold has settled in the ductwork of the HVAC system, you will likely have to invest in a duct cleaning service to ensure that the property is safe and clean.
Taking steps to prevent mold can save you a lot of time, trouble, and money. Talk to your tenants and ask them to inform you of any water leaks or moisture issues so you can resolve them immediately. You may want to install a moisture meter that will tell you if excess moisture is present in the home. It’s also smart to perform some routine maintenance, including regular foundation inspections, mold tests, and cleaning of the roof gutters. Some landlords choose to invest in mold-resistant materials, such as sealants for wood surfaces, paint products, and even drywall that resists mold growth.
When it comes to mold, acting quickly is the best course of action to prevent further damage and potential legal concerns. If you’re not aware of the mold in the property, it could become a much larger problem, so take steps to have the home tested often and prevent mold growth as much as possible. By lessening the risk of mold, you can potentially avoid a problem that could be challenging to eliminate and very expensive.
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