How Do I Report Black Mold In My Apartment

Bedbugs: What Can I Do To Avoid Them And Get Rid Of Them

Bed bugs have become much more common in Maine. They are difficult to get rid of. As with other health and safety issues, the first step is to contact your landlord and ask him to have the building professionally treated. You and others in the building will also have to take steps to help combat the problem.

Before you rent:

It is illegal for a landlord to rent an apartment that he knows to have bedbugs. He must also tell you whether other nearby apartments in the building have bedbug problems.

Before you rent ask when the apartment and nearby units:

• were last inspected for bedbugs, and
• found to be free of bedbugs.

The landlord must give you an honest answer.

How Expensive Is Black Mold Removal

The black mold removal cost of an unfinished basement can really vary. It could be as little as $500 or as high as $4,000 depending on the scope and size AKA how much mold is present and how much area it covers. If the attic and ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.

Can I Fix The Problem Myself

Sometimes if a repair is not too major, you can repair and deduct. You can fix the problem and deduct the cost of the repair from your next months rent. Here are the rules:

Your problem must be one that makes your home unhealthy or unsafe. Examples:

• no heat or not enough heat in the winter
• unsafe drinking water
• falling ceiling

You must be able to fix the problem for less than $500 or half of your monthly rent, whichever is greater. For example:

• If your rent is $800 per month, you can spend up to $500 to do the repair.
• If your rent is $1,200, you can spend up to $600.
• This amount is increased to two times your monthly rent if your building is in foreclosure.

You, your family, or your guests did not cause the problem.

Before you fix the problem, you must write a letter to your landlord. Send the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the letter, ask your landlord to fix the dangerous condition within 14 days, or sooner if it is an emergency. Tell him that if he does not do the repair, you will have it fixed and deduct the cost from your rent. If your landlord offers to fix the problem, then you must let him into your home to do the repair. See Rights of Maine Renters: Landlord Coming Into Your Home.

If you have the work done, both the work and the materials must be of good quality. If your problem is with the heating, plumbing, or electricity, you must get a licensed worker to do the repairs.

Here are a few more repair and deduct limitations:

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Black Mold Is A Health Hazard

Technically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, black mold poses a serious threat to human health by causing respiratory problems, mental impairment, skin inflammation, and internal organ damage.

Black mold thrives in moist, dark places that have poor air circulation like between walls or beneath floorboards. That means it can go unnoticed until its too late.

I Think I Have Mold Growing In My House/apartment Will The Austin Code Department Address The Mold

Austin Code Department does not conduct mold inspection or testing. We may address the contributing factors that fall under minimum standards. Mold is often a sign of other code violations.

Mold could be the result of:

• Improper home weatherization like unsealed windows or door frames.
• Water leaks from air conditioner units, sink pipes, or roofs.
• Ventilation problems that lead to trapped moisture.

Fixing the contributing factors

If you live in a rental property and have issues that contribute to mold, Austin Code may be able to assist. Rental properties include apartments, duplexes, townhomes, or houses.

If your property representative has not fixed the issue, you can call 3-1-1 or submit a report online. A code inspector will check for code violations. If there is a code violation, the landlord will receive a Notice of Violation. The landlord will have a reasonable amount of time to fix a problem after receiving the request.

Mold prevention

Minor mold issues can be prevented by following the guidelines below.

Visit the CDC website to learn more about mold.

Talk to a Code inspector

Tenant resources

If you have issues with your landlord, Austin Tenants Council may be able to help. Their renters program provides counseling, helps with tenant-landlord issues and, dispute mediation. For more information, call 512-474-1961.

Read the Landlord and Tenants Guide for renters produced by Texas A& M University.

Mold inspections and removals

State requirements and licenses

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Is Mold Really A Big Deal

The answer depends, but it can definitely turn into a huge deal for the building and your health. Even regular, run-of-the-mill mold can make you miserable and should be dealt with immediately. However, mold that is left untreated can develop into black mold, which is toxic to humans and can make you extremely ill.

How To Remove Black Mold From Your Apartment

If you decide not to use the services of a professional remediation company, you may be able to get rid of it on your own. Regular household bleach is effective in killing and getting rid of all kinds of fungus.

You may find it best, however, to dilute and spray the bleach on the affected area and then use a sponge to scrub it away. You should wear eye goggles, gloves and even a respirator mask to avoid coming into contact with the spores.

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What Kills Black Mold Instantly

White distilled vinegar is an affordable, natural solution to removing black mold. Its antibacterial acidic characteristics are exactly what you need to get the job done. Pour the undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle to apply to the area, or just go for it and pour that vinegar right onto the mold stains.

When Does Mold Become Harmful To Health

According to information provided by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control, and the NYC Department of Health, most molds that grow in small quantities are harmless for healthy people but obvious mold growths in homes or work places should be cleaned up immediately.

Some molds can be very harmful to humans, especially young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Even healthy people can develop severe illnesses and allergies when exposed to large mold growths. Illnesses related to mold growth include allergic reactions , asthma, and severe respiratory problems.

Tenants around the country have complained for years about very severe illnesses, including hemorrhaging lungs, caused by mycotoxins which are chemicals produced by some harmful molds. In large quantities, according to some sources, mold mycotoxins can induce allergies and chronic, severe health problems in previously healthy people.

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Links To More Information About Mold

The information and advice from this fact sheet was collected from the following agencies contact them for more information or assistance:

• The New York City Department of Health can provide information about the health effects of mold exposure and information about the safe removal of mold.
• New York City Department of Health, Office of Environmental Investigations at 4423372 or the Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology Unit at 7884290.
• There is information about mold, how to remove it, and how to deal with some of the health effects the NYC Dept of Health website: Facts About Mold Guidelines on Assessment and Mold in the Home.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Environmental Health has information on its website about mold and clean up procedures as well as links to information about mold and asthma and other environmental issues.
• The National Institutes of Healths Medline provides web access to articles on various types of health issues related to mold.
• Use libraries and the internet to search for magazine and newspaper articles on mold, its health effects and what tenants are doing around the country to combat the problem.

What If The Repairs Cost More Than $50000 Or Half My Monthly Rent

You and your neighbors may be able to use repair and deduct together to fix a bigger problem. For example, your building might have a bad roof or furnace which costs a lot to fix. If you had 8 tenants who each pay $800 per month, you could pay for a repair costing as much as $4000 .

Caution: We do not know of anyone who has tried this before in Maine. If you want to try a group repair and deduct, try to talk with a lawyer first.

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Safely Clean Small Patches Of Mold And Seal Off What You Cant Clean

While you wait for repairs, you can clean small patches of mold with a mild solution of bleach and water. If youre sensitive to mold, ask someone else to do the cleaning.

If the mold has spread to other household items, like curtains or rugs, its best to throw those items away. If you have receipts for anything you have to throw out due to the mold, save them. And if you need to buy anything for the clean up, save those receipts too. You may be able to get your costs reimbursed by going to small claims court.

Whatever you cant clean should get sealed off with plastic bags, or tarps, and duct tapethis can help prevent mold from circulating in the air. Mold in your apartment is actually a symptom of a bigger problem: extra moisture, caused by things like leaky pipes and poor ventilation. If the moisture doesnt get addressed properly, mold will keep coming back.

What Is Considered A Reasonable Amount Of Time To Make A Repair Or Remedy A Problem

Seven days is generally considered a reasonable amount of time. However, the court can consider a different length of time to be reasonable based on:

• The date the landlord received the notice,
• The severity and nature of the condition, and
• The reasonable availability of materials and labor and of utilities access.

Note: Exceptions apply to the timing to complete a repair if the damage to the rental property was an insured casualty loss. If the mold problem is a covered condition, the landlord has a reasonable amount of time after receiving the insurance proceeds to complete the repairs. Talk with a lawyer about your right to end your lease before the problem is corrected or receive a rent reduction if the property becomes totally unusable during the time your landlord is waiting for insurance proceeds to make a repair.

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Obligation To Deliver Possession Of Unit

The third obligation for landlords under the landlord-tenant law is to deliver possession of the unit to the tenant. This means having the unit vacant for the tenant on the move-in date that was specified in the lease agreement. If the unit is not available for the tenant on the specified move-in date, the tenant may be able to pursue legal action against the landlord for failure to honor the lease agreement.

In addition, if there is a squatter in the unit or another individual who does not have the legal right to be there, the landlord may pursue legal action against this individual. The landlord could be awarded damages.

Is Mold Toxicity Reversible

This is an incredibly important finding! Many patients with memory loss and dementia are actually simply toxic from mold, which is a reversible condition. The tragedy is missing the diagnosis and continuing to proceed with treating the patient for something they do not have and missing an effective treatment.

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Can You Sue Your Landlord For Mold Issues

Yes, There are several circumstances under which you may be able to be compensated for mold.

You can sue your landlord for mold:

• If you notified your landlord that there is a water leak or that there is visible mold in the rental property, but your landlord has neglected to fix or remediate it
• If you have any uninsured/unreimbursed past and future medical expenses due to mold exposure
• If you have lost wages and will lose wages in the future due to your condition
• If youve incurred any costs in attempting to remediate the mold yourself
• For mold-related damages to your personal property, if you do not have renters insurance or your renters insurance does not cover mold
• For your pain and suffering caused by the health effects of mold.

The attorneys at Saffren & Weinberg focus on toxic mold lawsuits. We have successfully sued landlords for mold-related damages to tenants health and personal property, and we can help you get compensation for your health problems and property loss.

PA: 576-0100

NJ: 667-8888

Give us a call to schedule your free consultation if youve suffered health or property damage due to mold. You are likely entitled to compensation.

Should I Test For Mold

For testing assessments and/or clean-up, check local yellow pages under Laboratories-Analytical, Environmental Testing, or Mold Inspection. Please note that the commonly used testing methods are limited in what they can detect and measure. Testing for mold is not the same as testing for mycotoxins, toxic substances produced by some molds which may harm a person.

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Landlord Liability For Mold In Texas

There is currently no federal law covering a landlord’s responsibilities when it comes to mold. Also, Texas doesn’t have any laws that specifically address a landlord’s duties or liability when it comes to mold prevention and remediation.

However, tenants who believe they have been harmed by the presence of high concentrations of mold in their apartment can try to recover damages from their landlord in court to compensate them for their loss. If a judge or jury agrees that the landlord negligently created a mold problem or allowed one to continue at a property, the landlord could be on the hook for any harm.

For example, tenants at an upscale apartment complex in Austin, Texas, contacted a local news station to investigate after allegedly dealing with serious mold and moisture problems and an unresponsive management. The news investigation revealed several tenants with mold in their apartments who claimed to have been suffering foul smells and illness. Although the management claims it responds to mold and other repair requests promptly, the tenants are reportedly also pursuing a $5 million class-action lawsuit to recover “wrongful, misleading, and fraudulent” fees from the landlord relating to water and sewer issues, among other things.

Quick Answer: Who Do I Call If I Find Black Mold In My Apartment

• How do I know if its black mold?

If there is mold in your apartment, you need to notify your landlord immediately. You might also consider asking your landlord to bring in a professional mold inspector. Mold usually grows in difficult to see places, like behind walls or appliances, and the professionals will have equipment to detect it.

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Mold Prevention And Removal

The best way to prevent mold is to remove water and moisture sources. Fix leaks, dry damp areas and remove humidity from the air to help stop mold growth and keep it from coming back.

To remove mold:

If the mold returns quickly or spreads, there may be an underlying problem, such as a water leak. Report repeated mold problems to your landlord.

If large areas of mold are present, you may need outside help such as a professional mold abatement company. Be sure your contractor is licensed and follows NYS Labor Law requirements.

To report a large amount of mold in an apartment if you are a tenant, or if the mold is in a non-residential location, submit a complaint online or call 311.

• CDC Infographic: 8 Tips to Clean Up Mold

What If You Have Mold In Your House

You might be wondering whether you should DIY it or hire a professional to remove the scum. If it isn’t a large amount of mold, you can probably get rid of it yourself.

However, if the area of mold is larger than 10 square feet or has spread onto places like baseboards, drywall or behind walls, then you absolutely should call a licensed professional.

Whatever you decide to do, take lots and lots of photographs if you decide to file a potential lawsuit against another party. All of the evidence will be gone once you decide to remediate the mold.

Regardless of any lawsuit, please remember that your health is more important and should dictate any decision you make.

If you think you may have a potential lawsuit over health problems caused by toxic mold, you would benefit by speaking to an attorney who specializes in Texas toxic mold cases. Find an attorney now.

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