What You Can Do To Prevent Mold From Growing
Your first, and best, defense against mold is finding an apartment building that is well kept when youre looking at apartments for rent. If you see signs of the building breaking down, looking dingy, or can see that it clearly isnt well kept, you can bet that the landlord might not be on top of issues like a new mold infestation. A responsible landlord will make sure that appliances, pipes, tubs, and other areas that perpetually see water use are well sealed, and possibly pre-treated. There are also things that you can do to prevent the growth of mold in your current apartment. Dont leave standing water anywhere: whether its water around the kitchen sink or something that has spilled in your bedroom. Dry out any moisture you see as soon as possible.
Even if youre not totally certain that you have a mold issue, call your landlord at the first sign of the apartment mold symptoms listed above. With so many apartments for rent out there, it could be time to make your move to one that’s mold-free. If you need a little help finding your dream apartment, ApartmentSearch can help!
What Apartment Mold Symptoms Should Worry Me
Mold is a fungus that grows in the presence of moisture in warm, dark places. It releases tiny little spores into the air and, if left untreated, can make you really sick. Those spores can settle into your lungs.
You might have mold if you witness or experience any of the following:
- A persistent musty smell
- You see black or dark green spots appearing on any surface
- You start having physical symptoms like sneezing, coughing, trouble breathing, itchy eyes, or skin rashes that get better when you leave your apartment
- You see signs of water intrusion like bulging drywall, bubbling or peeling paint, and/or discoloration from water stains that werent dried out immediately.
You might only see or feel just one symptom, but it is very important not to ignore signs of mold for the sake of your health. Each of these apartment mold symptoms is a cause for concern.
Water Damage Or Leaks Have Not Been Repaired
If there’s a history or flooding or existing water damage, this is a prime opportunity for mold to grow. Mold spores need moisture. Check your rental property for water damage and leaks, or other damp areas where mold is likely to multiply. To try to avoid this problem, make sure it is clear to your tenants that any water leaks or damage must be reported to you so they can be quickly and properly repaired.
You May Like: Can Mold Grow In Air Ducts
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.
Obligations Subject To Limitation Of Liability
A landlord is liable for following the obligations set forth under landlord-tenant law. This includes adhering to the terms of the lease agreement.
In many states, a landlord is relieved of this liability once they sell the property and notify the tenant in writing that the property is under new ownership or management. The new owner then becomes liable for adhering to the terms of the lease agreement and for following the landlord-tenant law in the state.
The landlord who collected the security deposit is still responsible for the tenants security deposit. The landlord usually has two options:
*Be sure to check your state and local landlord-tenant laws to discover additional or different obligations that may apply in your area.
Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From Bathroom
Contact A Professional Mold Remediation Company
Even if you performed your test and found no mold in your apartment, this does not guarantee that your air quality is satisfactory. Consider hiring Mold Remediation to conduct a thorough test of the air in your apartment. The air or surfaces in your home will be checked for mold with special equipment.
Cause #: A Broken Washing Machine Hose
“We get a lot of these,” Gross says, placing the blame on cheap rubber washing machine hoses. Those are the ones that break, as opposed to the under $30 stainless-steel-wrapped hoses you can buy at Home Depot that almost never leak.”Treatment: For minor damage, the removal of moldings and drilling of holes to promote air circulation and drying, for a cost from $1,200 to $5,000.If mold has already set in, a full-scale remediation would entail removing the flooring and base moldings, cutting the sheetrock walls up two feet around the perimeter of the room, and then treating the area as described below. Price: $8,000-$12,000.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Mold Out Of Couch Cushions
What If The Landlord Is Failing To Take Action
1. Ask a lawyer
Your state might not require for you to have a lawyer, but it may be helpful to get a professionals opinion on your best options and how to proceed in case your landlord does not take action to remove the mold. Remember, mold is harmful to your health and you want it to be gone as soon as possible. You might have to file a lawsuit and the court will be able to order a repair.
2. Keep documentation
Remember to keep copies of your written interaction with the landlord, the photos of mold, and any receipts revolving around the issue. For example, keep the results from the indoor air quality test check.
3. Move out
If the issue is not being resolved, it is probably best to move out, especially if the landlord is not responsive. It is probably a good sign that the accommodations arent safe for you.
Got any other tips on dealing with mold? Share your ideas by tagging us @ApartmentList on or .
Learn About Your Landlords Liability For Mold Problems How To Get Rid Of Mold And How To Prevent It In The First Place
Mold is an environmental hazard that can cause concern among renters. Across the country, tenants have won multimillion-dollar cases against landlords for significant health problemssuch as rashes, chronic fatigue, nausea, cognitive losses, hemorrhaging, and asthmaallegedly caused by exposure to âtoxic moldsâ in their building.
If you suspect there is mold in your rental unit, learn what to look for and when your landlord might be liable. Even better, take steps to prevent mold before it becomes a problemor clean mold up before it does become a problem.
Don’t Miss: What To Do If You Ve Been Exposed To Mold
Is Black Mold Dangerous
Black mold is very dangerous, especially to people who suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma. It can cause symptoms like:
- Nasal congestion
It can cause pneumonia and internal organ damage in people who have underlying health conditions that compromise their immune systems.
If you suffer from these conditions when you are inside of your apartment, you may have reason to suspect that black mold is growing somewhere in it. By eliminating it, you may relieve these symptoms and improve your health.
Mold In Apartment Symptoms And What To Do Moldbuster
- Whether you own your apartment or rent one, there are a few steps you can take to prevent mold problems in your unit. First, make a point of repairing leaky fixtures, including pipes that run underneath sinks. If youâre a renter, thatâs a job your landlord is responsible for
- These are produced by toxic strains of mold and can cause serious health problems. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, short attention span, memory loss and trouble concentrating. As with the allergy symptoms caused by non-toxic molds, if your symptoms are worse in your apartment than other places thatâs an indicator mold may be present
- Wear rubber cleaning gloves, protective goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from spores, and stop if you develop nausea or headaches. Make sure the area is well ventilated post-cleanup, or the mold will return. Dealing with a larger mold problem, recurring mold, or a very damp apartment is best handled by a professional
- If you discover mold in your apartment, your first action should be to send a written notice to your landlord of the mold. It is important that the contact is in writing for documentation purposes. Your landlord has a duty to address the issue within a reasonable amount of time, however, remember that the landlord is responsible for structural.
Read Also: How To Tell If Your Ac Has Mold
The Apartment Mold Removal Process
Once you find out you are dealing with mold or black mold caused by water damage, it can be an overwhelming and scary thought. As a tenant in an apartment home or unit, you may not be liable for the removal and cleanup costs. You will need to deal with your landlord concerning the presence of mold. As landlords are legally required to provide living conditions to tenants that are free from health hazards due to a moisture problem, the implied warranty of habitability often makes toxic black mold the property owners problem. Be sure to notify your landlord, in writing, of the discovery of mold and provide a cost of any analysis or testing results. How the problem is addressed is something the landlord needs to work out with you.
Regardless of how much you enjoy your apartment, you should always be concerned about the presence of mold spores or mildew and how they can cause health problems. This is particularly true if you or a prior tenant experienced water damage in one or more areas. Mold can wreak havoc on your health, so if for nothing more than your own piece of mind, you should have your apartment tested for black mold or other toxic spores caused by a moisture problem. You can rely on the expertise of the team at Mold Remediation and Removal to thoroughly remove the danger of the fungus from your home and help mitigate health issues.
You Find Dark Or Colored Spots On Your Walls
Mold can appear in many shapes, textures, and colors. It can look like anything from green, dripping slime definitely something youd notice to an innocuous-looking grey fuzz. If your walls are coming out in spots, its worth double-checking that there isnt a leak in the pipes or uncontrolled humidity in the room.
If you have a pre-existing breathing problem that seems to flare up after long periods at home, mold could be the culprit.
Most species of household mold wont bother people without breathing issues but can aggravate asthma in individuals who already suffer from the condition. Consider scheduling a doctors appointment and a mold inspection if your breathing problems seem to worsen without a clear cause.
Also Check: How To Treat Mold Allergies Naturally
Learn How To Identify Mold
Once you recognize the smell, you should start looking for the places in which mold tends to grow. Mold can be black, white, green, gray, shiny, or dusty. Some of these varieties are easy to smell and see while others hide around baseboards, between walls, and in corners of your attic or basement. It would be best if you can also recognize what it looks like. Apart from physically seeing the mold, noticing bubbling paint, drywall, or discolored paint and wood could be signs of mold growth.
Can You Sue Your Landlord For Mold Exposure
You can sue your landlord for mold: If you ve 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.
Read Also: What Can Mold Spores Do To Your Health
How To Keep Mold Out Of Your Apartment
When it comes to controlling mold growth, being proactive is the way to go.
Avoiding growth through prevention is the best route, so renters never have to deal with mold problems in the first place, says Michael Rubino, founder and CEO of HomeCleanse. Focus on deep cleaning to remove microscopic particles, dust, and food sources for mold. Reduce moisture in the home by maintaining humidity levels between 35% and 50%, wiping up pooled moisture, hanging up towels and bathmats to dry, and using exhaust fans to create airflow.
A landlord is much more likely to hold a tenant responsible if the tenants actions contributed to the problem. The CDC recommends taking these steps to prevent mold from growing in the first place:
- Keephumidity levels low. Air humidity levels below 50% are optimal. Home improvement stores sell humidity meters that measure the airs moisture. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers may be able to help tenants who dont already have them.
- Allow indoor air to flow freely. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to push moisture out of the home. If you have a clothes dryer, make sure its venting air outside.
- Keep your apartment clean. Clean bathrooms with cleaning products that kill mold. Make sure to follow all safety instructions listed on the package, especially if it contains toxic chemicals.
- Tell your landlord right away if you notice any water leaks or moisture buildup.
Treating Minor Mold Problems
Minor mold problems are typically defined as anything smaller than 10 square feet. Mold is usually easier to address when it shows up on tile, around windows, or on other hard surfaces that tend to catch water.
The EPA doesnt recommend using bleach to treat a common mold problem yourself. Instead, they suggest using a simple mixture of water and detergent.
If you see mold on soft surfaces, the best solution is usually to dispose of it. These surfaces include:
If the item belongs to the property owner, make sure to contact them before you throw anything away. If you arent sure whether to clean something or throw it away, talk to your property manager. If you want to try to save personal items with mold on it, contact someone who specializes in mold remediation and removal.
Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Plaster Walls
Fungus In The Furniture
Mildew is attracted to moist leather and wood, and mold particles are more likely to be retained in porous materials like upholstered furniture and foam. Frequently inspect thefibers of your furniturefor any discolored spots, fuzz or spores.
Does your furniture seem a little funky? Mold particles are attracted to porous materials like upholstered furniture and foam. Be sure to inspect the fibers of your couches and chairs for any discolored spots, fuzz or spores.
ProClean Pensacola
What Does Mold Look Like
Most people think of mold indoors as the nefarious-looking black, yellow or greenish splotches that grow on walls and window frames, but mold can appear in a variety of colors and forms. It can have a slimy, fuzzy or suede-like texture .
Contrary to what you might have heard, the color of mold doesn’t determine how dangerous it is.
Read Also: Does Ammonia Kill Black Mold
Precautions For Protecting Yourself When Cleaning
To avoid exposing yourself unnecessarily to mould, it is recommended that you wear protective goggles, rubber gloves and a dust mask. These items are inexpensive and available at hardware stores.
Avoid doing the cleaning when other people are in the room. This applies particularly to more vulnerable people, such as children and people with asthma or allergies. Be sure to ventilate the area before allowing people back in the room.
Allergy Or Asthma Flare
Certain species of mold release a harmful substance calledmycotoxin, which can trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies and asthma . Have you found yourself sneezing, coughing, feeling fatigued or blowing your nose no matter the time of year? It may be time to give the home a thorough inspection.
Have you been experiencing an increase in your allergy and asthma symptoms? Mold in your home may be the culprit. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, it’s critical that you act fast. Trust the Experts. Trust ProClean. #MoldRemediation#MoldAssessment#MoldRemoval
ProClean Pensacola
Recommended Reading: Do Homeowners Policies Cover Mold
Can I Break My Lease Because Of Mold
If the mold is shown to have been there since before you moved in, and your landlord had you move into a unit that had mold in it, and you are suffering health problems because of it, you can absolutely ask to break your lease.
More often than not, the landlord is either going to let you out of the lease so they can go address the significant mold problem, or they are going to ask you to stay and they will take care of the mold problem while you are still a tenant, thus fulfilling his obligation.
Which route you want to take as tenant depends on how bad the mold is, how bad, if any, symptoms you are having because of the mold, and how conducive the landlord is with working with you. Did he offer to put you up at a hotel for a few days while a professional company takes care of the mold? If so, thats a good sign you have a decent landlord and may be in your best interest to stay.
If the problem persists, the landlord is slow to get around to it, or you are having major health problems because of the mold, you can absolutely ask to leave your lease agreement because of this.
