Why It Matters
Mold can be a scary prospect for tenants and landlords. Left unattended and allowed to spread, mold can create serious health issues for your tenants as well as cause significant damage to your property which could lead to costly repairs. Having a certain set of procedures in place to handle any potential mold problems are necessary to avoiding any unnecessary financial headaches.
Where To Look
Certain parts of your home are more prone to mold than others. Mold typically grows in moist, dark, areas with little or no ventilation. Here are some common areas mold is found.
- Underneath/behind kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Behind walls which house plumbing
- Around windowsills
- Carpets/padding
- AC units
How to Prevent
Survey your home. Do you have water stains on the ceiling anywhere? Do you have any leaking pipes? If so fix them immediately. Ventilation is key. Humid, stagnant air is mold's best friend. Check all exhaust fans and ensure they are in working order. Opening windows, using fans, and dehumidifiers are great ways to promote airflow and reduce moisture.
Remediation
Once notified about water damage or mold growth it is necessary to take action within 48 hours. Very minor mold issues can be taken care of personally, but needs to handled with caution as improper removal can cause spores to spread throughout your home. If you choose to self-remediate, wear protection such as a face mask designed for contact with mold like the P-100 respirator mask. Also cover your arms, legs, and hands to avoid all contact with spores. If the mold is moderate to severe, calling remediation professionals is necessary. Mold covering an area of 10 square feet or more, or for mold that you cannot locate, you should seek professional intervention. Make sure the remediation process is well-documented by taking notes, photos, and videos of the affected area, as well as following up once the process is complete.
Tenant Knowledge
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, mold growth can still occur due to tenant negligence. Making sure potential tenants understand how to properly care for a home in order to prevent mold is key. Having a mold inspection done prior to new tenants taking occupancy is key and can mitigate your liability in the occurrence of mold caused by your tenants. Also, requiring tenants to read and sign a mold and ventilation addendum alongside the lease agreement is one of the most important actions you can take as a homeowner. Ensuring your tenants are aware of the necessary precautions to avoid mold, as well as being obliged to notify you of any potential mold growth, is vital to maintaining a clean home.
Infographic courtesy of American Apartment Owners Association
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