Renters long to live in a place they can call home. However, problems such as mold might occasionally cause problems. In addition to making the space feel stuffy, it may even be harmful to your health. It is easy for mold to spread throughout your house if there is moisture present.
The presence of moisture in your house can allow mold to spread rapidly throughout it. Unfortunately, if it is not addressed, it can also damage the building’s structure and result in a number of health problems, which must be addressed as soon as possible. Read along as this guide discusses essential ways of handling mold in a rental property and the next steps to take.
Why is Mold a Common Concern in Rentals?
In many rental homes, mold is a widespread problem. The first step in preventing and maintaining it is to understand its causes. A common cause of mold formation in rental properties is an abundance of moisture. Whether it’s from high humidity, poor ventilation, or ongoing leaks, moisture buildup makes the perfect conditions for mold growth. Properties that exhibit condensation on windows or walls, in particular, are indicative of excessive interior humidity levels, which can result in the growth of mold if sufficient air circulation is not maintained.
Inadequate ventilation might be the most significant cause of mold problems in rental units. Spaces prone to dampness, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, may not have windows or exhaust fans that allow fresh air to circulate. When everyday functions are performed, such as showering, cooking, or indoor clothing drying, the humidity in the air increases. Most of the time, you have no way to expel that humid air outside, and any humid air settles on surfaces, providing the best conditions for mold to grow.
In addition to controlling moisture, leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. The climate of a rental property may become more humid due to things such as leaking roofs, dripping pipes, or a failing window seal. Tenants must report these problems as soon as they arise, and landlords must make the necessary repairs as soon as feasible. Landlords are responsible for mold remediation, especially if they missed early warning signs. A mold problem that compromises the structural integrity of the property and puts tenants’ health at risk might arise from even a small delay in repairing leaks. Quick intervention is crucial since mold can be especially dangerous for people who have allergies or respiratory conditions.
Overall, the formula for avoiding mold in rental buildings is straightforward: regulate moisture content, improve ventilation, and take quick care of maintenance concerns.
Landlord and Property Manager Responsibilities
Conducting Regular Inspections
The landlord should perform a comprehensive cleaning and the necessary inspections, including a mold test, of the rental property before leasing it to the tenant. The locations that are prone to moisture collection should be thoroughly inspected. Important places where mold can grow undetected are bathrooms, cardboard boxes, wall paneling, fabric, ceiling tiles, sheetrock, and flooring.
For simple inspections and other minor problems, a knowledgeable and experienced landlord may be adequate. You can work with a responsible Philadelphia rental manager to schedule maintenance concerns and prevent potential sources of mold. However, if you’re worried about the amount of mold in your house, the CDC advises having a professional remediator consultation. To find out how many mold spores are present in your house and to tell you about the type of infestation, an air quality test will be conducted in your property. Mold must be removed right away if it is found during the examination.
Addressing Ventilation and Leak Issues
Landlords are required to repair leaking roofs, windows, pipes, and plumbing faults, as moisture can lead directly to mold. If the mold arises from structural problems or water that has not been caused by the tenant, it is the total responsibility of the landlord to rectify the situation, remediate the damage, and remove the mold. If the leak that results in mold is not promptly attended to, the landlord may be liable for health or property damages. Many places consider these types of repairs to be urgent and are typically mandated to be resolved quickly under tenancy legislation.
Moreover, landlords must ensure that their properties have functioning exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms (if present), clear vents, and operable windows for airflow when needed. If a ventilation system fails and/or is inadequate, operators/owners must repair or upgrade it accordingly to eliminate issues with moisture buildup that can result in mold. Regular property inspections (ideally before the initial commencement of a tenancy, and in the course of a tenancy) at least enable a landlord to be able to identify gaps in ventilation early and ensure that you can assist with preventing mold before it develops.
Hiring a Professional Remediation
In cases of mold in a rental property, especially if it is very extensive or involves toxic molds such as black mold, the landlord will need to hire a professional mold remediation service. This is a very important aspect of the landlord’s responsibilities to the tenant, and when looking for contractors, mold remediation specialists follow the industry standards for mold remediation services and are often IICRC certified (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
The remediation professionals will use specialized equipment such as moisture meters, infrared thermographs, HEPA vacuums, and antimicrobial SOS sprays or solutions. They will identify and isolate the affected areas in order to contain any spores released during remediation. Engaged contractors will remove contaminated materials in a manner that is expected by industry standards and treat structural materials as applicable. After materials are removed, they will dry the area thoroughly and treat it to prevent future mold growth.
Tenant’s Right to a Safe Living Environment
Tenants have particular rights in various jurisdictions regarding mold and other dangerous dwelling conditions. You should be aware of a few general legal protections as a result.
The Implied Warranty of Habitability is the first on this list. Rental homes must adhere to specific health and safety regulations in the majority of states. Make sure to have these details in writing, implying that you might be allowed to request repairs or end your lease if mold is already making the property uninhabitable.
The obligation to notify comes next. Generally speaking, tenants must notify their landlord of any mold issues as soon as they are identified. It can be crucial to record your correspondence via emails or printed notices in case mediation or legal action is subsequently required.
Then there is the Right to Refuse to Pay Rent. In certain situations, tenants may be able to refuse rent until a mold problem is fixed if the landlord does nothing after being informed of it. The landlord may begin eviction procedures for nonpayment; therefore, this activity carries dangers and should be proceeded with caution, ideally with legal counsel first.
There are retaliation protections as well. Your landlord cannot remove you, raise rent, or decline to renew your lease in retaliation for you reporting mold problems. If you believe you are being targeted for retaliation, make sure to meticulously record every instance.
Final Thoughts
The origin and cause of the mold determine who is responsible for cleaning up a rental property. While tenants are in charge of regular cleaning and problem-solving, landlords are usually in charge of fixing structural faults and keeping the space livable. A mold infestation is a serious problem that can quickly cause other problems; thus, delaying is not advised. If you notice any indications of microbial development in the rental property you are renting, you should take immediate action.
