Dealing with Mold in Rental Properties: A Comprehensive Guide

Recently moved into a new rental apartment and strongly suspect it has black mold? Since last June, you've experienced an unrelenting illness that has worsened despite multiple notifications to your landlord. This situation is particularly concerning, as mold, when left unchecked, can cause a myriad of health issues. This article will guide you through the necessary actions to ensure your health and the resolution of the mold issue.

Recognizing Mold: A Detailed Overview

Mold is a complex subject, characterized by a vast array of species, with approximately 60,000 different types known to science. Not all molds are harmful; in fact, only a small fraction is toxic. Some notable types, such as Aspergillosis, can cause severe health issues due to their ability to stay airborne. Nevertheless, it's important to understand that mold requires three essential elements to thrive: moisture, air, and a surface to grow on.

Eliminating any one of these three components can prevent mold from thriving. If you suspect mold, there are several steps you can take to address the situation effectively.

Evidence and Testing for Mold

To unambiguously determine whether your apartment contains mold, it's crucial to hire a professional mold testing company. This is not as simple as using a petri dish from Home Depot. Instead, you should commission a comprehensive indoor and outdoor air sampling from a certified mold testing firm. This service will provide a comparative analysis, which is the most reliable way to ascertain the presence of mold and whether it poses a health risk.

The results of such testing will also help identify the source of the mold, which is often a water leak or poor ventilation. Once identified, landlords can take steps to repair the issue and prevent the mold from reoccurring. If the mold is found to be caused by an issue that the tenant failed to report or worsened, the tenant may be held liable.

The species of black mold that has gained notoriety, such as Stachybotrys, is indeed toxic, but it is heavier and typically requires significant disturbance to become airborne. Therefore, if you suspect this type of mold, you should take the necessary steps to address it promptly.

Legal Action and Health Considerations

While mold is a concern, taking legal action such as filing a Code Report and seeking a lawyer can be a critical step if your landlord fails to address the issue. Moreover, the cost of testing and cleaning can add up, and if the mold is toxic, the landlord will have to cover all medical expenses.

However, as with any home, there is a high likelihood that some level of mold is present. The vast majority of landlords prefer to first determine the cause of the mold before taking any remedial actions. This typically involves identifying any water leaks or poor ventilation issues that may be contributing to the mold growth.

It's important to note that tenants are often hesitant to order and pay for testing upfront, especially if the results indicate a non-toxic variety of mold. Landlords are generally more willing to address the issue once evidence of mold is presented through professional testing.

Conclusion

Dealing with mold in rental properties can be challenging due to the various types of mold and the differing opinions on what constitutes a dangerous level. However, taking the steps outlined in this guide can help you address the issue effectively and protect your health. If you strongly suspect mold, the best course of action is to hire a professional mold testing firm, identify the cause of the mold, and take necessary actions to remediate the situation.

The key to resolving mold issues lies in evidence-based solutions and collaboration between tenants and landlords. By taking a proactive and informed approach, you can ensure a healthy living environment for you and your family.