Mold in Rental Properties

Property management consists of more than buying and renting houses. It also includes preventative maintenance such as keeping the structures in good repair and preventing future issues like leaks. Keeping your rental property in proper working condition and ridding it of any health and safety hazards is part of your daily to-do list. But when was the last time you considered the impact of mold and related issues on your rental properties? 

Mold is one of the most common environmental hazards that could appear in any rental property, and it requires vigilance to prevent and treat. While it may not seem like a big issue, mold spores can grow and spread extremely fast. Before you know it, you may have a full-blown infestation on your hands, which is harder to address than fixing the issue as soon as you notice the tell-tale signs of mold growing in your rental property.

Where and How Does Mold Grow in Rental Properties?

Despite the common perception that mold is only a result of warm weather and damp climates, mold can occur in any area of the county—though it’s more common in warm, humid zones. All mold needs to occur is a bit of moisture and a food source, so something as small as an unattended puddle or a roof leak is enough to start the process.

If mold grows so easily, how can you prevent it? There’s no way to guarantee you won’t get mold in your rental unit, but there are many ways to minimize the risk. Mold thrives in poorly ventilated areas, so make sure your rental has enough ventilation and clean your air ducts regularly. You should perform routine mold tests and talk to your tenants about how to identify the signs of mold growth. 

How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix a Mold Problem?

If your rental unit has leaky faucets, dripping pipes, or a damaged roof, you should repair them as soon as possible. The longer you allow these issues to persist, the more they increase your chances of a mold problem and even greater costs down the road. 

There are no hard-and-fast rules regarding how long you have to fix a mold problem once you or a tenant discovers one. However, for the sake of your tenants and your property, it’s always better to start removing the mold as soon as possible to prevent health effects and structural damage. 

Why Fixing Mold in Rental Housing is Important

Depending on the type of mold issue, prolonged exposure can cause new or worsening health problems in both tenants and landlords. If there is mold in a rental property you own or manage, you may be held accountable for cleanup and repair bills or lawsuits from tenants claiming that toxic mold made them sick. 

Black mold is not more harmful to healthy people than mold of other colors. However, it can be hazardous in people with preexisting conditions, especially allergies and respiratory ailments. While all mold is problematic, you must be wary of black mold. 

How to Get Rid of Mold (the Mold Remediation Process)

While there are a few cleaning methods and anti-fungal solutions you can use to remove visible mold, there’s no way to guarantee that it will fix the problem. With most mold infestations, the spores start in vents, walls, and other places where it’s hard to detect. It’s usually only visible once it’s had ample time to spread.

Because of this, it’s best to call professionals to test for, locate, and remove mold clusters and infestations. Mold remediation experts like the team at AdvantaClean can help you solve mold problems quickly and efficiently. Don’t let your tenants be exposed to health hazards or open yourself to pay for the damages that may result. 

Even if you haven’t seen any signs of an infestation, it’s still a good idea to get your rental unit tested for mold regularly. If it is determined that you have an issue, it’s time to get down to business. AdvantaClean’s expert mold removal and remediation services can remove the problem, prevent spreading, and put your mind at ease quickly and safely.

Visit our website to schedule a test or hire us to help with a mold issue. We’d be happy to help because nothing is more important to us than your safety.