What To Do If Mold Is Growing in an Apartment

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growth under cabinets

Mold contamination at an apartment building may pose a bigger challenge than an infestation in a single-family residence or commercial structure. Tenants and owners have distinct responsibilities and different levels of liability for reporting damage and arranging for mold cleanup. Mold growth may also affect more than one unit. Take these three steps to ensure that all parties are informed and resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

1. Notify the Property Owner

Tenants should contact a landlord as soon as water damage becomes apparent. If signs of mold appear without evident water damage, damage may have occurred elsewhere in a structure. Tenants and landlords should correspond in writing and retain copies of these records.

2. Document Damage

Tenants or property owners should take photographs or record videos the document the full extent of damage. A tenant can provide this evidence to an owner to support a damage report. Documentation is also helpful if renters or property insurance policies include coverage for any portion of mold cleanup costs.

3. Schedule Mold Testing and Remediation

A property owner should arrange for an indoor environmental professional to test for mold spores. An IEP can determine whether mold is growing, identify the species and offer insight on the best cleanup and remediation methods. Processing test results may take several days, and cleaning up a minor to moderate infestation can take up to a week.

An owner of an apartment or multi-family residence should respond promptly to reports of water damage or mold contamination from tenants. Disregarding these notifications may be grounds for legal action. Apartment owners should rely on certified professionals for testing and mold cleanup. While non-professionals may be able to clean up a minor infestation, trained remediation experts can make sure that the problem is eliminated and reduce the likelihood that mold growth will recur at a building in Tarrytown, TX.