Renters face many challenges. From noisy downstairs neighbors to rising rental rates, it can seem like the problems never end. However, one issue you shouldn’t have to ever deal with is mold.
Mold is a pretty helpful organism when it’s living outdoors. Mold breaks down organic matter, returning nutrients to the environment. But if this funky fungus is growing in your rental home, it can be a danger to your health.
Have you noticed a musty smell in your bathroom? Or, are there green and yellow splotches forming on your ceiling? If so, you might have a mold infestation. When it comes to mold outbreaks, it’s essential to act fast. But as a renter, you may not know what to do about your uninvited guest.
Here’s what you should do if you have mold in your rental property.
Signs Your Rental Home Has Mold
Firstly, it’s important to know if your rental actually has a mold infestation. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your landlord right away:
- Musty, damp odors
- Sudden asthma or allergy flare ups
- Ongoing respiratory issues, such as coughing, sneezing, or wheezing
- Brown, black, green, yellow, or orange discoloration on your ceiling, walls, or floor
- Your rental has recently experienced water damage
Who is Responsible for a Mold Infestation in My Rental?
As a tenant, it is your responsibility to contact your landlord or property manager at the first signs of a mold infestation. In most cases, the landlord is responsible for covering the cost of mold remediation services. They are legally responsible for ensuring your living environment is free from safety and health hazards.
In certain situations, the renter could be held liable for the mold outbreak. If the mold was caused by your actions, you might have to pay for the cleanup.
What Renters Should Do if There is Mold in Their Homes
If you think your apartment has mold, it’s crucial to act fast. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become. Not only will mold damage your apartment, but it can jeopardize your health.
After notifying your landlord, take pictures of the suspected mold. If you can, try and determine the source of the outbreak. Look for things like leaking appliances, signs of water damage, or lack of ventilation, but only if they are visible. Never risk your well-being.
Most importantly, never attempt to clean up the mold outbreak yourself. In doing so, you could make the problem worse.
How to Prevent Mold Infestations in Your Apartment
Proactively preventing mold from growing in your apartment keeps both your home and health safe. A few tips to follow to keep mold at bay include:
- Keep humidity levels at 50% or below
- Promote indoor air circulation by opening windows or using fans
- Quickly clean up spills
- Never leave damp clothing or bedding on the floor or in your hamper
- Immediately notify your landlord if you notice any leaks from appliances or plumbing
- Regularly clean your apartment
For added protection, consider investing in a dehumidifier or an HVAC filter with a moderate MERV rating.
Treating Mold Outbreaks in Rental Properties
Neither a tenant nor a landlord should try to deal with a mold infestation themselves. It’s always best to contact a team of mold remediation professionals, such as Save the Day Restoration.
We are proud to provide superior mold remediation services to the residents of Los Angeles County. Our licensed, bonded, and insured technicians have years of training and experience. We’ll quickly remove the mold, sanitize the area, and get rid of any lingering odors.
Saves the Day Restoration provides 24/7 emergency services. We also specialize in water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, and sanitation solutions.
To learn more, contact us 24/7 by calling (562) 303-5583.
