Mold growing, who is responsible

[Donny Widjaja]

Hi,

My tenant just informed my yesterday there is mold growing on the bathroom wall next to the bathtub.  From the picture that she sent to me, it seems like the mold has been there for a while.  

I contacted ServPro, a mold remediation company, and they said they can provide a free consultation.  However, I'm also worried that there might be mold somewhere where it is not visible.  

I'm not sure what should be my action.  Can I just get a contractor to scrap those mold on the wall?  Should I get a professional mold remediation like ServPro?  Should I get a professional mold inspector to make sure there is no mold in other places?

What's the best plan to ensure I can protect my rental house, and provide a safe environment for the tenant, without costing me too much money.

Finally, who is responsible for paying for the repairs?  I see this as a tenant negligence for not reporting earlier, and keeping the bathroom wet and damp.  

Thanks,

Donny

[Marcia Maynard]

The conversation about mold in the home and how to prevent it and how to report it should happen at the time the tenancy begins. 

Federal law requires landlords to inform tenants about mold and moisture hazards prior to move-in and to provide educational material. We cover this topic in our rental agreement too and hand each tenant a great booklet published by the EPA called "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home."

Mold spores are in the air, practically everywhere, but mold spores will adhere to surfaces and start to grow only under certain conditions. Surface mold on non-porous surfaces can be easily cleaned off. Mold that has set roots in sheet rock will need to be cut out.

I would start by visiting the unit and doing your own inspection. Find out the extent of the mold problem and the root cause. Address the root cause to prevent this happening again, clean up the mold, educate the tenant. You may need to replace damaged materials if they can not be effectively cleaned. Unless the mold is extensive, you most likely will not need to hire a remediation company. Make sure the home has proper ventilation and the tenant is property using the bathroom exhaust fan.

Here is an excerpt from our rental agreement that you might find helpful to add to yours:

"MOLD AND MILDEW. Mold may grow and exist in any structure where there is, or ever has been, a presence of moisture and a food source for mold to grow. Its presence may exist without the knowledge of the structure owner and may be concealed from the untrained observer. Some varieties of mold are toxic and may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. Tenant and Landlord will complete a Mold and Moisture Hazards addendum that will become part of this rental agreement." 

Note, in the addendum, we have the tenant acknowledge that they have received the EPA booklet and will take measures to prevent mold and mildew from developing. We also do periodic inspections of our rental units and keep an eye out for conditions which are conducive for developing mold and mildew. Prevention is the key.