Tenant Complaint, Need Advice

[Michael Nahm]

I need to get some thoughts from this great BP community on an issue.

My tenant is in a great condo I own, and has been living in it for years. I need to add that this tenant is great as well, usually quiet and hasn’t ever been late paying rent.


The condo has a full bathroom that  doesn’t have any windows, thus no real way to air it out.

A while ago, the tenant noted that mold was starting to show in the ceiling and for me to take care of it. 

Back then, I informed the tenant that it’s their responsibility to keep the bathroom door open to air it out because there is no ventilation other that a ceiling fan and to wipe it with bleach.

All had been quiet since then (it’s been about three years since the initial complaint). Now, the issue came up again.

keep in mind, I am not greedy. This tenant went in to the condo a couple hundred dollars UNDER market. I didn’t raise the rent for the first few years, yet since have been inching it up. 

Both times the tenant complained, were when a notice of renewal was sent with a tiny increase in rent (barely 2% each time). Tenant is currently paying about $350 UNDER market.

I can’t police how the tenant ventilates that bathroom, and the mold is showing on the corner of the ceiling. 

Was wondering what others think should be done and who’s responsible.

[Greg M.]

Have the ceiling fan replaced with a much more heavy duty one and wire it to the light switch so it goes on when the light is turned on. Also, see if it is possible to add a window. Small bathroom windows aren't too expensive and if it prevents mold, that is a good investment.

The fact that the rent is $350 under market is meaningless. It should have been raised closer to market. Go complain to the guy in the mirror about that. The tenant's complaint is legitimate.