Tenant threat re: mold after "safe" levels found on air test

Tenant threat re: mold after "safe" levels found on air test

Member since 2018 · 45 posts · 0 votes

Hi -

Had a leak in apt. Notified HOA as it was coming from the decks they maintain & pay for. They got some quotes to fix. Interior had water damage.

While I'm waiting on the Board to move forward, tenant contacted me complaining of mold issue - saying he wants a mold test & that he'll pay for it if negative.  Of course, there is mold everywhere, so no such thing as negative, but I have an air test done & the results come back extremely low - lower than the average outside levels for that region.

I tell him good news, safe levels, he says I'm getting sick and it doesn't matter what the test says, I want it remediated ($3k job).  Meanwhile, the Board is dragging its feet on moving forward to fix the deck and the interior damage.

So the question is how to deal with a difficult, cranky tenant and play middleman with the Board still deciding what to do. It's going on about 3 weeks now & I really need to settle the matter, but I don't want to be pushed into doing a full remediation by the tenant if not necessary and the HOA won't cover it.

As we all know, there's the legal side of what's required and practical side of how to calm a squeaky wheel.. I am getting a good rent, so I don't want to push the tenant out the door either, although that's an option.

Any input appreciated!

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Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
6y

You have the test that says its safe , you do nothing further . Just get on the HOA to get the work done

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  • Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    6y

    You have the test that says its safe , you do nothing further . Just get on the HOA to get the work done

  • Member since 2018 · 45 posts · 0 votes
    6y

    OK thx.

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    6y

    Dear Tenant,

    I paid for the property to be tested and the results show the home is safe. If you feel the home is causing you health problems, I recommend you move to another rental where you can feel safer. I will hold you accountable for rent until a replacement renter is found. At that point, I will refund the remainder of your deposit and terminate your lease.

    I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

    Landlord 

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
  • Member since 2019 · 215 posts · 122 votes
    6y

    Agreed per the results your free in clear and its nothing you have control over or caused.  It doesn't matter what the tenant "believes" in this situation.  Just be firm but they probably won't leave you alone until this is resolved.

    I would get on the HOA and make sure they understand this needs addressed asap. I know some tend to drag their heels with tenanted units but drop everything for a homeowner.

  • Member since 2018 · 45 posts · 0 votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Nathan Gesner:

    Dear Tenant,

    I paid for the property to be tested and the results show the home is safe. If you feel the home is causing you health problems, I recommend you move to another rental where you can feel safer. I will hold you accountable for rent until a replacement renter is found. At that point, I will refund the remainder of your deposit and terminate your lease.

    I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

    Landlord 

    Thx for the advice, Nathan.  The funny thing is that the results showed that there is more mold outside on average days than inside.  Perhaps I should offer to have them sleep on the street until we fix the leak.

    The other pain in the A for me is getting the Board to do the work.

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