All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

 I actually checked the tenant out of their apartment. His parents where there as well. There were no issues. I might not have stated it properly but I asked the previous owner if there were issues before, as in past tenants. Hope that makes sense.

These are small units, with no AC or duct work. Two windows and a bathroom fan. No cross ventilation. Add to that an over packed apartment, standing water, plants, furniture against the baseboard heat, keeping the air temp high and not opening the windows..chances are you are going to see mildew or mold. I've spoken to a mold mediator that was recommended from the state dept. of health and he has prescribed exactly what we are asking the tenant to do. If mold or mildew was growing in the carpet, floor, walls, ceilings, then i wouldn't hesitate to get the mold mediator out there, but after much research and conversation, I know truly believe this is a lifestyle issue.

Thank you all for the advice.

When offering a tenant to opt out of their lease with no penalties, is it best to do it in writing/email, over the phone, in person?? We have been mostly communicating through email.

Question for you all.

We had a couple move in to a one bedroom unit we have. They have been there for two months. Two days ago, I got a call from them saying there is mold on their furniture in the bedroom, the window in the bedroom and living room and a bag they had on the floor by their bed near the exterior wall. They said that the windows have condensation on them. They said they cleaned it up. But added they have been sick, shortness of breath, congested, etc., ever since they moved in.

The previous tenant had no issues. We checked with the previous owner ( we just bought the place in Feb 15 ) and he said no issues - we trust him as he is a family friend. 

The tenant believes moisture is getting in from under the unit, however, we believe this is from their lifestyle. 

The building is on a concrete slab, concrete floor and interior block walls, outer wall is brick at the bottom and framed on top. Its very small, 600 SQ. FT., no central air, base board electric heat and two windows on the exterior wall.

The tenant says they only saw mold in the bedroom, and some on the living room window, but no where else. There is no mold on the walls, ceilings, bathroom, carpeting, tile floor, behind fridge, stove, under sinks. We found no plumbing leaks. 

They also seem to think water is collecting under the unit and the mold is coming in through the floor. 

We immediately brought a dehumidifier over. The unit was reading at 65% humidity. 

The bathtub was 1/4 full of water but the tenant insisted it was only to clean a bag that had mold on it. They have stated they do not leave water in the tub or sink but we have seen the sink full of water before. They have a lot of personal belongings and the unit is very crowded/packed in. It is also not the neatest place..

I spoke with a mold remediation expert who suggested it was an environmental issue. IE: high moisture, lack of circulation. Open the windows, use the dehumidifier. 

Last email we got was them asking 'how we plan on getting rid of the mold'...

What would you do in this situation?

We want to just offer them out of their lease and move on.

You're original post states the Listing Agent is requesting the showings and open houses. Is the landlord aware of what the agent is asking for? 

I'd call my landlord and say 'hey, the agent wants to hold multiple open houses and showings, and while I want to cooperate, I think this is above and beyond what is allowed.'

If he/she is a good landlord I'm sure they would be willing to come to an agreement. If not, then show the law to the listing agent and landlord and stand your ground on it.

Of course, the last option would result in no compensation for you, if they stick by the laws and what is in the lease. 

Curious if the tenant has spoken to the landlord or not. I did not see any mention of this in the thread. Unless I over-looked it.

That;s funny, I just made a post to facebook a while ago looking for anyone who may know of someone. Glad to know I am at least on the right track.

I have looked on Craiglist. I have two calls in and hoping to hear something soon. And you're right, I know there is someone out there looking for work. I just need to find them, and quickly. LOL

I have a 2BR that is having new carpet and vinyl installed prior to the new tenant moving in on the 15th of May. Was just told by the carpet place that two installers quit on them and they are now down to one installer, and can longer install my carpet/vinyl in time for the new tenant to move in. They are looking for another installer but to be honest, I don't think they really care about my time frame.

This is not a large area with a lot of choices. I called every place I could think of and naturally they are all booked out a month away. Home Depot *might* be able to get carpet done in time, but not vinyl. 

I already tore out all the carpet and padding, its down to the sub floor. 

Needless to say, I'm freaking out. 

Anyone else ever been in this situation? What did you do?

well, I don't have the budget right now to do ceramic in the bath and kitchen. ( I think it would look too mis-matchy to do one but not the other? ) I have another major repair/reno that needs to happen this summer that involve new windows and sliding glass doors for about 5 units. So, I am trying to save some money right now, but would not be against doing ceramic down the road. 

Marcia Maynard - I have not tried the eraser pen! I will give that a shot.

I'm about to turn over a two bedroom apartment ( in a 5 unit ). We are having the carpet replaced. The kitchen flooring, one-sheet vinyl is in good shape and so is the bathroom...sort of :-) 

A previous tenant ( before we took over ) had used some sort of bathmat that stained the vinyl right by the tub. The stain is blue in color. I just can't get it out and it bugs me. 

It bugs me enough that I want to see if I can put new vinyl over top of it for cometic reasons, but it doesn't bother me enough to have a professional do it as it actually costs more per sq. ft. to install than the carpeting. 

I've never installed vinyl so that makes me nervous. But I just hate seeing that stain! 

Any ideas? What about tile vinyl? That might be easier for me to install but not sure about longevity. 

Kyle is correct and the current lease on the Wisconsin Legal Blank has all the new laws including the domestic abuse language.

In addition to the lease we use the non-standard rental provisions, smoke detector notice, an carbon monoxide notice ( because one of our units has a gas furnace in it so you are required to have carbon monoxide detectors ). Plus we have our own set of rules and regulations that are incorporated into the lease.