Without question, mold can be a very serious issue. Mold is not easy to notice, costly to remove, and can also cause health problems for your renters. Addressing mold issues is not only ethically the right thing to do but is also required by law (which many landlords are unaware of).
Here, we’ve brought you 10 tips to address the mold issue in your rental property:
Step#1: Fix the water issue:
No matter what is causing the moisture to spread, you need to prevent it and dry out the area. Mend the leaky pipe, fix the crack around the windows, get the air moving, and run a dehumidifier in the basement. If you don’t first fix the water issue, you’ll never eliminate the mold issue.
Step#2: Hire a professional:
If you’re using a rental property management company, contact them and ask them to hire a mold abatement contractor. They have the knowledge and equipment to study the area and determine what’s really involved to remove it 100%.
Step#3: Prevent spreading in the future:
Mold can spread quickly especially in dark, damp areas with little to no ventilation. As soon as you detect a mold-infested area you should respond quickly by having it removed and using preventative measures to stop it from spreading elsewhere. If you hire a mold removal company they’ll educate you on how to prevent it like using mold-resistant drywall and paint.
Step#4: Dry out and circulate air:
Whether it be from a hot shower, a damp basement or a tiny crack near a window – moisture can easily seep into your property and fuel your mold problem. By getting the air moving by way of window fans, attic fans, bathroom fans and dehumidifiers you’ll increase your chances of not having to do with mold in the first place.
Step#5: Take Away Affected Materials:
After the mold has been properly cleaned from your property it’s critical to remove all of the material with mold spores to prevent it from returning. These materials include drywall, carpet, studs, wallpaper and more.
Here’s How You Can Avoid Mold Growth
If you really want to do away with the spread of mold spores, start by keeping a dry, moisture-free space. Ask your tenants to let you know about any leaks or water damage they notice instantly so you can quickly take action to repair the affected areas. In addition to this, it also makes sense to think about installing a water leak detection system that will alert you in case of any kind of leak.
Mold is an issue that no landlord wants to have that’s why preventive maintenance with regularly planned inspections should be considered to steer clear of any costly mold abatement services.