Re: Mold Issues - Landlord Forum thread

Re: Mold Issues by Katiekate (New York) on July 4, 2012 @06:52

I would send to this tenant a letter. In this letter I would explain that the only mold which is a health hazard is so rare she will be hit by lightning before she will ever encounter black mold. Black mold needs total darkness..not going to grow where anyone except home renovators will find it. Yes, some people have allergies to the spores of mold, that doesn't not make it a health issue. Some people are allergic to golden rod too, yet we don't see massive public campaigns to kill it all off. Suggest she report it to the local health department if she doesn't believe it. The health department won't even take down a report...because it isn't a health issue, and they aren't going to waste their time with it. Geez...how did people ever get the idea that any and all mold is dangerous?

Also, in this letter outline exactly that her actions are causing this problem with mildew: darkness, vents closed, A/C off. Mildew will cause stains that cannot be removed, thus causing damage to the unit which she will be billed for when she moves out.

Document now that you advised her what she needs to do to clear up the situation and the cost to her if she fails.

I think she is trying to set up a situation where is she next going to try to scam free rent from you claiming the place isn't habitable.

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Re: Mold Issues by Rob (NC) on July 4, 2012 @08:49	[ Reply ]

Great feedback Katiekat highly appreciated for your comments. Rob

Re: Mold Issues by Betty L on July 4, 2012 @09:53	[ Reply ]

North Carolina landlord-tenant law requires that all landlords provide premises fit for human habitation. A landlord’s failure to provide a mold free residence may be considered a breach of its duties under the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act. If tenant becomes sick from exposure to mold, the tenant can state a claim for personal injury damages including: medical expenses, lost wages, temporary or permanent disability, and pain and suffering. The tenant may also have a valid claim for rent abatement (which allows recovery of some previously paid rent) and possibly even unfair and deceptive trade practices (which, if proven, entitles a claimant to triple his or her actual damages). So quit guessing about the tenants motives and find out what the cause is and address it. This could cost you more in the long run if you don't check out any possiblities of moisture entering the rental. If moisture is the problem, fix it, if tenants action is the cause, require corection. Just don't sit there and let it get worst, its your property thats at risk.

Re: Mold Issues by Douglas (KS) on July 4, 2012 @23:12	[ Reply ]

"the only mold which is a health hazard is so rare she will be hit by lightning before she will ever encounter black mold." Huh? I have seen black mold in multiple properties. This is totally untrue.

Re: Mold Issues by Bryan (Ia) on July 5, 2012 @00:07	[ Reply ]

Here is a summary about mold from the CDC: "Summary In summary, Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) and other molds may cause health symptoms that are nonspecific. At present there is no test that proves an association between Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician. However, if Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) or other molds are found in a building, prudent practice recommends that they be removed." Complete discussion: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm#Q1 In summary, don't believe your eyes inre: mold.

Re: Mold Issues by Katiekate (New York) on July 5, 2012 @08:10	[ Reply ]

Unless you were taking down walls and/or ceilings..you did not see black mold. I have seen black mold. It was between layers of wall board in a bathroom. For many years the previous owners just put up another layer of wall rather than do a real job of renovating (that bathroom was 6" wider when I torn out all the wall board that was just put up one on top of the previous). I know that mold can look black... but..it is really a very very dark green.