What To Do When Your Tenant Complains of Mold

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in Garner, NC

Four Steps You Should Take As the Landlord

Mold cleanup is the responsibility of the landlord or property owner as long as a property issue caused the mold. For example, if a leaky water line or pipe break caused the mold problem, then it is the responsibility of the landowner. However, if a tenant left food sitting on a counter that molded over and spread to the surrounding area, then that is the tenant's responsibility. Regardless, when a tenant files such a complaint, there are four steps you should take as the landlord.

1. Touch base
   
2. Take pictures
   
3. Get testing
   
4. Hire a remediation company
   
   

Touch Base

The most important thing for you to do is respond to their complaint promptly. When dealing with mold, it is likely best to respond within 24 hours because it is an environmental and a potential health concern.

Take Pictures

Next, go to their apartment and photograph the area of alleged mold growth. During your visual inspection of the space, take note of anything that may have caused the issue. You will eventually need to determine liability for mold cleanup. However, do not be accusatory or insulting.

Get Testing

Once you have documented the scene and determined the validity of their complaint, contact an environmental testing service to determine the legitimacy of the threat. You may want a company to perform surface and air tests to determine if mold spores are present and the level of contamination.

Hire a Remediation Company

Last, if the results of the testing are positive for mold, then you should find a reputable mold remediation company in Garner, NC, and hire them for the removal. Since mold removal can take anywhere from three to seven days, depending on the level of mold contamination, the tenant will likely have to vacate their apartment.
While mold cleanup is not always the responsibility of the landlord, it is your responsibility to take tenant concerns seriously. Therefore, if contacted about a possible mold problem, return tenant complaints quickly, take pictures, get testing and hire a remediation specialist if necessary.