What To Do When Your Tenant Is Complaining About Mold
The last thing you would like to deal with as a landlord is mold complains from your tenants. At times, tenants tend to raise false alarm, but you should never overlook such complains. It is important to ensure that you consult a professional in mold removal services, like those at Safe-Way Waterproofing, whenever you receive such complains to avoid putting the life of the tenant into risk. The following steps can help you deal with mold complains from your tenants.
Step 1: Talk to the Tenant
Sit down with your tenant and have a discussion with them. Ask them the following questions:
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Why do they think that there is mold in their house?
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Are there any mold signs?
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Have they seen anything suspicious?
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Are they allergic to mold?
Mostly, your tenant can describe symptoms like watering eyes and clogged sinuses, which all disappear when they leave the house. At times, they might also see something suspicious, like mold signs and curd in their house. When talking to your tenant, assure them that you will handle the mold problem as soon as possible.
Step 2: Inspection
Signs of mold growth in a house can be an indication of structural issues, and if they go unchecked, they might bring more problems. So whenever you receive mold complains from your tenant, ensure that you do a comprehensive inspection.
Mold needs three conditions to grow — moisture, heat, and a place to grow. Surfaces like wood or ceiling tiles are perfect places for mold to grow. When inspecting for the mold, look for indications of water related damage. This should include water stains, particularly in parts that are susceptible to dampness. Therefore, ensure that you inspect the following areas:
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Sinks and their cabinets
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Around windows
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Around air conditioning units
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On ceiling tiles
Any signs of water source in these areas can be the cause of the mold problem.
Step 3: Consult a Professional in Mold Removal Services
If you fail to locate or see the signs of mold, consult a professional in mold removal services so that they can do assessments in the house. Inform them the steps you've taken so far, and let them explain to you what they will do. You should expect the following services from the professionals:
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Gather outdoor and indoor air samples. These samples are send to a lab for further tests and analysis for mold concentrations. Higher indoor mold concentrations are an indication that there's a mold problem in the house.
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Test for mold signs using devices like moisture meter. These devices identify areas in the house that have a higher moisture level than others. At times, the source of the mold problem can be concealed behind the walls or other isolated areas. Devices like a moisture meter assist in identifying the source without having to demolish the wall.
Once the problem is identified, the professions will help you eradicate the mold problem.
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