The Mold Mystery
Mold is the fuzzy spawn of uncontrolled moisture. Once it appears, it spreads fast, damaging everything it touches while creating a significant health hazard.
Common Offenders
The most common offenders of mold are:
- poor drainage in the basement
- an undiscovered pipe leak
- an unsealed wet spaces (such as the bathtub caulking)
The less common – and more difficult to manage – mold is the type that forms in a poorly ventilated space. Specifically, poor ventilation due to tenants storing excessive belongings that block vents and windows. This is seen in hoarding situations but can also happen when a tenant uses an unfinished basement for long-term storage.
How to be Proactive
Take steps to prevent mold so you never get that panicked phone call:
- Install a dehumidifier in the basement and add a section in the lease with requirements for use (typically throughout the rainy spring and humid summer months)
- If there is excessive water in the basement, check for plumbing or drainage issues (french drains, basement waterproofing, and sump pumps are commonly used)
- Communicate with your tenant about safe storage places. Many old, unfinished Pittsburgh basements are for utility only. They get a little damp in bad weather but dry out quickly. Piling boxes in a corner can cause the boxes to get wet, but since cardboard doesn’t dry as quickly as rock, mold will form. The basement may be a “store at your own risk” situation.
How to Manage Mold
If mold is discovered, no matter who is responsible, get it inspected by a contractor or mold specialist immediately:
- A contractor should be able to identify the source of the mold (a plumbing or drainage issue) and make repairs. If the mold is excessive, the situation may require mold remediation – safe demolition and sanitizing – by a specialized company.
- A mold specialist is recommended if you suspect the mold may have been caused by the tenant. Presenting a document from a certified third-party professional that identifies the source of the mold and has recommended steps to remediate the mold.
Mold is a stressful thing for your tenant to find in their home, and it’s the symptom of a greater problem. Act quickly to protect the health of your tenant and minimize damage to your rental property.
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