Tenants Complaint re Mold

Member since 2021 · 29 posts · 12 votes

Today I got a text from one of my tenants saying she has had some breathing problems since moving in (2 months ago) and asked if I have ever done mold inspection. I am not sure how to respond and what will be the next steps.

I took over the property about 2.5 years ago. Mold inspection was never performed, as there was no concern about mold. The previous tenants have lived there for 16 years and have never mentioned mold related issues. Then I had tenants living there for 2 years and have never mentioned any issue.

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member

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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes

Mold is a common complaint from tenants, particularly those trying to exploit you.

Mold is everywhere, even in the air we breathe outside every day. Toxic mold is not that common. Most health issues with mold are in people that already have pre-existing issues (e.g. asthma) that is worsened by the presence of mold.

Does the tenant see mold anywhere? If not, why would they suspect mold is the culprit?

If they do see mold, investigate and remedy.

Review the EPA Mold Guide and share it with your tenant. This will give you both enough information to get started.

https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-...

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Gregory SchwartzBusiness Member
Rental Property Investor · College Station, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
We have always used full transparency in these situations. No we have not performed a mold inspection and we do not plan to as there is no indication that there is a mold problem.
If the tenant identifies an area of moisture that may be causing growth we immediately address the source of the moisture, replace and damage building material (usually dry wall) and or use mold cleaning solutions/mold blocking primers as required.
good luck
[email protected]443-812-0357
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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
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Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
2y
@Wendy Jiang
Be honest and say no as mold testing is typically only done when there are visual signs of mold and has never been any signs or complaints.
There are many factors outside of mold that can contribute to breathing problems.
I would offer that if you wish I can order a hygienist to come to teat for toxic mold - but if it’s found to be negative the costs for the testing would be at your expense.
Also as a side note mold is everywhere! The key when testing mold is you test outdoors vs indoors and if there are variations of mold indoors then that is a sign there could be a problem
Most people order a Home Depot test and are like - see there is mold. That is like saying there is dust in a home. Of course there is, the key thing hygenists look for is different strains
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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
2y
Mold is a common complaint from tenants, particularly those trying to exploit you.
Mold is everywhere, even in the air we breathe outside every day. Toxic mold is not that common. Most health issues with mold are in people that already have pre-existing issues (e.g. asthma) that is worsened by the presence of mold.
Does the tenant see mold anywhere? If not, why would they suspect mold is the culprit?
If they do see mold, investigate and remedy.
Review the EPA Mold Guide and share it with your tenant. This will give you both enough information to get started.
https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-...
The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews
Website View Page
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