Investor · Monroe, LA · Member since 2013 · 5 posts · 1 vote
I have a tenant that claims that there is mold in the rental property. My contractor when by and said that in his opinion there was no mold. The tenant wants the property owner (me) to pay for a mold inspection. Who should pay/
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
Nobody should pay.... because I wouldn’t do it . Your trusted contractor inspected it already and said there is none, so what’s the point wasting money to appease a tenant . Are you scared of the tenant being upset with you or what
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
Nobody should pay.... because I wouldn’t do it . Your trusted contractor inspected it already and said there is none, so what’s the point wasting money to appease a tenant . Are you scared of the tenant being upset with you or what
You do not pay. If they want it tested and you or your contractor see no mold they can hire someone to do it themselves. Not unless the tenant has it tested and it finds mold do you hire your own specialist to test it. If your specialist then finds no mold you bill that to the tenant as well.
Never trust a tenants specialist since most are also in the remediation business and often find mold where it does not exist.
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y
I would never test for mold unless there’s a specific KNOWN issue that requires it.
If there’s mold in the corner, I know there’s mold, it needs to be cleaned and whatever causing it repaired. Depending on the case, a reputable contractor can likely handle 95% of cases.
If there isn’t obvious signs of mold, I’d never test for it. There’s mold spores everywhere, and if you’re not careful, you could be going crazy to eradicate it from your house.
Investor · Vancouver, WA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
7y
Search BP forums for "mold" and you'll see many discussion threads on this topic. @Mike McCarthy is spot on. Mold spores are everywhere. Download (or order) the EPA booklet "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home". Read it and give a copy to your tenant. Tenant's need to do their part to prevent mold spores from taking hold. Work as a team. If there's an issue, take care of it. Testing and sampling for mold is rarely necessary or effective.... see page 13 of the booklet. Whether a danger is real or perceived, you need to address the tenant's concern in some way. Sharing knowledge is the best approach, not mold testing.
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
I can assure you If you start bringing people in there looking for problems they will find something after all it’s in their best interests to find issues of which you will be paying a Kings ransom for . Not only will the specialist screw You but At that point the tenant will use this as leverage against you . Asking for a rent reduction , threatening lawsuits over health hazards , asking for hotel stays , complaining everytime they get a sniffle that it’s mold and the list goes on . Don’t be dumb and bring a heap of trouble on yourself for no reason by trying to be a nice guy . Nice guys finish last in this business
Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
7y
The tenant does not have the legal right to "alter" your property for any reason - and a mold inspector may drill holes, remove back cabinet panels under sinks, and a whole host of invasive procedures. My recommendation:
1. Tell the tenant that you take his/her health and that of your property very seriously. As a result, you immediately sent a trusted/licensed contractor to the property to inspect it. No mold was found. Advise that not only did you take the claim seriously, you paid to have it investigated. You are now considering the matter closed and no further action will be taken.
2. Suggest that they buy a dehumidifier, use exhaust fans and keep air circulating, avoid hot showers, boiling water, change the air filters - and the like that produce moisture. (I offer this to tenants who feel the need to "control time and space" - so they have something they can do without me...).
3. And, finally, remind them again that there is no mold present and that the items you recommended will ensure a healthier air quality.