Mold issue after tenant

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Mold issue after tenant

Mats Daniel Skrede
Member since 2022 · 6 posts · 1 vote

Hello, 

We have some mold on the drywall after some tenants moved out. They told us that they had attempted to wash it away, but it came back. We got some mold inspectors to check on it and they told us that it is probably due to poor ventilation in the apartment and the mold appeared in this corner of the living room due to the isolation not being great, making it colder than the other areas of the apartment. They only did a visual inspection.


We have no experience with mold issues, so we are looking to see what you bright minds here think? Would we need to do a test inside the wall to look for moisture? 

And, would we need to replace the drywall, or should we be able to kill off the mold and be fine? We will of course fix the ventilation and/or get a dehumidifier. 

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Mats Daniel Skrede:

One cup of clorox and a gallon of water. Apply to the surface and do not rinse. Mix a 50/50 of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface and wait 2-3 hours, then wipe clean. 

There are cleaning products specifically designed to remove mold and prevent it from coming back.

Mold requires two things: moisture and food (dust is sufficient). You have to remove the source of moisture to prevent it from coming back. That could be as simple as installing a ventilation fan in that area.

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  • Mathew Pezon
    Rental Property Investor · Allentown, PA · Member since 2014 · 67 posts · 38 votes
    3y

    Hello,

    It sounds like you're taking steps in the right direction to address the mold issue. The insights provided by the mold inspector make sense. Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas. If the mold continues to return, it would be a good idea to test for moisture levels inside the wall using specialized equipment. If the wall is severely compromised and cannot be treated, replacement would likely be the best choice to ensure the health of your tenants.

    As for future prevention, the dehumidifier plus increased ventilation is a good idea. I also recommend checking for any leaks or improper insulation as water can get into a house in sneaky ways. 

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Mats Daniel Skrede:

    One cup of clorox and a gallon of water. Apply to the surface and do not rinse. Mix a 50/50 of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface and wait 2-3 hours, then wipe clean. 

    There are cleaning products specifically designed to remove mold and prevent it from coming back.

    Mold requires two things: moisture and food (dust is sufficient). You have to remove the source of moisture to prevent it from coming back. That could be as simple as installing a ventilation fan in that area.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y

    What @Mathew Pezon said. And be aware that you cannot kill mold by just cleaning it with bleach, you may have to replace the drywall in that area. Also use a superior quality primer and an eggshell enamel paint. Adding ventilation is a must as well....

    1Reply
  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Mats Daniel Skrede:



    We have some mold on the drywall after some tenants moved out. They told us that they had attempted to wash it away, but it came back. We got some mold inspectors to check on it and they told us that it is probably due to poor ventilation in the apartment and the mold appeared in this corner of the living room due to the isolation not being great, making it colder than the other areas of the apartment. They only did a visual inspection.


     Aloha,

    It is hard to tell where this mold is...ceiling? wall near the floor? The mold is already telling you there is moisture. Bathrooms have a lot of moisture from hot showers, but not typically a livingroom, and apparently only in one very small location. There could easily be a minor roof leak, pipe leak, window leak, or siding leak that is keeping the space damp enough for mold to grow. If you already know that this is recurring, you should have saved the money from the mold "inspector", and simply opened a small area to see what is going on behind it. Could be structure deteriorating;  attracting carpenter ants or termites; or sewage seeping from a splitting cast iron waste line.

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Richard F.:
    That's the right answer^^^^ Stop guessing and cut open a foot of the wall. It might be an easy fix...at least you will know what you are dealing with...
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  • Erin Dreher
    Real Estate Agent · Little Rock, AR · Member since 2022 · 83 posts · 63 votes
    3y

    I have seen a little bit of mold turn into a LOT of mold. I agree with @Bruce Woodruff you don't want to try and clean it. I have worked with companies that specifically are certified to remove mold and I was told not to disturb it or mold spores could get on your clothes and travel throughout the house. Of course none of us know what particular type of mold this is. There are hundreds of types some more serious than others. I would still want to take care of this by a professional. They can cut that drywall and make sure there is a leak or unwanted moisture present. They can probably give you some suggestions on how to be ventilate that area if that is the cause. 

    A mold remediation company can come take a look at it and give you a better idea of what you are dealing with. It doesn't appear to be a huge spot but you don't want it getting bigger.

    1Reply
  • Julian Colvard
    Property Manager · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2016 · 83 posts · 42 votes
    3y

    Definitely resolve what's causing the mold to build up. Then you could go over the mold with 'kilz' paint, or simply have the dry wall replace (which is what i would do). 

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