What do you do when your apartment has mold? Many people do not know where to start or how best to handle it other than reporting it to their landlord. However, if the apartment is yours, still, you may have no idea what to do to solve the mold problem. Others call in the mold remediation companies or decide to deal with the issue themselves. Sometimes, temperate climates make most apartments damp, and hence they are prone to mold. However, this is not the only reason you may have mold in your apartment, as major leaks that have not been fixed can lead to mold growth and spread. Plus, if you experience unexplained health issues like headaches, asthma, difficulty in breathing especially when you are in your apartment, it is time to take action. In this article, you will learn of various ways to deal with mold growth in your apartment.
Contact your landlord
If you believe or you know that the apartment you are living in has mold. You must cover your bases, and the first step is to inform your landlord, and if possible in writing. This is important so that they know about the issue, and also it will ensure they cannot claim they did not know about the problem. Some of the things to include in the writing claim are any dampness you detect, visible mold, or any form of water intrusion. Ensure you keep copies of everything you put in writing and also take photographs with current dates that you can use as proof that you notified your landlord. All these are important sources of evidence of when the mold issue started, in case it becomes a legal matter. In case your landlord or property manager does not take any action, proper documents of your requests will be of help.
Consider contacting a mold testing company
Many people can tell when they see mold, but they cannot easily tell the type or how toxic it is by just looking at it. Plus, sometimes mold is invisible and you can only smell it. Hence it is best to test the levels of mold present and a professional mold inspection New York company has many ways to do that by taking surface and air samples. Through this, they can share with you the results that you can attach to the write up you plan to give the landlord. Especially if the landlord is not taking action in getting the mold tested, you can do it for yourself. Although to perform a mold test can be expensive. If you will be contacting your attorney in concern to the issue, they always require to see evidence like mold test results. Besides, mold testing also gives you peace of mind, if nothing else.
Notify the city
When you have informed your landlord about the mold issue, and they are assuming it letting you sort it out. It is best to notify the city under the department of public health or where it is best according to where you live. Especially when your apartment has water seeping inside floors, walls, or ceilings, all these moist conditions cause mold to thrive either insight or out of sight. So with such an issue, you have to resolve it soon as not only will it damage the building but it can cause serious health risks. For this reason, notifying the city is best as they will send an inspector out to check the mold. In this way, it can compel your landlord to act if they refused to do so, and it is also good evidence where there is a potential lawsuit.
Go for a check-up
When it comes to mold, not all mold is equal as there are those that you do not have to freak out about, and those that are toxic at high levels. All in all, for any type of mold you see in your home, it is best to visit the doctor for a checkup. As it could be affecting your health or those that you are living with you. For example, if you notice symptoms such as autoimmune or respiratory issues, skin rashes, migraines, and persistent allergies. You must go for a check-up to rule out that it is mold causing them as there is a host of irritants that can trigger them too. More importantly, if you have to go to court with your apartment mold issue on how it affected your health, you will require the medical records that will back up your claims.
Be ready for repairs
Mold issues that are not solved as quickly, in many instances, can be too costly to whoever has to handle that costing. When you have had mold testing done to the apartment and the results claim that there are high levels of mold, this will involve a lot of tearing of walls, ceilings, floors, other than a quick fix that you were thinking about. When this is what has to happen to the apartment, you must know what the state law requires of you as the property manager, landlord, or tenant. Plus, you can opt to move out or hire a third party that will follow through to ensure that the abatement worked effectively and the apartment is safe for you.
Opt to move out
Depending on the mold spread in your apartment and how it affects your health and daily living. Sometimes opting to move out to a new place is the best decision. Although no one likes moving, in this case, you move out and still sue for constructive eviction. Especially when the landlord is not cooperative in remediating the issues. However, before you move out, discuss with an attorney who deals with tenants and they can easily guide further. All in all, mold in the apartment, either the one you are moving from or any that can arise even in the new apartment, is mainly different and it is vital to always contact an attorney.