Mold is one of the most common complaints of tenants when it comes to their rental properties. It’s not hard to see why- besides looking (and smelling) unpleasant, mold can have serious health consequences. Our blog post explaining what mold sensitivity is and the effects it can have will help you understand more.
Mold is not only an environmental hazard, it is very difficult to get rid of without expert help. So what can you do if you find mold in a rental property? And how can you avoid signing a lease for a property infested with mold?
Know the signs
The easiest way to avoid being stuck in a rental with mold is to know what to watch out for when seeing a property. Mold thrives in conditions that are damp, not too warm, and not too cold. So the essential thing to check for when examining a potential property is sources of unresolved moisture. Common sources include:
- Leaking pipes
- Improper seals around windows or doors
- Water coming from around the seals of toilets, tubs, or showers
- Air ducts
- Poorly ventilated rooms, especially bathrooms
- Damaged roofs
- Water coming in from a nearby apartment
- Flooding, specially in basements
By checking these common areas to ensure no standing water or moisture is getting in, you will greatly reduce the chances of mold later on.
Careful questions
Knowing what questions to ask your landlord (or even other tenants) can also be a big help. You’ll get a good idea of the potential issues and how management handles them. A small leak can be quickly resolved, but left alone, it can cause huge problems. Knowing what the approach is to any issues with dampness will prepare you for what you can expect with your rental property. Some good things to consider:
- Has this property had issues with flooding before?
- Is this area of town prone to flash floods?
- What is the policy when it comes to leaking appliances?
- If considering a basement or ground-floor unit, does it seem extra damp?
- When was the roof last inspected?
- How often are gutters cleaned?
- Does the basement of the building have a proper sump pump?
At the end of the day, renting a property is always a gamble. But you can prevent potential headaches by asking the right questions beforehand and keeping your eyes open! It’s important to always abide by the tenant rules of your property, including proper fire and safety code.
If you ever have any concerns about a rental property, feel free to contact The Flood Medix! We can perform an assessment and let you know if your property contains mold or if you are at risk. Mold can often be hard to avoid, but with our expertise, it’s easy to resolve!
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