Mold and Home Rentals: What You Need to Know
Living
When it comes to home rentals, mold is a common problem. Whether the property is located in a wet area or the house has simply been poorly maintained, mold is one of the most widespread hazards in rental properties around the country.
If you’ve recently moved into a rental property only to find that it smells musty and damp, you’re probably being exposed to mold spores right now. Luckily, you may not have to live like this forever.
Mold 101
While there are dozens of varieties of mold, all mold needs one thing in common: moisture. Because of this, mold is commonly found in damp areas of the home, like bathrooms, crawl spaces, and beneath the kitchen sink.
Mold variations range from being obvious to invisible, nearly all mold is harmful to the home. In addition to damaging a home’s walls, floors, or ceilings, mold can also pose a threat to human health, so it’s critical to remove it or address it as soon as possible.
Living with Mold? Your Home Rentals Rights as a Tenant
If you’re one of the many tenants living in home rentals that feature mold, you may have some rights. While there is no federal law setting acceptable mold exposure limits, states like California, Maryland, Texas, and New Jersey all have laws defining how much mold can be present before it begins to impact the quality and safety of indoor air.
If you live in New York, for example, and there’s mold in your rental properties, your landlord will be required to follow the guidelines set by the Department of Health regarding air quality.
If you’re not sure what the mold-related laws are in your state, check out the EPA website for further guidelines.
Avoiding Mold is the Best Strategy
Because mold is dangerous and damaging, both for people and for structures, smart landlords take proactive steps to prevent and limit the growth of mold. If you’re looking for housing, and you notice that some of the rental properties on your list have mold, consider avoiding them altogether.
If, however, you’ve already moved into a property with mold, it’s worth your time to evaluate your options. You may be able to ask that your landlord take steps to remove the mold, which will benefit your health and well-being while also preserving the integrity of the home.
