Here are 6 ways to both prevent mold and mildew and how to clean it if you find mold and mildew in your rental.
By Eli Secor
When it comes to property cleanliness, mildew and mold can cause hazardous health and living conditions. It can also lead to costly repairs and may even make the unit uninhabitable and leave you with the bill to provide alternate housing.
Here are a few ways to avoid mildew and mold, as well as what to do if it already exists in your unit and ways to clean mold and mildew.
No. 1 – Take care of ventilation in the building
- Install bathroom and kitchen fans and remind tenants to use them regularly
- Open the windows if not using the fans
- Install moisture-detecting switches
- Moisture-detecting switches will turn fans on when moisture levels become elevated
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce moisture in the air.
No. 2 – Be proactive in preventing leaks
- Replace water heaters according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Use a draining pan that drains outside
- Install leak detectors under sinks to alert you of any leaks
No. 3 – Include clauses regarding mildew and mold in the lease
- Have tenants sign a form stating that it is their responsibility to address mildew and mold problems and notify the landlord
- Ensure that tenants are reporting water leaks so they can be fixed in a timely manner
- Essentially, the responsibility is on the tenant to not allow moisture issues to happen in their unit. Having the right forms that are up to date is really important no matter where you get them.
No. 4 -Cleaning mold and mildew
- If you decide to hire a contractor to clean up, be sure that they have the proper experience and knowledge.
- Check their references and ensure that they are following the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide.”
No. 5 – Cleaning
- If you believe that the mildew or mold is in the heaters or air conditioners, refer to the EPA’s “Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?” guide.
- Do not run the heater or air conditioner as doing so could spread the mold even more.
No. 6 – Know when to contact a professional
- If you believe that there is a bigger issue dealing with water and/or plumbing, be sure to contact a professional.
Mildew and Mold: Takeaways
Mildew and mold can do serious damage, especially when not taken care of right away. Therefore, be proactive.
Make sure that you prevent mildew and mold from occurring in the first place. Avoid leaks by replacing equipment when needed and install moisture detectors where you can; ensure that the unit has proper ventilation.
Lastly, if you are unsure of what to do or believe that there is a serious problem, contact a professional.
About the author:
Eli Secor started LandlordGurus.com with long-time friend and fellow landlord Chris Lee. After many a discussion about how to manage various tricky rental property issues, they decided to share their experiences and expertise with other independent landlords. Along the way they are finding new answers and new tools, which they also share.
