As a landlord, it's not unreasonable to be concerned if a tenant finds mold. Not only can mold scare away renters, but it can also cause health concerns and potential legal issues that you, as the owner, are responsible for. Use the guide below to learn how to handle mold removal in your rental.

What to Do When a Tenant Finds Mold

Because mold can spread and cause damage to your property and health issues for your tenants, it's important to act quickly. Communicate all mold removal plans, including any actions taken, in writing, making sure you document dates and times to help protect yourself from potential legal issues.

Schedule a walk-through with your tenants to identify mold growth in common locations such as showers and bathtubs, sinks, toilets, windowsills, and even on the walls.

Consider hiring a professional to perform a mold inspection at your property to help you understand the severity of growth and provide steps on how to remove it, including remediation, if necessary. 

Why Mold Removal Is Important

Unless the source of moisture is eliminated, mold spores can spread quickly, getting into the walls and causing damage to your property, as well as your tenant's belongings.

Carried in the air by invisible spores, mold can grow more severe every day, leading to dangerous allergies, causing symptoms that range from itchy eyes and bloody noses to headaches and acute respiratory illnesses. 

How to Prevent Mold in the Future

While mold cannot be completely controlled, reducing areas that are prone to moisture can help prevent new growth. Identify sources of moisture and make necessary repairs such as removing mold-damaged carpets, fixing leaks, or waterproofing damp basements.

Prevent moisture through ventilation like an HVAC system or a dehumidifier. Spot-treat small areas of mold growth using a bleach mold killer or white vinegar.

While you are responsible for maintaining the safety of your property, it is within your rights as a landlord to remind your tenants of their responsibility to keep the rental clean and dry, as agreed upon in your lease.

If you have mold in your rental property, don't wait for it to get worse. Contact the professionals at Blue Ridge Property Restore in Martinsburg, WV, for mold removal and remediation. With over 10 years of experience, their skilled technicians will identify the sources of mold and work to remove them safely and effectively. Contact them today at (304) 262-8100 to schedule an inspection, or visit them online to learn more about their services.