Property owners know that when it comes to maintenance and repairs, a good preventive measure is the key to success. The common practice of ignoring small repairs has proven to be costly in any area associated with any investment, and property management is at the top of the list. Because both you and your residents could be at risk, it is good that you consider drafting a good plan to combat maintenance problems.
One issue that can catch Clear Lake property owners and residents off guard is the sudden appearance of mold in the residence. Because it starts gradually and spreads slowly, often inside walls or hidden within other structures, certain molds can seemingly go from invisible to a serious health hazard in the snap of your fingers.
There are a number of molds that are common, and the toxic variety is called Black Mold, or Stachybotrys atra. It is a slimy greenish-black or gray in appearance that you could have seen more when you see areas that have been flooded as toxic mold thrives in damp places in the home including leaky roofs, windows, or pipes, or even under floors and in ceilings if you’ve had a flood or leak. Black Mold gives off an unpleasant musty odor, and when you smell that, then that guarantees its presence, therefore your rental home may not be as safe as you would have hoped it would be. It is important to note, Stachybotrys molds are not always black, meaning molds of different colors could also be dangerous. That being said, there is no way at all to tell just by looking whether you’re dealing with toxic or risk-free mold.
While mold, in general, is very common in damp indoor environments, Stachybotrys is less common than other mold species, including Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t have statistics about how often Stachybotrys molds are found in buildings, but it’s less common than ostentatious media reports would prefer to admit.
Health Hazards
The presence of toxic mold is a serious health concern. The CDC reports links between the presence of mold in the home and serious health effects, including respiratory problems (coughing or wheezing, throat irritation, nasal stuffiness), eye irritation, or skin irritation. People with allergies, asthma or lung disease may be even more severely affected, leading to serious infections in the lungs or other life-threatening conditions.
Property Damage
Due to the danger raised by toxic mold, it’s important to take control of an outbreak as efficiently as possible. As a landlord, you may be held responsible if you are aware that mold is present in a rental home but fail to take the proper steps to address it.
There is always the danger of being slapped a hefty fine, and being sued by your tenants if you choose to disregard the presence of mold. Where there is moisture, you are most definitely sure to find mold as well. Beyond legal liability, toxic mold can cause severe destruction to a rental home if left unchecked. Mold grows well wherever a steady supply of moisture is present. It can grow on cardboard, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, carpet, and upholstery. It can also grow on wood products, including the wood inside walls and floors, on insulation, and even on drywall and paint. With so much at stake in your rental properties, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance that includes good mold prevention strategies.
Call the Experts
Oddly enough, some property management companies don’t consider mold a serious matter. They do not take it as big of a risk than other issues associated with property management. They think it would not be practical to spend on something so little so they pass the buck to their residents.
In Conclusion
At Real Property Management Prestige, we understand the hazards that uncontrolled growths of mold present to rental property owners. Our team of expert property managers and service professionals in Clear Lake will address the issue early and correct it, thereby saving you both time and money. Would you like a free assessment of your rental property? Please contact us online or call us at 281-532-5455 for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
