Mold and mildew, both types of fungus, thrive in warm and moist areas, especially in rental properties. Keeping your rental properties clean and safe from mold and mildew is essential. Understanding how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew will help prevent a little problem from growing into an expensive one.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And chances are that your renter doesn’t know much about mold or mildew, what it looks like, or what to do if they find it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is typically flat and powdery, often collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can smell bad, especially if allowed to grow long. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the tenant with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties
Mold is often more invasive and a lot harder to get rid of. It can be hiding in walls and ceilings, especially those with high humidity or water damage. This can make mold hard to spot. Usually, the first clue that you have a mold problem is the smell. Mold smells musty, a foul odor that doesn’t go away. The second indicator of mold is the color. Molds can grow in a range of blacks, greens, and even reds and may look fuzzy or sometimes slimy.
Toxic mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum (also called Stachybotrys atra), is a greenish-black mold that often grows on materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, and lint. It requires constant moisture to grow. This type of mold usually occurs after significant water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding. While not everyone will get sick from toxic mold, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some people may experience physical symptoms after exposure to this strain of mold, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
Preventing Mold Growth Through Regular Maintenance and Tenant Education
Once mold has taken hold, getting rid of it can be difficult and expensive. Hard surfaces can usually be cleaned with bleach, but carpets, wallboards, cabinets, and furniture with mold must be completely replaced.
This makes catching any potential problems early on extremely important. When it comes to mold problems, your first line of defense is your renter. The best way to stay on top of mold is to help your tenants understand how to mitigate mildew and mold growth.
Unfortunately, mold is tricky, and you may not notice the early signs of a problem. This is why every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If any issues with water leaks, condensation, or flooding are found, they should be corrected immediately to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, the property clearly has a significant problem with water or moisture that needs to be addressed. Simply cleaning the property may not be enough if the conditions that encouraged the mold to grow in the first place have not been corrected.
When you hire Real Property Management Honolulu, you’ll take advantage of our many services, including regular evaluations and comprehensive checks designed to catch and identify problem areas before they become catastrophic. Our team of experts can help you prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Pearl City rental homes and ensure that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Contact us online or call us directly at 808-445-9500.
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