Monthly Archives: October 2016

Mold Treatment Tips for Renters

Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Finding Mold in Your Rental Home

Mold can easily go unnoticed in your New York apartment or house. It can grow under carpet, inside the walls, or in the ceiling. Mold can cause serious health problems for many people. Unlike smoke or a natural gas leak, the presence of mold is not always obvious and there are no alarms to detect the existence of mold spores in the air. If you or any member of your household are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, your apartment may need mold treatment.

Signs of mold

Mold needs moisture to grow. If you see water spots on the walls, ceiling or floor, that’s an opportunity for mold. Cracked or peeling paint and wallpaper that is separating from the wall can also indicate water damage. Mold may look like a mysterious dirty spot in the corner of a room or soot stain around an HVAC register. As mentioned previously, mold can grow inside walls or in the ceiling without giving any visual indication of its presence. If you notice a musty smell in one area of your residence, further investigation may be necessary.

Speak to your landlord

You should report any water leaks, moisture problems, or signs of mold to your property manager immediately. Mold is a serious issue that does not go away on its own. By catching a mold problem early, you will likely save them money on mold treatment costs. The New York State Department of Health recommends you contact your local building department or code enforcement official if your landlord fails to address the problem.

Building owners can contact Stern Mold for a free mold consultation in Northern NJ and NYC.