TENANTS LEGAL CENTER
OF SAN DIEGO
MOLD
MOLD TEST KIT
sample
Mold in rentals can pose a health risk ranging from insignificant to severe and life threatening. Mold can not only hurt you but it can ruin many of your possessions.
Tenants (and everyone else too) should protect themselves from injury or property damages due to mold/mildew.
MOLD PREVENTION BEGINS AT HOME
Wet weather, leaving kitchen or bath areas wet and over watering lawns can cause mold problems. In such cases, take appropriate action:
1. NOTIFY your landlord of any rain or plumbing leaks in the unit or any over watering of the grounds so they can be addressed.
2. PREVENT MOLD- Take action on your own to air out your home. This includes opening windows and using fans to dry out wet areas.
3. IF YOU SUSPECT MOLD or other unhealthy conditions, notify your landlord or the appropriate local housing authority. If you feel ill, seek medical attention right away.
Remember---Don't wait to ventilate
Some suggestions when faced with Mold:
Prevention
Adequate ventilation and avoidance of trapped moisture.
Avoid humidity above 50%.
Use mold inhibitors when painting.
Avoid carpets in bathrooms
Use moisture absorbing products
Maintenance
Clean and effectively kill active mold (fungus, spores etc.)
Communication
Document a request for action to the landlord.
Formal complaint to your local code compliance office.
Documentation
Photos, mold test kit use, preserving a sample (safely)
Estimates for property damage.
Medical records/bills.
Vacating
In some cases, it may be better to move and sue for damages rather than dig in and fight the case if staying there risks your health or property.
SOME USEFUL LINKS ABOUT MOLD
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Centers For Disease Control; (CDC) Mold
California Indoor Air Quality Program Mold
Toxic Mold Testing, Mold Inspection, Detection and Black Mold Testing and Remediation Center
Molds and Mold Control - Understand the Real Risks
Toxic Mold Inspector & Mold Test Laboratory
Your Black Mold Guide
Onlinetips - mold
These links are provided for general information purposes only.
No representation is made as to the accuracy, relevancy or appropriate application of any information contained in the above web sites.
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California law for San Diego is applied in these pages. Such laws may or may not be applicable in other jurisdictions. The information provided herein is of a general nature and is not intended to be taken as specific legal advice. For legal advice in a particular situation, promptly consult with an appropriate attorney.