This letter should clarify your role in preventing mold and how to manage it. It is your responsibility to actively participate in preventing mold growth so please read this carefully. We follow the EPA guidelines for safely managing mold and therefore do not do any testing, see link below.
We require all new tenants to have renters insurance in order to protect their own personal property. Myerhoff and Associates is not responsible for any damage to personal property due to mold.
Existing tenants, get a $50 credit towards renters insurance if you sign up now!
Our team has done a thorough job of reading, consulting, and training regarding mold and mildew, and we are here to help. Ultimately keeping your unit free of mold and moisture requires diligence on your part.
Small amounts of mold can be cleaned up with vinegar or diluted bleach.
The simplest ways to prevent mold growth are:
1. Ventilation – Do not keep windows covered with layers of blinds and curtains
2. Moisture control – Wipe down visible moisture on windows after showering or cooking
3. Water intrusion – Watch for leaks, drips or ceiling bubbles in paint
Mold is a natural part of the environment, it is everywhere and we all breathe it daily, it is nothing to be afraid of. It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores. Most mold is not dangerous, however high amounts of mold or long term exposure can cause health problems, mostly temporary and mostly with elderly or those with compromised immune systems. Everybody reacts differently to mold, it is important to understand your own sensitivity level.
The EPA says that any area of 3’x3’ or less can be cleaned up with bleach or other household cleaners
A. If you notice visible mold notify us immediately, we will assist you
B. Clean up visible mold with distilled vinegar, soap or diluted bleach (with protective gear)
C. You are responsible for properly ventilating your apartment
Generally, there are two causes of mold, either a leak/water intrusion or lifestyle, and sometimes a combination. When we talk about lifestyle causing mold, what we are referring to is extensive cooking, boiling water, taking long hot showers, hang drying damp clothes, leaving blinds and windows closed and not wiping down condensation, placing beds or couches right up against exterior walls that don’t have insulation.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO WIPE DOWN VISIBLE MOISTURE ON WINDOWS DAILY
Causes of mold growth
Lifestyle– Condensation, inadequate ventilation, cooking and showering without opening windows, covering windows with multiple layers, placing furniture against exterior walls without space
Water Intrusion– Active leak of some kind, roof, plumbing, or other
Do not place furniture right against exterior walls, you must leave at least 1” of space for air to circulate around furniture.
If you have small black spots on the ceiling of your shower or around your window sills, this is likely condensation and can be easily solved by increasing ventilation and wiping down any dampness each day. These surfaces can be cleaned by anyone using a dust mask and following the instruction below. Once clean be sure to open your windows each day for at least 20 minutes and allow cross ventilation, this means opening all the doors in the apartment and opening windows on opposite sides of the apartment.
We do not conduct any mold testing as we have found it inconclusive and the EPA does not recommend it. You may order and pay for your own testing if you choose. In our experience collecting samples and obtaining reliable lab results has created more confusion and problems than it has solved. Regardless of results, visible mold must always be cleaned up. It is our policy to immediately stop any water intrusion and facilitate appropriate clean-up in cooperation with tenants.
If extensive mold is allowed to grow, it may be necessary for you to remove all your personal belongings and move out of the apartment in order to properly remediate. Your renter’s insurance will generally pay for this. You are responsible for your own personal property.
CHECK YOUR WINDOW AND SILLS FOR VISIBLE MOISTURE EVERY DAY
KEEP YOUR FURNITURE AT LEAST 1-2” AWAY FROM EXTERIOR WALLS
Insulation and exterior walls
Most of the apartments we rent are older and may not have insulation in the exterior walls. This can contribute to mold growth and condensation. The best way to solve this is to avoid placing furniture directly against exterior walls, instead always keep 1-2” of space between furniture and exterior walls.
Closets
We have experienced mold growth in closets more often than any other room. This is because clothes and moisture get trapped in poorly ventilated closets. It is a perfect place for mold to grow. To avoid this, keep a close eye out for visible mold, never hang damp clothes in your closet, open the door often and don’t over fill your closet.
DO NOT OVER FILL YOUR CLOSET, ALLOW ROOM FOR AIR CIRCULATION
NEVER HANG DAMP CLOTHES IN YOUR CLOSET
It is the tenants responsibility to:
- Keep your units clean and well ventilated. Use a fan or dehumidifier if necessary.
- Open windows after showering or boiling water or extended cooking time.
- Report any maintenance issues immediately, especially visible mold.
- Keep humidity levels below 50%.
- Don’t place furniture right against windows or exterior walls.
- Obtain renters insurance. You are responsible for your own personal property.
It is the owner and management’s responsibility to:
- Ensure there are no active leaks or water intrusion caused by lack of maintenance.
- Respond to any maintenance requests promptly.
- Facilitate the clean up of any visible mold immediately.
- Provide residents with information, and communicate well.
- Make prompt and professional repairs when we learn of them.
Take the time to educate yourself about mold and mold prevention. Be proactive and work with your management company and landlord to keep your home clean, safe and well ventilated.
Helpful links:
http://www.achhd.org/healthyhome/maint.htm https://moldblogger.com/5-simple-tips-for-cleaning-a-small-mold-infestation/ https://restorationmasterfinder.com/restoration/difference-between-mold-and-mildew/
http://www.epa.gov/mold
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