One risk that is easily associated with negligence of maintenance is the existence of mold in the residence. Mold typically starts from seemingly nothing to a serious health concern in a span of days.
Just how many kinds of molds are there? Are they toxic? A lot, and yes. The toxic variety is called Black Mold, or Stachybotrys atra. Often a slimy greenish-black or gray in appearance, 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 present can severely limit your ability to guarantee the safety of a rental home. It is important to note, Stachybotrys molds are not always black, meaning molds of different colors could also be dangerous. In other words, there’s no way to tell just by looking whether you’re dealing with toxic or harmless mold.
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; and while mold, in general, is a definite cause for concern, the immediate risk of mold exposure, while present, has certainly been exaggerated in the media.
Health Hazards
Exposure to toxic mold is a serious health concern as 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. If you have tenants with allergies, asthma, or lung disease then they are at greater risk for adverse reactions as there are reports of mold exposure leading to serious infections in the lungs or other life-threatening conditions.
Property Damage
There are a number of risks associated with toxic mold, although not fatal, it is still important to take as many preventive measures to take control of an outbreak. As a landlord, you may be held responsible if you will be found negligent in taking precautionary measures to address mold issues.
Beyond legal liability, toxic mold can cause severe damage 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
It is not a secret that some property management companies do not take all concerns as seriously as they do others, and mold issue is one that is commonly ignored. Although the risks associated with mold is not as much compared to the many obligations that a landlord has to address, it should still be a priority. The serious nature of the damages caused by ignoring mold makes it a job for a company that will work to protect you and your residents from unwanted consequences.
In Conclusion
At Real Property Management California Coast, we are experts when it comes to the deeper understanding of the extent of the hazards that uncontrolled growths of mold present to rental property owners. Our team of expert property managers and service professionals in Venice 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 310-535-2150 for more information.