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Posted on: 23 June 2022

Could there be mold in one or more of your rental units? Mold remediation and removal can be a serious matter, and many landlords would prefer not to have to deal with it — especially if the tenant caused it. But as a landlord, you benefit by taking charge of this situation. Why? Here are five valuable reasons to do so.

1. You're Probably Liable. Mold is a tricky issue in landlord/tenant relationships. It's often not directly addressed in tenant law, but it does usually fall into the property owner's responsibility to maintain a habitable home for renters. Because of mold's many health hazards, including causing respiratory problems, landlords are likely to be considered legally liable for its removal even if it's not written anywhere. 

2. It May Be a Symptom. If you or a tenant spot mold, its existence could actually spell even bigger hidden problems. Mold tends to grow in wet, dark areas as a result of unseen water damage. So even if a mold isn't necessarily harmful to humans or pets on its own, it could be an indicator that your property suffers from some structural problem or leak. By addressing the mold, you can address its cause.

3. Your Property Is Damaged. Much of the focus on mold removal is on its harmful effects on people and animals, but don't forget that your property is also suffering. Whether it's hidden water damage in the walls or ceiling, a damaged roof, or just tenant negligence, it will continue to eat away at the structure. You've probably invested a lot of time and money in your rental properties, and letting damage go unchecked hurts that investment. 

4. It's a Reputation Issue. Even mold that's simply unsightly can hurt your reputation as a landlord. Word of mouth is important in the potential pool of renters, and they will talk without you knowing. Failure to respond quickly to reported problems and unappealing rental homes will turn off future renters, costing you money for many years. Prevent this by being a proactive and responsive landlord.

5. You Control Tenant Issues. What if the tenant's behavior causes the mold problem? While the landlord may not be legally liable to fix it, doing so helps them gain control of a difficult situation. You might use this time to improve natural ventilation or update plumbing — so you don't rely as much on the tenant's good behavior. And you can document the unit's condition and repairs so that you have legal evidence if they cause further damage. 

Where to Start

Whether you want to protect your investment, steer clear of liability issues, or maintain a good reputation among renters, the way to begin dealing with mold is by consulting with a professional mold removal service such as Advanced Mold Professionals. With their help, you'll meet this challenge and move forward safely and with confidence.