If the landlord doesn't address the mold problem, tenants have alternative places to report it. The local housing and code enforcement department may inspect the rented property and document any violations. The apartment can put pressure on the landlord to make repairs. The landlord can be held liable for any damage caused by inaction or negligence, so tenants can file a lawsuit in serious cases.
You can also talk to your local housing and tenant rights group for advice on how to deal with the mold problem, such as the California repair and deduction remedy or when to contact an attorney. Currently, there is no federal law that covers landlord liabilities when it comes to mold. In addition, New York does not have any laws that specifically address the homeowner's duties or liability with regard to mold prevention and remediation. New York City has taken steps to make it easier for renters to inform landlords of outstanding mold issues.
As part of its 311 non-emergency service program, the City provides an online complaint form that tenants can use to report mold in their building. After filing a mold complaint, tenants receive a service request number to track the city's progress in responding. In most cases, you don't need to hire a mold evaluation contractor. Most people can identify and clean up the growth of mold themselves.
However, some people may choose to hire a New York State-licensed mold counselor to help identify mold problems and their cause. They will often recommend a licensed mold remediation company to come and clean the mold properly if needed. Verify that a company is licensed by the New York State Department of Labor to perform mold remediation. Mold is part of the natural environment and therefore mold is generally considered to be present everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.
However, mold is not usually a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp object and start. Usually, mold will not grow too much in the absence of moisture. Molds are very common and can be found in the air and on many surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. There is always a little mold everywhere and molds will grow when conditions are right.
Certain types of molds contain substances called mycotoxins and have been labeled by the media as toxic molds. Despite media reports citing black mold (Stacchybotyris) as a possible cause of rare diseases, such as pulmonary hemorrhage and memory loss, there is no definitive scientific evidence linking indoor air mold exposure to these diseases. If you notice any mold growth, you should take steps to fix the water problem and remove and clean the mold as soon as possible. Then, review your lease to see who is responsible for mold removal and talk to your landlord about your mold removal plan.
Mold sampling and testing can be more expensive than simply cleaning and repairing water problems that allow mold growth. There are some areas of the house that are always susceptible to mold growth and should be part of routine cleaning to control mold growth. Because the stakes are high, it's important to try to prevent a mold problem from growing on your rental property, as well as take quick and effective steps to remove any excess mold you discover. Steps you can takeIf mold is a problem in your home, you should clean it and remove moisture sources.
Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is a greenish-black mold that can grow on certain materials such as fiberboard, paper, dust and lint when there is constant excessive moisture in the area. Although mold is often associated with buildings in humid climates, no rental property is immune to a mold outbreak, as one can occur after an unattended spill, faulty plumbing, or even a misdirected lawn sprinkler. Molds can be found anywhere and mold levels vary widely, depending on location, weather, and time of day. If you discover an area where mold grows in your home, experts recommend a thorough cleaning to remove and remove mold.
The best way to find mold is to look for signs of mold growth, water spots, deformations, or follow the nose to the source of the odor. If you own or manage a rental property in New York, a mold problem could present you with costly cleaning and repair bills, as well as lawsuits from tenants claiming that mold made them sick. If there are large areas of mold, you may need outside help, such as a professional mold reduction company. .
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