Mold and mildew are both types of fungus that thrive in warm and moist areas. In your rental properties, it is essential to keep these areas clean and safe for tenants. While they may appear similar, learning how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew is critical in preventing a little problem from becoming a much larger, costly one.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And chances are that your renter doesn’t know much about mold or mildew, what it looks like, or what to do if they find it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is typically flat and powdery, often collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can smell bad, especially if allowed to grow long. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the tenant with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties
Mold unlike mildew, is more invasive and can be harder to get rid of. It tends to hide in walls and ceilings, especially where there is high humidity or water damage. Mold can be difficult to spot visually, but the smell is often the first clue to its presence. Mold smells musty, and the odor persists over time. Mold can also appear in various colors, from black to green to red, and it may look fuzzy or slimy.
The most serious concern is toxic mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra, which is a greenish-black mold that requires constant moisture to grow. This type of mold often follows water damage, high humidity, condensation, or flooding.
While not everyone will get sick from toxic mold, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some people may experience physical symptoms after exposure to this strain of mold, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
Preventing Mold Growth Through Regular Maintenance and Tenant Education
Dealing with mold, once it has taken hold, can be difficult and expensive. Hard surfaces might be cleaned with bleach, but porous materials like carpets, cabinets, and wallboards may need to be replaced entirely. That’s why catching mold problems early is so important.
Tenants are your first line of defense in identifying mold problems. Educating them on how to reduce moisture and humidity in the home is critical. Regular checks for water damage, mold, and mildew should be part of your rental property’s routine maintenance. Address any water leaks or condensation immediately to minimize the growth of mold. This proactive approach can help prevent significant damage.
If mold is found in your rental property, it’s a sign of a larger water or moisture problem that needs to be addressed. Simply cleaning the property may not be enough if the conditions that allowed the mold to grow haven’t been corrected. Resolving the moisture issue is crucial to keeping mold from returning.
When you hire Real Property Management Bay Area, you’ll benefit from our expertise in conducting regular evaluations and thorough checks designed to catch potential problem areas before they escalate. Our team will help you prevent mold and mildew from spreading in your San Francisco rental properties and keep you informed about the risks and solutions available. Contact us online or give us a call at 650-696-1800.
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