Both mold and mildew are forms of fungus, and they thrive in warm and moist areas, such as bathrooms, making these spaces in your rental properties particularly prone to these growths. While they can seem alike, understanding how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew is key to keeping your rental properties clean and safe. By knowing the differences, you can help prevent a little problem from turning into a costly repair nightmare.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. Tenants may not always know what mold or mildew looks like or how to handle it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus. It’s typically flat and powdery in appearance and is often gray or white. Mildew usually collects in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It may start to smell bad if allowed to grow, but it can usually be removed easily with a bleach solution and a scrub brush—something tenants can manage with basic cleaning supplies.
Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties
Mold, on the other hand, is far more invasive and difficult to eradicate. Mold can hide in walls and ceilings, especially in places with high humidity or water damage. Mold is often hard to spot at first. The first sign of a mold problem is usually the musty smell. The second indicator is its appearance, which can vary from blacks to greens or even reds. Mold may look fuzzy or slimy depending on the type.
The most dangerous form of mold is toxic mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum (also called Stachybotrys atra), which appears as greenish-black mold. It grows on materials like fiberboard, paper, and gypsum board and requires constant moisture to thrive. This type of mold typically grows after significant water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding. While not everyone will get sick from exposure to 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
Once mold takes hold, it can be difficult and expensive to remove. Hard surfaces might be cleaned with bleach, but items like carpets, wallboards, cabinets, and furniture contaminated by mold will need to be replaced. This makes catching any potential problems early crucial.
Your renter is the first line of defense against mold problems. Educating tenants on how to minimize mildew and mold growth in warm, damp areas can help you protect your property. Tenants should be encouraged to ventilate moist areas and report water leaks immediately. Regular checks for water damage and mold should be part of every rental home’s routine maintenance plan. By addressing any issues with water leaks or condensation promptly, you can minimize the growth of mold in the property.
If mold is found in your rental home, it suggests that the property has an unresolved water or moisture problem that needs to be fixed. Cleaning the property may not be enough if the underlying conditions that encouraged mold growth are still present. Correcting water or moisture problems will help stop mold from returning.
By hiring Real Property Management Success, you gain access to our professional services, including regular inspections and detailed checks that can catch potential problem areas before they escalate. Our team can assist you in preventing the spread of mold and mildew in your Fall River rental properties while keeping you informed about the risks and necessary actions. Contact us online or call us directly at 774-840-5140.
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