Mold problem! Help!?
Question:I am supposed to be in the process of getting a new shower installed in my apartmrnt today, but when the dude ripped the old shower out, there was a ton of mold, and it stinks bad. He isn't sure what to do now. Will he have to rip the entire wall out? I know that mold isn't healthy to be around, so should we move out temporarily? Permanently? Should I pay rent or hold it until it's fixed? Stressing here...thanks in advance!
Answers:
First take pictures of the mess and save them in your personal file in case you have to sue later on. Have your dude write you a letter saying it's a mold mess and that the walls have to be replaced. Take that letter to the owner of your apartment and ask him what can or will he do about it. That you can't stay there until it's fixed, will he pay for your renting an apartment and storage (if necessary) till it's fixed. Then tell him from what you know that the EPA should take care of it, and that mold is detrimental to your health.
At this point don't tell him yet, but if he insists you stay there then you can contact your courthouse and make payments to the court until he gets this matter fixed. You just pay your rent to the court and you can't be thrown out. You should take your important papers and things and either move to a hotel or to the home of a family member till it's fixed.
There's not only a problem with mold but there is a problem with the pipes leaking. So that will be double work for your apartment owner. In addition, I think you should plan to move at the end of your lease because he will probably increase your rent a lot to compensate for his apartment improvement project, or he might make life difficult for you. So start now and put what you don't need immediately into a storage unit.
You cannot hold back the rent money on your own, you have to do it thru the court system to keep your rental contract going. Otherwise you will be responsible for the balance of your rent immediately if you moved out, plus lose your deposit.
I don't want to stress you out but I had to have 70% of my house ripped down to the studs because of mold. It can be treated but you may have to move out temporarily.
Your Homeowners insurance will often take care of this.
If your carpenter is not a licensed mold cleanup tech., then you need to get one. Some mold can be very dangerous.
Hold your rent money,that is very unhealthy.Have the health department come in and check it out.
Mold is not difficult to kill. Just spray the wall with household bleach and let it sit for a few hours. Wipe the surface clean and repeat the process until it's cleaned to your satisfaction.
As for the health issue with mold.not all mold is bad or hazardous. But if you are concerned, you can buy a dust mask at the local harware store.
Dont fear the mold so much.put 1/4 gal. bleach with 3/4 gal. water in a pump up type sprayer.wear a paper mask.quickly spray the area .less than a minute.the color will instanly change from black to litebrown,indicating you havekilled the mold.use a thowaway mop if you do use one.It maywash right off. FIX any leaking pipes.
she shouldnt have to move out - good clean with bleach for the time being util you get some good advice - open all your windows but keep your door closed to stop the smell spreading into other rooms
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