Mold and mildew are like fungus siblings: they can look similar, and both thrive in warm and moist areas. However, there are key differences between the two that you and your tenants should know to keep your Jamaica Plain rental properties clean and safe. By learning how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can help prevent a little problem from escalating into a costly issue.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, though not all are considered toxic or poisonous. However, most renters may not be familiar with what mold or mildew looks like or what actions to take if they discover it. Mildew, for instance, is a common surface fungus that typically appears flat and powdery, often collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties
Mold is is generally more invasive and harder to get rid of than mildew. It often hides in walls and ceilings, particularly in spaces with high humidity or water damage, making mold hard to spot. Usually, the first sign of a mold problem is a musty smell, a telltale indicator of mold. Additionally, mold can appear fuzzy or sometimes slimy, growing in various colors like black, green, or red.
Toxic mold or Stachybotrys chartarum (also called Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that often grows on materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, and lint. It requires constant moisture to grow. This type of mold usually occurs after significant water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, 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
Once mold takes root, it can be both difficult and expensive to remove. While hard surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, items like carpets, wallboards, and furniture infested with mold must be completely replaced.
That’s why it’s crucial to catch any mold problems early. Your first line of defense against mold is your renter. Educating tenants on how to minimize mildew and mold growth is essential. Every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. Addressing water leaks, condensation, and other moisture problems right away will help minimize the growth of mold.
If mold is found in your rental home, there is a larger problem with water or moisture that must be resolved. Simply cleaning the property won’t stop mold from returning if the conditions that encouraged the mold to grow are not corrected.
When you hire Real Property Management Boston, you’ll take advantage of our many services, including regular evaluations and comprehensive checks designed to catch and identify problem areas before they become catastrophic. Our team of experts can help you prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Jamaica Plain rental homes and ensure that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Contact us online or call us directly at 617-522-0099.
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