Mold Prevention and Rental Property Upkeep

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold if it is not repaired by a professional team.

As a landlord, it is your job to keep your rental properties clean and functional. Mold prevention is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any property owner. Unfortunately, prevention tips are not always clear. According to mold remediation companies in Colorado Springs, CO, there are several ways to prevent mold growth, including:

• Making any necessary plumbing and leak repairs
• Ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture
• Performing routine roof maintenance
• Improving airflow
• Ensuring Proper Landscape Grading

Is DIY Mold Prevention a Good Idea?

Renters do not have access or the expertise to handle mold growth alone, and they shouldn't. Neither should the property owner.

Mold is technically a hazardous material and should only be handled by those trained in best removal practices. Additionally, mold is rarely the only problem. It is likely a secondary issue caused by moisture or water damage. Therefore, instead of focusing on DIY methods, find a qualified mold remediation specialist to correct the problem and restore the property.

Hiring the Right Professionals

The best way to prevent mold growth in a rental property is to ensure that any work being done is done properly. Do not hire anyone who offers a great deal but seems shady. Hiring a professional like a licensed mold remediation company is the best way to make sure your property will remain habitable.

A professional will work from the inside out and from the cause to the damage. In most buildings, the cause of mold growth is ongoing water damage. Sometimes, a water leak is so minor, it is nearly imperceptible. A little drip from a pipe or condensation on an HVAC unit is enough for mold to thrive.

A professional understands the causes of mold and the fundamentals of mold prevention, and they will inspect the entire property for the underlying problem if necessary. In most cases, the cause of the mold is close to the growth, meaning the professionals will likely expose the issue as they remove the mold damage.

Correcting Humidity and Ventilation Issues

If your property does not have any apparent leaks, the mold issue might stem from a ventilation or humidity problem. With excess moisture, you can install dehumidifiers and exhaust fans in areas prone to high humidity, like basements, attics, kitchens, laundry rooms, etc. The humidity level in a home should never be above 50%.

Additionally, you can help limit excess moisture and humidity by keeping the air moving on your property. You can install ceiling fans, window fans, or box fans to help keep air circulating and your house dry.

From simple issues to more complex mold removal, any landlord knows that mold prevention can be quite time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, there are a number of best practices that can prevent a property from developing mold. With the right knowledge, any property owner can reduce mold issues and keep their rental properties in the best condition possible. However, for the best results, a landlord should focus on hiring qualified professionals. Mold is a hazardous material and requires certain precautions during its removal from a property.