Mold and mildew, both types of fungus, flourish in warm and moist areas, particularly in Canyon rental properties. Keeping these properties clean and safe is essential for avoiding health hazards and expensive repairs. By understanding how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can prevent a little problem from becoming a serious issue.
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 is more invasive and far more difficult to get rid of. It often grows in walls and ceilings, especially in areas with high humidity or water damage, making it hard to spot. The first sign of a mold problem is usually its odor – mold smells musty. Mold may appear fuzzy or sometimes slimy, in colors such as 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 has taken hold, it can be difficult and expensive to remove. While hard surfaces may be cleaned with bleach, other items, such as carpets and cabinets, must often be completely replaced.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to catch any potential problems early. Educate tenants about mold problems and encourage them to take steps to mitigate mildew and mold growth in their homes.
Regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold should be part of every rental home’s routine maintenance. If water leaks, condensation, or flooding are detected, repairs must be made immediately to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, it likely indicates a significant problem with water or moisture that must be resolved before simply cleaning the property.
At Real Property Management of the High Plains, we provide thorough inspections to ensure your Canyon rental homes are mold-free. Contact us or call 806-553-7914 to learn how we can help keep your properties safe.
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