More to the Picture Than Meets the Eye

Mold is a good example of a unique situation requiring a case specific solution. Since mold always involves excess moisture,the solution to correcting a mold problem, is simply to remove the source of moisture in the home. Without removing the moisture’s source, mold will return even if you remove it completely. In other words, you must determine the cause.

Maybe the tenant spilled water, or maybe there are leaking pipes. In any case, talk to the tenant and then the owner to determine where the moisture is coming from. Many times, the moisture is coming from warm air getting inside the dwelling and coming in contact with cooler air. When this happens, the warm air condenses and forms water droplets. This is similar to when you take a hot lid off boiling water and as soon as you move the lid away it cools and moisture forms on the underneath of the lid.

If you determine that the owner or landlord is on the property, be prepared to visit that individual. The owner in these situations may feel blindsided. They may say something like: “If the tenant had a problem why didn’t she just call me….”

Recognize that owners of rental properties have many stresses. Do not assume they don’t care or are uncooperative - it is usually the opposite.

More to the Picture Than Meets the Eye

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