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It’s been more than five days, and you haven’t heard how the owner intends to remedy the situation.

It is now time for the first follow-up. Visit the property with someone to confirm what happens. Locate the tenant and speak to him/her to find out if he/she is aware of what might be happening. If the problem has not been resolved and the tenant knows nothing, find the owner and ask what his/her plans are.

  • Tell the owner you had expected a phone call as to what he/she is going to do.
  • It is now time to find out, as specifically as possible, what the owner plans to do.
  • Remind the landlord of the authority the law gives the town and that you are prepared to use that authority.
  • Explain you will be returning with a letter saying the owner will have seven days to correct the problem or it will be corrected at his/her expense.
  • This needs to be done correctly in this mold case or the problem will reoccur – and the owner will still be responsible.
  • Know that if the tenant actually caused the problem, the owner is likely not responsible for the entire repair. Alternatively, insurance may cover the cost to correct the problem.

When you get back to your office, prepare a letter about what was said at the meeting and mail or drop it off to the owner.

Subject: Turner House, Water Street, Westville, ME 04999

The more you understand a problem, the better you are able to understand the solution.

Over the next two weeks, go to the property with someone aware of how to remedy a mold problem, usually a contractor.  You can get an idea as to how big a job the situation requires.  Mold cleanup and removal can be fairly simple, accomplished by washing easily cleanable surfaces and removing un-cleanable material like rough wood surfaces. Remember, if the source of moisture causing mold is not eliminated, mold will return.

  • Be aware that mold has received some overstated attention.
  • Unless either the resident or the contractor has medical issues such as asthma, it is unlikely there will be any health effects if a standard dust mask is worn.
  • Always be careful when investigating such buildings.
  • You should also stop by as often as you can to see what is happening.

If nothing has changed, it is now time to tell the owner that the town will take this problem on. You will need to find contractors who can do this work and prepare a request for proposals and obtain bids.

 

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