Mold in an apartment or home is a relatively common occurrence, and most tenants can easily clean the matter on their own. However, mold becomes harmful when it persists, exists in large quantities, or has a black color. In environments with dangerous mold, residents can develop headaches and rashes, or more serious ailments, including respiratory infections and mold toxicity. Due to the harmful effects of mold, tenants must ensure their apartments remain clean and dry. If mold does not go away after basic cleaning, or it appears in dangerous quantities or colors, it may be time to search for “mold removal near me.”
Mold Removal Companies
Renters and homeowners have numerous options to choose from when selecting a mold removal company, especially in cities. Those researching companies can rely on the advice of their friends and family if they’ve also needed to remove mold before. Otherwise, many companies post their reviews, and prospective clients can carefully read them, then call for price quotes. In the case of mold, quick mediation takes priority, and renters or property owners can decide when to schedule an appointment.
In New York City, mold remediation companies offer free price quotes to help clients make informed decisions. Companies offer various tasks, ranging from mold testing to determine the particles in the mold to full remediation. Remediation involves cleaning the area and applying a treatment that stops regrowth.
Mold in New York City Apartments
New York City renters are no strangers to mold. In fact, RentHop’s recent mold report analyzed the number of mold complaints and reported them based on borough, neighborhood, and building. Similar to years past, the Bronx remained the moldiest borough in the city. Yet mold appears in numerous buildings throughout the five boroughs. New York City renters, therefore, must take proper steps to remove low-risk mold in their apartment.
Renters who lease directly from landlords should immediately contact the landlord or management company about persistent or dangerous mold. They should email the landlord, even if they’ve called them or spoken to them in person. It is important to establish a written record about the issue in case the building owner does not take the appropriate action to remove the mold. In most cases, the landlord will contact a professional mold removal company and coordinate an appointment with the tenant accordingly.
Landlord Does Not Fix Mold Issue
If the landlord does not respond to the tenant or does not propose a strategy for removing the mold, the tenant should escalate the matter accordingly. If possible, the tenant should remove themselves from the property to live with a friend, relative, or neighbor, especially if they have young children.
Tenants can file a complaint with 311 if they cannot resolve a mold issue with their landlord. They can report mold in their private residence or in a common area in the building. After submitting the complaint, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) investigates the complaint and will ticket any landlord who violates the law.
Taking Legal Action in Housing Court
If the landlord still does not fix the mold problem after receiving a complaint via HPD, tenants still have options to escalate. Tenants must have written documentation of their communication with the landlord and failed attempts to remedy the mold problem. The city provides numerous free resources to help tenants navigate the legal process.
Need more assistance? Visit the Housing Court for Tenants and Landlords
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When is It Time to Call a Professional Mold Removal Company Near Me?
Since there are numerous types of mold, some renters may need to call for help before others. Renters who find a small quantity of low-risk Aspergillus on their air conditioning unit can easily clean up the mess and monitor the situation to prevent further mold development. Yet a renter who just dealt with a large flood after a storm should get help from a professional mold removal company as soon as possible, even if they do not yet see any mold.
If the renter lives in a building with improper management and a non-responsive team, they can escalate the matter and still try to remove the mold on their own. A renter could call a mold removal company if they have children in the unit and do not have an alternative place to live. Ultimately, personal safety takes precedence. Renters may have to pay for the upfront cost of the mold removal, but they should retain records of their financial statements and receipts to bring to housing court if needed.
When to Call for Black Mold Removal Near Me
Black mold is a more dangerous type of mold with a dark green or black hue. Black mold is not any more dangerous than othe rtypes of mold, and it can still make tenants sick. Those who notice black mold can follow the same steps as they would for any other type of mold removal.
Stop the Spread of Mold
There are often natural forces outside of a renter’s control that impact mold. Natural weather storms or a leaky pipe in a neighboring apartment can cause excess water and contribute to mold growth. However, renters can also take preventative measures to stop mold growth. Mold grows in warm and damp areas like a bathroom, so renters can open the window or run a fan after their shower. When water spills, it’s important to clean it and dry the area as soon as possible to prevent growth. During the humid season, renters can also use a dehumidifier to keep their apartment dry, which also increases their own personal comfort.
Conclusion
Renters who find mold in their apartments can either clean it themselves or escalate the situation to their landlord. In more severe cases, the landlord will contact a mold removal company to properly tend to the area. When a property owner does not take the proper steps to remove mold in an apartment, renters have several ways to escalate the situation. However, it does not immediately remove the harmful mold from the apartment, so renters may need to call a mold removal company themselves, or stay in another residential area until their apartment is habitable.
