Tenant suspects a mold problem

Question: I’ve lived in my apartment for five years now. I’ve seen mold here and there, but recently it has gotten worse. I asked my landlord to have someone test a new dark brown/black spot, and I’m afraid mold might be coming from within the walls. But he told me that he plans to use a paint that’s supposed to prevent mold. Is this a reasonable solution? None of my neighbors have a mold problem. Would it be reasonable for me to call the health department?

Answer: Your landlord is taking a shortsighted approach. From your description, it’s likely that water from a leak is finding its way into the wall and seeping out. The sensible response is to get a contractor to evaluate the situation. You can certainly call the local health department. There’s no telling whether the agency will come out and test for you -- it depends entirely on whether it is tasked to respond to mold problems by statute or by practice. It wouldn’t hurt to try.

-- Janet Portman, Inman News

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E-mail Janet Portman at [email protected].