Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I have a tenant who takes 45 min showers, a very large dog( who stays inside over 16 hrs) that also lives in the upper apt. The tenant has showed me different spots that mold has showed up, I told her clean it up and turn on the ceiling fans when she showers and take her dog for longer walks cuz Im sure its peeing all over my apt. She called code on me , now what happens?

Mold is tricky. I had a very bad experience with a mold situation. I now make sure I do everything I can to remedy it if it comes up. Once the local authorities get involved, you are looking at alot of money! It is relatively easy to take care of with an exhaust fan in the bathroom; cleaning up with part bleach to water. Once the authorities comein, you could be looking at ripping down drywall and replacing, it can turn into a nightmare.

Posted by Donna , NC on Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Just a thought...can the landlord sue the tenant for causing the mold in a previously mold-free apartment?

Posted by E. H. T, TN on Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Anyone can sue anyone. The question really is "Do you have a strong enough case to win?" Having proof that the tenant caused mold, can be very difficult, not impossible but difficult. If you have pictures and/or other proof that the tenant DIRECTLY caused the mold, then I would think a case would be stronger. Talking to an attorney about an individual case would enable you to see if you have a strong enough case. Aside from principal, a legal case could end up costing more than you will get back, even if given a judgement. Afterall then you have to collect from your tenant.

Posted by Donna , NC on Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Re: Sueing tenant for previously mold free apartment. If the leaks were caused by the tenant or you can prove they left water running then yes. However if the drywall is wet you should be looking for reasons it got wet. Remember, Bathrooms were once painted with an Oil base paint to act as a mosture barrier. So that means if the mold is appearing UNDER the paint, there's probbaly a leak that's your own problem. A small drip from the trap upstairs can create mold growth on the paper side of the draywall. Secondly you have to prove that the unit was actually mold free. If you have testing of that unit (air samping and non-viable testing) you could prove the levels before and after.

Posted by Paul F, CA on Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Keep in mind that the shower length which MAY be long has to be offset by the temperature of the water. So if she's showing at only a warm temp in the summer there's little condensation. I managed a property in Hollyood that was found to have cieling fans that went NOWHERE. Make sure the fans have actual exhaust connected to them. You may think this is crazy but the fan only circulated the steamy air. Make sure they exhaust.

Posted by Paul F, CA on Wednesday, September 7, 2011