Mold or Moisture?

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

Mold or Moisture?

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> Mold or Moisture?

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Mold or Moisture? - 5/19/2015 11:15:20 PM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

Hi. Sorry, I can't post any pictures. The only camera I have is on my phone, and it only does 1.3 megapixels *shrug*. Add that the nearest light source is in the closet, 10ft [or so] away *shrug*.

My situation is: there is bubbling [or rippling] that takes up a good part of an 9ft wide wall. There appears to be some discoloration [light brown] along the moulding/baseboard [and I have smelled something [that could have been mold related] from time to time]. I used to have an air conditioner in the window on this wall, but have taken it out because it began leaking.. Somehow, the bubbling spread to the opposite side of an adjacent wall, but there appears to be some black on the bubbling.. Also, in my bathroom, behind my toilet, I am having the same problem with bubbling [although no black, but the moulding/baseboard isn't flush against the wall where the bubbling is]. There has also been silverfish in my bathroom..

quote:

My question, do you think this [in both areas] is mold or just moisture?

I reported this problem to maintenance/management on May 10th. Maintenance didn't stop by until May 12. They said they would be back the next day, but they never returned.. I finally called today asking when maintenance was going to return, and the person who answered the phone actually asked [when I told her there was bubbling on the wall], "what do you want maintenance to do about it?".. When maintenance was here, they made it seem like all they were going to do was scrape everything off.

The reason I came here is because I want opinions from other people. If there is a decent chance that this is mold, I want it repaired properly the first time! [I moved everything from my bedroom [maybe 9 x 12ft] in to the living room so maintenance would have space to work. It's not very convenient if I want to invite people over]

*This isn't the first problem I have had here where maintenance [here] has said they would fix, but never returned. My faith in them doing the job properly [if at all] is lacking *shrug*

Post #: 1

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 2:20:08 AM

PeonForHer

Posts: 19612
Joined: 9/27/2008
Status: offline

If you have moisture there's quite likely to be mould too. Mould is a health hazard. Isn't there a legal requirement for the owners to get this dealt with swiftly?

_____________________________

http://www.domme-chronicles.com

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 2

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 3:28:53 AM

UllrsIshtar

Posts: 3693
Joined: 7/28/2012
Status: offline

If this is drywall, it's nearly impossible that there is no mold, unless the drywall was installed in the last 5 years (they have mold resistant stuff now that's fairly decent). When dry wall gets wet, you get mold. Especially when it gets wet enough to bubble. The chance of this not happening (even in supper dry climates) is VERY VERY slim. You may not see most of the mold, and it may be a minor issue, but it'll be there when you open up the wall.

If it's lath and plaster, there's a pretty good chance that there is mold when the wall is to the point of bubbling. There are other things that can cause these issues, but generally when these issues are present there will also be mold. There are circumstances in which this isn't the case, but unless you live in a dry climate, that isn't very likely.

If it's brick/stone with plaster, it may or may not be mold. There are all sorts of circumstances in which plaster can bubble away from stone/brick walls without there being mold present.

Mold isn't too imminently an issue if it's on the interior of the wall (no surface mold) and is not disturbed by airflow (there aren't heating/cooling vents running through the cavity it's in). That's not to say it's not unhealthy long term, and shouldn't be fixed as soon as possible, but it's not something to acutely worry about. Staying in the building with it there isn't going to make you sick overnight. If the building manager saw mold, it might be a while before they get somebody in to fix it, at least if they use a proper company, because those guys tend to have waitlists (and you don't want some random guy to come rip it out). However, if that's the case, they should be courteous and let your know.
If you do see surface mold, don't attempt to clean it up (especially not by rubbing on it). Disturbing it makes the issue far worse because it'll cause it to be airborne, exactly what you want to avoid happening.

Finally... if there is mold, insist that the homeowner use a proper remediation company to fix it. The last thing you want is for some untrained yahoo to come in and rip all that stuff out without proper precautions. It'll mean you now have ever single surface in your house contaminated for months to come, the air toxic to breath for weeks, and a high likelihood of recurrence in wet spaces, especially if you're in a wetter climate.

_____________________________

I can be your whore
I am the dirt you created
I am your sinner
And your whore
But let me tell you something baby
You love me for everything you hate me for

(in reply to PeonForHer)

Post #: 3

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 4:35:39 AM

ExiledTyrant

Posts: 4547
Joined: 12/9/2013
From: Exiled
Status: offline

Is there an apartment above you?

_____________________________

Gnothi Seauton
To lead, first follow: Aurelius, Epictetus, Descartes, Sun Tzu, to name a few.

Semper fidelis (which sometimes feels like a burden)

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 4

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 5:18:04 AM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

Pleh.. That's what I'm thinking [about the probability of mold in regards to moisture], but when I asked maintenance if the area would have to be sealed off, they said "no".. A state website for the Department of Health Services said, "For larger mold problems (about 10 square feet).. .. Seal off the room from the rest of the house with the plastic and tape." *shrug*. It's not like the area is small [3 x 9 ft I'm guessing].. .. It may be a legal requirement to get problems dealt with [although I would be more concerned with the monetary value. Like they say, an ounce of prevention and all that, but not everyone cares *shrug*], but who is going to enforce them. Maybe if the resident called the housing board [or whoever], then something might get fixed, but it's not like those numbers are readily available *shrug*. Not that I'm a fan of them either.. When I called them to ask about a notice informing residents that toilets would be installed, the housing people said that once flyers go up, that's 24 hours notice, even if maintenance doesn't show up for 2+ weeks *shrug*. [months later and the toilets were never installed, flyers were never sent out informing residents that they would not be installing new toilets *shrug*]

.. On average my apartment can be around 40 to 50% humidity [based on a digital thermometer I have on one side of the apartment], but I wouldn't say that is dry.. .. Nope, no bricks. The apartments may be old, but the style of architecture is far from colonial [made with bricks].. .. I wasn't worried about getting sick [I've handled the occasional piece of produce that became moldy without putting on a protective suit first *hahaha*], but I am concerned that if enough pressure were put on the wall [like falling against it], that it could create a hole. Or that it might spread to furniture, like my bed.. .. Hmm.. Well there in lies the problem.. I think there is mold, but maintenance doesn't plan on sealing off that area. They said that they would scrape off the bubbling, and worst case scenario, they would have to cut out a piece of the wall and replace it. In order to determine if there is mold in the wall, they would have to cut it open, right? Any advice on making sure maintenance doesn't screw this up royally? [I have plants [some people have kids, some have pets, I have plants *shrug*] and don't feel burying the casualties of incompetent [sp] maintenance people *shrug*]. Should I make a stink of wanting the area where there is bubbling sealed off from the rest of the apartment then?

I'm curious about the line of thought, but yes, there is an apartment above me, why?

(in reply to ExiledTyrant)

Post #: 5

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 5:32:03 AM

ExiledTyrant

Posts: 4547
Joined: 12/9/2013
From: Exiled
Status: offline

Because the apartment above you will be the source of the moisture... and my guess would be leaky drainage pipes. If your apartment is concrete construction, then the only way they are going to fix it is if someone reports it to the health department... and it will be a mammoth undertaking.

_____________________________

Gnothi Seauton
To lead, first follow: Aurelius, Epictetus, Descartes, Sun Tzu, to name a few.

Semper fidelis (which sometimes feels like a burden)

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 6

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 5:32:09 AM

UllrsIshtar

Posts: 3693
Joined: 7/28/2012
Status: offline

The recommendation for closing off spaces in regards to the size of the mold issue relates to the amount of surface area that has mold on it, not the size of the room the mold contamination is in.

From the sound of it, it seems like you easily have 10 square feet of moldy wall, in which case remediation should be done carefully.

The apartment above you is relevant because the issue is likely caused by a small leak in the plumbing above you. If it was caused by the air conditioner leaking the problem would have stopped getting worse the moment you removed it. If this is the case, merely doing a cosmetic fix isn't going to change anything.

Getting sick is a real concern with black mold of the type that grows on moist plaster and drywall. That stuff is seriously toxic and can cause all kinds of respiratory illnesses and asthma, especially during long term airborn exposure.

Surface cleaning is probably not going to be sufficient. The affected areas should be removed, then the studs and pipes cleaned with a bleach solution, the area thoroughly dried and ventilated, and finally the damage repaired. Anything less will still have your health at risk, even if it's cosmetically fixed. And yes, the room should be sealed off as much as possible from the rest of your apartment while this happens as working it will cause the mold to become airborne, which is precisely when it's most dangerous. If it contaminates the air in the rest of your apartment, you may be facing months of respiratory issues and allergy symptoms. All of this work of course includes fixing any plumbing issue that may be the root cause.

Your plants will be fine. This type of mold should not affect them, but -unlike with produce mold which is very different- it becoming airborne, even in relatively small quantities, WILL affect you negatively long term.

< Message edited by UllrsIshtar -- 5/20/2015 5:37:57 AM >

_____________________________

I can be your whore
I am the dirt you created
I am your sinner
And your whore
But let me tell you something baby
You love me for everything you hate me for

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 7

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 5:59:33 AM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

Both of you have a point. It could have been a combination.. My air conditioner did leak on to the wall, but I stopped using it because 1. it was leaking, 2. it wasn't cooling my apartment like I expected [it barely cooled the room it was in *shrug*]. But yep. While I didn't monitor the wall, it does appear to have gotten worse.

.. Should I even let maintenance [or the professional mold removers] in if they have no intentions of sealing off the apartment.. Like I said in regards to simply fixing the problem, an ounce of prevention.. What harm could it do to seal off that area of the apartment even if there is no mold, right.

Pleh to affecting me.. Doctor's suck. It's always "well it isn't strep throat" *rolling eyes*. And they cost money. Even if someone else pays the bills, it takes time away from doing other things. And grrrr to that.

(in reply to UllrsIshtar)

Post #: 8

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 6:10:33 AM

UllrsIshtar

Posts: 3693
Joined: 7/28/2012
Status: offline

Professional mold removers aren't going to touch anything unless they seal stuff off first. They'll also be wearing respiratory masks (not dust masks) as a bare minimum when working with the stuff. Possible full suits, depending on the extend of the issue.

You shouldn't let anybody in to work on it unless they guarantee you and explain to you in detail what kind of precautions will be taken to avoid air contaminating your entire apartment. Like I said, once airborne, this stuff will cause issues for months.
If there's no way you can guarantee that, you're better off leaving the stuff alone and moving when your lease is up. In that case, spray down the entire surface with bleach, and disturb the area as little as possible.

_____________________________

I can be your whore
I am the dirt you created
I am your sinner
And your whore
But let me tell you something baby
You love me for everything you hate me for

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 9

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 9:34:46 AM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

.. I WILL get the bubbling fiixed, even if I have to contact local or state government authorities, your insurance company, or an attorney.

quote:

My landlord or builder will not take any responsibility for cleaning up the mold in my home. Where can I go for help?
If you feel your property owner, landlord, or builder has not been responsive to concerns you’ve expressed regarding mold exposure, you can contact your local board of health or housing authority. Applicable codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and similar issues about mold generally fall under state and local (not federal) jurisdiction. You could also review your lease or building contract and contact local or state government authorities, your insurance company, or an attorney to learn more about local codes and regulations and your legal rights. CDC does not have enforcement power in such matters, nor can we provide you with advice. You can contact your county or state health department about mold issues in your area to learn about what mold assessment and remediation services they may offer. You can find information on your state's Indoor Air Quality program at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm.

.. .. I've moved a few times [excluding moving everything from the bedroom, where the problem is], and packing everything up all the time just isn't fun.. Plus, My options are a bit limited. The last place I was at was nice, until you noticed that the streets were watered more than the grass.. .. And the rent was significantly more *shrug*.. .. If the management company wants to keep this place open, it would [logically] be in their best interest to get the problem fixed correctly

I just want to make sure I understand.. So the day whoever comes to begin repairs, they should pretty much be dressed in HAZMAT suits [okay, maybe not HAZMAT suits, but the point was made]. If they are not, or at the very least do not have the fancy mask, do not let them in the apartment?.. I mean yeah, it is ultimately up to me what I want to do, but if I don't want to get sick it would be in my best interest to not let them in, right?.. All the surfaces!! The horror [if the problem wasn't contained].. Good thing I cleared out my bedroom [including my closet]

Sorry.. I'm just anxious.. I think maintenance will return and will try to repair everything themselves, but they can't even repair a spray hose on the kitchen sink *shrug*

< Message edited by kkaliforniaa -- 5/20/2015 9:58:01 AM >

(in reply to UllrsIshtar)

Post #: 10

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 1:06:44 PM

UllrsIshtar

Posts: 3693
Joined: 7/28/2012
Status: offline

Yes, they should wear at least a half mask respirator and will probably wear a full face respirator instead. A dust mask is completely insufficient. They will most likely also wear a disposable hazmat suit. If they don't dress like that, they're an amature who doesn't know what the fuck they're doing.

Wiki has got a good oversight one how to deal with mold: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_growth,_assessment,_and_remediation

This site lays out pretty well what it takes to get rid of it: http://blackmold.awardspace.com/mold-removal-cleanup.html

If management returns and tried to repair themselves, ensure yourself that they know what they're doing by asking them how they'll keep from contaminating the air.
If you don't hear "6 mill plastic" "seal off doors" "double bag everything removed" "air out" and preferable "create negative pressure" then their plan is to merely walk in, rub the stuff down or rip it out, and leave you with literally all your belongings covered in mold spores and the air contaminated for months and months.
Smaller areas can safely be handled by non-professionals, but only if they take the exact same precautions the pros would take.
Mold removal by professionals is very expensive, and your building manager might well like to save the cost of hiring a pro, which is fine, as long as the guy he does send is educated on what to do, how to do it, and does it right.

BTW, it's not a bad idea to wipe down all surfaces in your apartment with a light bleach solution after they're done properly getting ride of the stuff, especially the things that were in the affected room.

< Message edited by UllrsIshtar -- 5/20/2015 1:07:40 PM >

_____________________________

I can be your whore
I am the dirt you created
I am your sinner
And your whore
But let me tell you something baby
You love me for everything you hate me for

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 11

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 8:10:30 PM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

oOo.. I'm just trying to figure out what questions to ask, if maintenance shows up at my door, and something I could ask is

quote:

Have you removed mold before? What precautions did you take?

Let's assume that the area they removed was small [2 x 2 ft], my question for the forums is, would you wear a mask when removing mold from such a small area? The Department of Health Services for Wisconsin says that for any area larger than 10 square feet you need to take precautions like those that have already been discussed, but it didn't look like they mentioned anything for areas smaller than that. Shouldn't any mold be something that should be taken seriously, and respiratory masks and such used? Maybe sealing off the room may not be as necessary, but the mask should be, right?

oOo Another one

quote:

How long do I have to wait before I can move everything back in to my bedroom?

If maintenance [or whoever] says "24 hours", would that be enough time to "air out" the room?

(in reply to UllrsIshtar)

Post #: 12

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/20/2015 9:52:14 PM

UllrsIshtar

Posts: 3693
Joined: 7/28/2012
Status: offline

Those are good questions to ask.

Masks should be worn any time you're going to disturb mold and cause it to be airborne, no matter how small the area. You don't want to breath that stuff, not even a little.

On a smaller area, it's much easier to contain the removal by immediately putting it into a bag.

Me personally, I would still feel better/and insist on having that room isolated from the rest of the house by taping off the door and the air vents. However, that's probably something I'd do myself to save money. If your building manager isn't arranging for it to happen because the area is small enough that they don't have to, I'd advice you to do it yourself as well.

After all of the mold is removed, the entire contaminated area needs to be washed down by bleach. After this happens the area needs to air out enough so that everything is bone dry again before they install anything new. This means that removal can't happen on the same day as installation of new dry wall, because you won't get the studs dry enough after the wash to put new stuff up. How long it takes to dry is and air it depends on how closed in the space is, and your local climate. 24 hours seems short. More realistic is 48-72 hours. You really want to let the studs dry.

Ideally you want negative pressure in the room the entire time they're working on it, which you can easily achieve by buying a $15 Walmart box fan and putting it in the rooms window blowing air to the outside. This will make that any mold that does become airborne will hopefully be blown outside as soon as it does. Any professional mold remediation company should do this standardly.

_____________________________

I can be your whore
I am the dirt you created
I am your sinner
And your whore
But let me tell you something baby
You love me for everything you hate me for

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 13

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/21/2015 2:20:29 AM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

Well. This just became a little more fun *hehehhehe*. [I went shopping and looked at books. I'm in a much better mood].

oOo.. Revised floor plan.. So my building follows the same layout as an indoor shopping mall. A bunch of stores/apartments surrounding a "courtyard" [there isn't a wall anywhere to be seen in the 20 x 100 ft or so "courtyard"]. Based on this, there shouldn't be a reason why there would be pipes in the bedroom, right [if there was, then maybe a pipe broke in the bedroom. Although I guess I would see more water than what is there]?.. .. Next, let's say my apartment is at the center of a compass, directly north of the "mold" is the "courtyard" [they share the same wall] [this is why I said "fun". The wall with the "mold" is not an exterior wall. At least not in the sense that there is grass or a parking lot anywhere nearby, so if a fan was placed in the window, any resident who passes by.. ..]. 12ft to the south of the problem is the bathroom. To the east there is no bubbling, which would suggest the problem wasn't caused by problems in the bathroom or the neighbor sharing the same wall [their apartment is a mirror image of mine].. There is, however, an air conditioner on the same wall as the "mold", about 25ft above. Based on this, should I also ask whoever stops by

quote:

Have you repaired the apartment above me?

Logically, shouldn't anything on top be repaired first, that way if a pipe breaks, they don't have to repair something that was already repaired.

And this is where I can bring up another point with whoever stops by. If they are going to wear a mask, couldn't they seal the area off as well. They're obviously concerned for their health, it would seem hypocritical.. ..

Yay.. Based on the theory of "where there is moisture, there is [most likely] mold", if whoever stops by and says I can move everything back in within 24 hours, that would suggest that they don't know what they're doing, right? And I guess even if there isn't mold, there is moisture, so the area should still be aired out for more than "5 minutes", right.. Also with the "not knowing what they're doing", if a professional would seal the area off, even just in case, maintenance should follow suit, right. So I should ask

quote:

Why don't you plan on sealing off the bedroom?

Hmm.. When I got back to my apartment, on the wall adjacent to where the majority of the bubbling is, the tiny little area where there is some black, there was a silverfish slithering on the floor. Based on this fact, would it be correct in assuming where there are silverfish, there is mold? I mean without opening every website, it seems like they all agree that silverfish like mold [although I've encountered a toilet that was clean [no significant wear, tear, or discoloration], with the exception of a "nest" of silverfish living in it.]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to seal the room off myself, but if maintenance isn't going to do it, chances are they wouldn't take the proper steps in resealing everything and all that. And if I'm going to have to keep the room sealed off, it would be a good idea to have a mask. Not that it's a bad thing to have around, but in let's say the past 10 years, I've only experienced a problem like this once, right now.. ..

If whoever stops by doesn't seem to know what they're talking about, or they just don't make me feel at ease, should I contact the local Code Enforcement Unit? They are a division of the local police department. Their website says [summarizing] that they are responsible for the inspection of publicly and privately owned residential buildings and they ensure safe and sanitary living conditions.. By Sunday, it will have been 2 weeks since I reported the problem and moved everything in to my living room, what's another two weeks *shrug*.

oOo.. As I mentioned, there is also bubbling behind the toilet, and a decent number of silverfish [which shares a wall with the closet in the bedroom, where the "mold" is]. Logically it would be easier for repairs to be done if they go through the closet. My question, would I still be able to use the toilet [it's the only one in the apartment], or even the bathroom, if everything needs to be aired out like in the bedroom?

< Message edited by kkaliforniaa -- 5/21/2015 3:21:44 AM >

(in reply to UllrsIshtar)

Post #: 14

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/21/2015 3:47:59 AM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

.. Another thing.. How would you go about documenting everything.. As someone said, it could wind up being a he said she said sort of thing, but from previous experiences.. At my last apartments, I had kept a record for every time I paid rent. I had the person who I gave the check to sign on my record so that there wouldn't be any confusion. The reason for doing this is because they had lost my check [they later found it], and expected me to pay late fees [an additional $65!!]. After a certain point though, the office staff said that they wouldn't sign anything that wasn't official paperwork [or something like that.. For example, leases]. I could try getting whoever stops by to sign something, but they could say [paraphrasing] "go *bleep* yourself" *shrug*.. Although, even if I don't have someone sign the paper, I can't imagine the maintenance here would have a record of anything they do [since they didn't return when they originally said they would. Haven't fixed other problems. Didn't carry a clipboard or provide a "receipt" listing what repairs were done.. ..]. It would still be a he said she said situation though.

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 15

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/21/2015 5:38:46 AM

MariaB

Posts: 2969
Joined: 4/3/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: kkaliforniaa

.. Another thing.. How would you go about documenting everything.. As someone said, it could wind up being a he said she said sort of thing, but from previous experiences.. At my last apartments, I had kept a record for every time I paid rent. I had the person who I gave the check to sign on my record so that there wouldn't be any confusion. The reason for doing this is because they had lost my check [they later found it], and expected me to pay late fees [an additional $65!!]. After a certain point though, the office staff said that they wouldn't sign anything that wasn't official paperwork [or something like that.. For example, leases]. I could try getting whoever stops by to sign something, but they could say [paraphrasing] "go *bleep* yourself" *shrug*.. Although, even if I don't have someone sign the paper, I can't imagine the maintenance here would have a record of anything they do [since they didn't return when they originally said they would. Haven't fixed other problems. Didn't carry a clipboard or provide a "receipt" listing what repairs were done.. ..]. It would still be a he said she said situation though.

Always keep a paper trail. When work men turn up ask for names and what company they are from. When you speak to your landlord, record the date, time and what was said/suggested. If you don't have a phone camera, someone else you know does. Take pictures of the wall now and at different stages throughout the repairs. Make sure you know exactly what these maintenance men are going to do and document that too. As for payment of rent, you have bank statements as proof of payment.

Did you get a rental contract? If so you need to scrutinize the small print.

I don't know what letting laws are like in America but in the UK a tenant could rightfully withhold a portion of the rent for loss of rental space. If a landlord evicted someone because they were making a fuss about something like what you are suffering, that landlord would risk being dragged through the courts and facing a very hefty fine.

_____________________________

My store is http://e-stimstore.com

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 16

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/21/2015 5:41:53 PM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

.. I checked my lease while I was waiting for maintenance to return with the manager, which is another story.. And, it seems like a tenant can not withhold any portion of rent because they are unable to use an area of the apartment *shrug*.. This is America though and people are in it for the money *shrug*.

For the other story.. I called the office because I thought there was a problem with the smoke detector. Guess who answered. If you guessed the manager, you would be correct. Yep. When maintenance was here to begin repairs , I had up a stink, a polite one mind you, and mentioned silverfish, how where there is moisture there is probably mold. Maintenance reinspected the wall, and determined that they will have to replace it. I'm guessing this is why they want the manager to come, just to get the final "okay". I asked when they would return and he said that the manager wasn't currently in the office, so it could be later today or it could be tomorrow. And this is why the "funny".. .. It's like people think you're stupid. That there isn't a chance that you would call and ask when they would return *shrug*. Hey, at least it gave me time to jot down the history of this situation.

(in reply to MariaB)

Post #: 17

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/21/2015 6:06:21 PM

Gauge

Posts: 5689
Joined: 6/17/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: kkaliforniaa

.. I checked my lease while I was waiting for maintenance to return with the manager, which is another story.. And, it seems like a tenant can not withhold any portion of rent because they are unable to use an area of the apartment *shrug*.. This is America though and people are in it for the money *shrug*.

For the other story.. I called the office because I thought there was a problem with the smoke detector. Guess who answered. If you guessed the manager, you would be correct. Yep. When maintenance was here to begin repairs , I had up a stink, a polite one mind you, and mentioned silverfish, how where there is moisture there is probably mold. Maintenance reinspected the wall, and determined that they will have to replace it. I'm guessing this is why they want the manager to come, just to get the final "okay". I asked when they would return and he said that the manager wasn't currently in the office, so it could be later today or it could be tomorrow. And this is why the "funny".. .. It's like people think you're stupid. That there isn't a chance that you would call and ask when they would return *shrug*. Hey, at least it gave me time to jot down the history of this situation.

Most municipalities/Counties/States have very strict guidelines for mold within an apartment complex and your local health bureau should be able to fill you in on those details. The removal is no joke, and it should not be haphazard.

Under certain circumstances a tenant can withhold rent if they put the money in an escrow account. Your State may have different laws. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tenant-rights-withhold-rent-state In your case however, your landlord is going to make the repairs, you just want them done properly.

In my years as an HVAC technician I can tell you that I have a lot of hours of schooling on "sick house" syndrome. Mold is one of the worst things to have in a home, it is potentially lethal although that is rare, not trying to scare you, just explaining the gravity of the situation. Check with your local government agencies for assistance in understanding your rights as a tenant. There also may be State offices that can help.

Edited for clarity.

< Message edited by Gauge -- 5/21/2015 6:30:56 PM >

_____________________________

"For there is no folly of the beast of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men." Herman Melville - Moby Dick

I'm wearing my chicken suit and humming La Marseillaise.

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 18

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/22/2015 5:38:50 AM

kkaliforniaa

Posts: 263
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline

I think the county health department was the first people I called. They either said that I needed to talk to my manager, or that there are no regulations in my state regarding mold removal [which is different than acceptable amounts of mold in a residence] *shrug*. At which point I decided to call the housing authority. They were not helpful either. They wouldn't answer a single question I had until I answered theirs. "Do you live in public housing?" [or whatever the term is for government operated housing]. When I said "no", they said that they couldn't help me *rolling eyes*.. At which point I tried contacting lawyers, resulting in the same thing. One sent me to another which sent me to another *headdesk*.. I finally called my insurance agent [renters insurance], and the person I spoke with said that I should move out because mold is dangerous and I could get sick. I guess they have never dealt with mold before, or they assumed that there was black all over the place, but I did use the word "bubbling" *shrug*. The insurance agent did recommend that I call the Code Enforcement Unit though, but when I called them, it was one of those "higher than normal call volume" things. I could submit a report online, but it requires everything from name, social security number, date of birth [okay, it's not that detailed, but it does require detailed contact information. You can't simply ask someone a simple question like, "if there is reason to suspect there might be mold behind a wall, is it required that the room be sealed off before repairs begin?"]..

Hmm. I just found a pdf from the county health department and it said that the county does not regulate mold. It also said, the county AND state don't have regulations regarding the air quality!! *shrug*.. And the health department does not inspect homes or apartments, but recommends calling the Code Enforcement Unit, although it makes it seem like the CEU may or may not deal with this sort of problem *headdesk*.. The problem with regulations is, if no one reports it, and there aren't government inspectors who do surprise inspections [which I don't think there are, unfortunately], then mold could continue spreading without anyone blinking an eye.. Also, as someone else said, management may choose to take the cheapest route, and let maintenance do repairs, even though they may not be qualified, which I just refuse to accept.

Hmm.. Apparently according to nolo, I can withhold rent, so long as the situation meets the requirements, like, "Your rental must substantially lack critical elements. For example, your rental must have deficient roofing, walls, windows, doors, floors, stairways, railings, locks, plumbing or gas facilities, water, heating, or electrical systems. Additionally, any deficiency in your rented unit must make your premises materially dangerous or hazardous to your life, health, or safety.. ..".. Not being a doom and gloom person, I don't think the apartment meets those conditions. There doesn't appear to be condensation. There isn't a smell the majority of the time [like 90%]. My living room is habitable.. But yeah, if I'm paying for a bedroom, I should be able to use it.. The sucky of all this, I realised like a day or two after I submitted the note that I didn't put a date on it!! *banging head*.. But, depending on how long this progresses.. .. [There's also bubbling in other parts of the building [the community laundry room], but other than the sucky job at maintaining everything, it's a pretty decent place considering the cost.. Maybe I should call the Code Enforcement people].. ..

.. I'm more concerned with my plants dying than me *hahhaa*.. Besides, my mother said she would take care of me if I got sick *hahahhaa*. Although I can't imagine that chicken noodle soup would cure this one.. .. In all honesty though, I don't want to get sick, who does. I'm not anti-medicine, but there are usually side effects. The whole situation just doesn't sound like fun.. Plus I'm really busy with life at the moment, getting sick just doesn't fit in to my plans. And, there is the whole issue of getting all my stuff cleaned if it becomes contaminated.. My books!! You can't scrub books, or put them in a washing machine!! The horror! Must protect plants and books!.. And bed! My bed is important too! *hehehe* [hey, it's either have anxiety attacks or try to find some humor]

oOo Here's one.. There is a county maybe an hour or two away [same state]. They have a DETAILED page that talks about mold removal for different sizes. It includes the phrases "negative pressure" "respiratory protection".. Should the rules there be the same for the rules here?.. I'm thinking that I might have to go out and buy "Mold Removal for Dummies" because it seems like maintenance will be the ones doing the job *shrug*, so any information that will help them do the job properly.. *shrug*.. *shaking head*..

You have to love train wreck!!

(in reply to Gauge)

Post #: 19

RE: Mold or Moisture? - 5/22/2015 6:29:49 AM

xxblushesxx

Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: kkaliforniaa

.. I checked my lease while I was waiting for maintenance to return with the manager, which is another story.. And, it seems like a tenant can not withhold any portion of rent because they are unable to use an area of the apartment *shrug*.. This is America though and people are in it for the money *shrug*.

For the other story.. I called the office because I thought there was a problem with the smoke detector. Guess who answered. If you guessed the manager, you would be correct. Yep. When maintenance was here to begin repairs , I had up a stink, a polite one mind you, and mentioned silverfish, how where there is moisture there is probably mold. Maintenance reinspected the wall, and determined that they will have to replace it. I'm guessing this is why they want the manager to come, just to get the final "okay". I asked when they would return and he said that the manager wasn't currently in the office, so it could be later today or it could be tomorrow. And this is why the "funny".. .. It's like people think you're stupid. That there isn't a chance that you would call and ask when they would return *shrug*. Hey, at least it gave me time to jot down the history of this situation.

I am guessing that you live in California. If so, there are remedies to constructive eviction that include withholding partial rent. (generally you would have to keep this in an escrow account, but I have not checked specific laws for Ca) Your lease cannot override your rights.

Here is some more info.

_____________________________

~Christina

A nice girl with a disturbing hobby

My femdom findom blog: http://www.MistressAvarice.com

(in reply to kkaliforniaa)

Post #: 20

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> Mold or Moisture?

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.109