Aside from a stash of cash hiding in the baseboards, you don't really want to come across any surprises in your apartment. One of the worst things that could be found in your apartment is mold. Not only does it produce a foul odor, but it can be dangerous to your health. Mold can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing and wheezing, eye irritation and sometimes skin irritation, according to the CDC.
If you come across mold, you have to act immediately. Here's what to do if you find mold in your apartment.
If you have mold in your apartment, you'll be able to either see it or smell it. It doesn't know how to hide. Find where the mold is and take photos. You'll want the evidence to show to your landlord.
Contact your landlord immediately after you locate the mold. First, call them to explain the issue. Most states require landlords to remove mold at their own expense as soon as they're notified. Once you have a conversation about the problem, send the photos you took, so you can figure out a plan to rid your apartment of the mold.
If your landlord fails to act promptly and you happen to experience health issues as a result of the mold, you have a case to seek damages against your landlord. Be sure to keep all records of any health problems and communication with your landlord. This will help support your case, should you need to file a lawsuit.
Many people don't know that there are many different types of mold. A mold tester will be able to determine what kind of mold is in your apartment and how bad the problem is. If it's only a little mold, you may be able to clean it yourself. A mold tester will be able to give you tips on how to remove it.
Once you confirm that you do, in fact, have mold in your apartment, you should work to figure out what caused it. Doing this will help to prevent mold from growing in the future.
Obviously, the most important thing to do once you find mold is to remove it. Some states allow a landlord to relocate you to another unit or sometimes, a hotel room for up to 30 days if the mold poses a risk to your health.
However, some landlords include clauses in the lease agreement that would make you liable for mold. Be sure to check your lease to see who is responsible for fixing the issue. If your landlord is responsible and they don't remedy the issue, then you should notify your landlord that you'll be terminating your lease and find a new apartment.
If you experience any allergy-like symptoms, you should see a doctor. Itchy eyes, sore throat, headaches and fatigue are all symptoms to be aware of if you have mold in your home. Be sure to tell your doctor about the mold so you can get proper treatment, should you need any.
Gabrielle Sorto is an Atlanta-based freelance writer, whose work has appeared on CNN, Insider and Alloy. She loves traveling and the challenge of keeping her many houseplants alive. She can usually be found writing with an overpriced coffee in hand or with her dog, Rihanna, who is named after exactly who you think.