What to Do If You Suspect Mold in Your Rental Home
Mold can be a concern for any renter, especially if you’re not sure what to look for or how to respond. While not all mold is dangerous, it's important to take it seriously and report it right away so it can be properly assessed. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if you think you've found mold in your rental unit.
1. Look for Common Signs of Mold
Mold can appear in different ways. You might see dark spots or patches, often in areas that stay damp like bathrooms, kitchens, or around windows. It can also show up behind furniture, under sinks, or on walls and ceilings. Sometimes, you might notice a musty smell before you even see visible signs.
2. Don’t Try to Remove It Yourself
It might be tempting to clean mold with household cleaners, but that can sometimes make the problem worse or spread spores into the air. Also, if the affected area is larger than a few square feet or if the cause is unclear (like a hidden leak), it’s best left to professionals.
3. Notify Management Right Away
As soon as you suspect mold, contact our office. Be specific—mention the exact location, what it looks like, how long it’s been there, and whether there’s been any recent water leaks or moisture issues.
You can report it by:
- Submitting a maintenance request through your tenant portal, to include photos
- Calling our office at 703-537-3340 during regular business hours
- For urgent issues outside of business hours, call our emergency line at 703-537-3332
The sooner you report it, the faster we can investigate and address the issue.
4. Limit Moisture in the Meantime
While you wait for an inspection, do what you can to reduce moisture:
- Use bathroom fans while showering
- Wipe down wet surfaces
- Open windows when possible to improve ventilation
- Avoid placing furniture directly against walls in damp areas
These small steps can help prevent the issue from spreading.
5. What Happens Next
Once you report suspected mold, our team will inspect the area. If needed, a licensed professional may be brought in to test and remove it. If a repair is necessary to prevent further issues (like fixing a leak), we’ll schedule that promptly and keep you updated.
A Final Note
Your health and safety are important to us. Mold can sometimes trigger allergies or other health symptoms, especially in people with asthma or respiratory sensitivities. If you experience symptoms you think might be related to mold, we recommend consulting a medical professional.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have questions or concerns. It’s always better to check and be safe.
