Black mold is a dangerous contaminant. It can irritate the respiratory tract and cause respiratory illnesses such as chronic emphysema and asthma. When renting a property in Alexandria VA, as a new tenant you have specific rights if a black mold infestation is already present in the rental property. Among renters or tenants, black mold has become a major concern, so they should hire a professional mold inspection company Alexandria VA located as soon as possible. In the past, tenants have suffered from chronic fatigue, cognitive losses, hemorrhaging, nausea, and rashes because of exposure to this specific mold.
What is black mold exactly?
Black mold or toxic black mold is a name that is commonly used to refer to Stachybotrys chartarum. It can grow in houses and can be extremely hazardous to humans. Stachybotrys is recognized as a toxic mold because toxins known as mycotoxins are produced by it. Breathing in these mycotoxins that are carried on the spores of this mold can lead to numerous health problems.
What does black mold look like?
Toxic black mold is a gelatinous greenish-black mold. Usually, the mold has a wet layer on the top, which is the reason it is slimy. However, toxic black mold can appear powdery and dry too if its water source runs out. There are various other molds that look like toxic black mold, but only a professional mold inspection company Alexandria VA can distinguish them.
How to prove that it is indeed a black mold infestation?
As mentioned, there are various other molds that are similar to toxic black mold. So you think that you’ve discovered a black mold infestation in the rental property but you’re not sure? As the tenant, it is your responsibility to substantiate your claim with proof before you actually contact your landlord. If you just call and inform of the issue, your landlord might not believe you or make excuses. What you need to do is call a professional mold inspection company Alexandria VA service to confirm whether or not the mold you discovered is actually toxic black mold. The inspector will also test the air quality in the rental property for black mold spores.
Once you receive the report and your doubt is confirmed that the rental property is infested with toxic black mold, you should present this information to your landlord. Also, send a letter of intent to your landlord, whether you plan to remain or move out of the premises while your landlord gets the toxic black mold removed. If the mold and spores have already started causing health issues for you, then you are well within the rights to break the lease. However, in any case, make sure you provide the mentioned information in writing to your landlord.
What to do if a landlord refuses to get black mold removed?
Has your landlord taken no action even after you called to inform of the black mold infestation and also sent a letter along with proof? Are you are certain that the black mold infestation is not the result of negligence or damage on your behalf, and even the mold inspection company Alexandria VA confirmed this? Then you should be aware of your rights as a tenant. Keep in mind that even if there are no specific mold laws in your state, your landlord will still be liable for the mold problem in your rental property. This means that the landlord is also responsible for getting the mold removed.
However, many landlords try to steer clear from their responsibility. Your landlord might try to hold you responsible for the mold problem, but of course, as long as you have proof, you have nothing to worry about. Your landlord might even blatantly refuse to do something about the mold problem that is quickly turning into a hazardous health issue for you. So if you are having a dispute with your landlord regarding a toxic black mold infestation problem, you have the right to file a complaint against your landlord. However, before you do, make sure that a professional mold inspection company Alexandria VA has confirmed that it is indeed a black mold infestation.
PMSI Mold Treatment Division offers comprehensive mold inspection services in Alexandria VA.
