It’s not uncommon to see apartments and rented homes throughout the Chicago area with mold contamination. In many cases, this is because the property was not thoroughly inspected before signing the lease.

In this post, we’re going to discuss everything you’ll need to know about mold contamination in rented property, including its hazards, the testing process, and the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant.

Chicago Mold Contamination and its Hazards

Mold contamination is characterized by its size. If it’s a small area, say 3 feet X 3 feet, it can generally be addressed by a mold removal product. If the area is larger, it’s recommended that you call a licensed professional to handle the removal.

Mold colonies can grow rapidly if the spores have access to moisture, organic material, and warmth. Organic material could include anything from paper, to cardboard and upholstery, to furniture. Although you may not be able to control the amount of organic material in a space, what you can control is the moisture level and warmth. If the temperature and moisture levels are kept under control, mold will most likely not return.

Many people are sensitive to mold growth. Based on their age, their overall health, and the length of mold exposure, they may experience different symptoms. The effects on health could range from respiratory irritation, to a weakened immune system, and much more.

Chicago Mold Testing

By law, a tenant has the right to force a landlord to address the habitability of their rented property through various tests. Ensure that you bring up any issues regarding water seepage, leaky pipes, and visible mold in writing before signing a lease.

Before renting a home or office space, it’s recommended that you have an air quality test done. This is a scientifically proven way to analyze what’s in the air that you’re breathing in. These tests can help you document your rental agreement and reinforce your demands in case the landlord is refusing to address the matter.

Landlord Responsibility

In many states, landlords are required by law to repair and maintain their homes and apartments for habitability. Therefore, if a leak has been neglected and it leads to mold growth, you should get a legal authority to identify the landlord’s responsibility for the condition and get the landlord to take action. If the landlord agrees to address the issue regarding the mold, you should ensure that it is carried out by a certified mold remediation company to avoid any further issues.

Tenants Responsibility

If a tenant leads a lifestyle that encourages mold growth, the law will hold them responsible for the situation. For example, if it is found that the tenant has been consistently creating high-humidity conditions with poor air circulation, mold remediation will likely be the tenant’s responsibility. High humidity can be created if the home is used for drying clothes, or if the tenant is running an excessive amount of hot water without adequate ventilation. Additionally, the tenant is also responsible for identifying mold growth and immediately bringing it to the attention of the landlord, who can then take prompt action to eliminate and stop the further mold growth.

Are You Looking for a Mold Testing and Mold Remediation Company in Chicago?

Have you discovered mold in the home or business property you are renting in Chicago? If you are looking for the top-rated mold testing and mold removal experts in Chicago, then Axis Response Group is the company to call.

We’ve removed mold from numerous commercial and residential properties in the Chicago area. Our professionals can help to completely eradicate any mold contamination that many exist within your property.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection!