Mold and mildew, both types of fungus, flourish in warm and moist areas. Because of this, Brentwood rental properties are often at risk of fungal growth. Keeping them clean and safe is important to avoid future issues. By learning to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can prevent a little problem from becoming a serious and costly issue.
There are many different kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. For example, mildew, a common surface fungus, typically appears as a flat and powdery growth in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. Luckily, mildew can usually be removed quite easily by using a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Identifying and Addressing Toxic Mold in Rental Properties
While mildew is relatively easy to handle, mold can be more invasive and much harder to get rid of. It often grows in walls and ceilings, especially in spaces with high humidity or water damage, making it hard to spot. A mold problem is often first identified by its smell – mold smells musty. In terms of appearance, mold can vary in color and may seem fuzzy or sometimes slimy, taking on shades of black, green, or red.
The most concerning type of mold is toxic mold, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as Stachybotrys atra. This greenish-black mold needs consistent moisture to thrive and often appears after significant water damage, condensation, or water leaks, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some people may experience physical symptoms after exposure to this strain of mold, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
Preventing Mold Growth Through Regular Maintenance and Tenant Education
Removing mold is often difficult and expensive. While some surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, more porous materials like carpets and furniture may need to be completely replaced.
The key to managing mold is to catch any potential problems early. Encouraging tenants to understand how to prevent mold problems and to mitigate mildew and mold growth can help avoid larger issues.
Because mold is difficult to detect in its early stages, it’s crucial that rental home’s routine maintenance includes checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If water leaks, condensation, or flooding are found, they should be fixed as soon as possible to minimize the growth of mold. If mold is found in your rental home, this could indicate a larger problem with water or moisture that needs immediate attention. Just cleaning the property without resolving the source of moisture won’t stop mold from growing back.
Real Property Management Titan provides professional evaluations and services to help prevent mold from taking hold in your Brentwood rental properties. Contact us or call 615-538-7711 to learn more about protecting your property from mold and mildew.
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