Category Archives: Mold Law

Did You Know That Your Landlord Does Not Have to Treat for Mold in NYC

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Landlords Don't Have to Treat for Mold

Landlords Don’t Have to Treat for Mold

Landlords should always take mold seriously but, unfortunately, not all of them do. Mold can spread very quickly and cause serious health problems. People tend to think of mold as a problem that strikes in wet climates, but the truth is that mold can happen just about anywhere. A spill that isn’t cleaned up quickly, or a leak that is left unattended can both lead to a serious problem.

Is Mold A Landlord’s Responsibility in New York City?

You might be tempted to think of a mold problem as being your landlord’s responsibility, but if you live in New York City, you’ll be surprised to find out that it’s not. There are currently no federal laws that require landlords to act quickly or even at all if one of their properties has a mold problem. However, the city is in the process of making it much easier for tenants to report issues with mold. They are also giving tenants information about what they can do expedite the process of getting mold treatment when it is needed.

Recommendations for Tenants

If a tenant feels that mold treatment is needed, there are some steps that can be taken to encourage the landlord to take care of the problem. Tenants can do one of two things:

1. Withhold their rent money until the mold problem is taken care of.

2. Repair the mold problem and deduct the cost of the repairs from the amount of rent that is usually paid.

Both of these are acceptable. If you have a serious mold problem, know your NYC tenant rights for mold, and contact Stern Mold to get a quick resolution.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News

NYC Continues to Wrestle with Mold Outbreak Issues in Older Housing Units

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Houses That Are Past a Certain Age and No Longer in Their Best Condition Are Showing Signs of Mold Development That Threaten the Health and Safety of the Buildings' Inhabitants.

Houses That Are Past a Certain Age Are Showing Signs of Mold Development.

The mold and fungus menace is back in NYC, although it never truly left in the first place. Houses that are past a certain age and no longer in their best condition are showing signs of mold development that threaten the health and safety of the buildings’ inhabitants.

Judge Issues New Orders

In the latest development on this front, a federal judge has deplored NYCHA’s inability to remove toxic mold that infests so many of the aging housing buildings in the surrounding area, and ordered a specially appointed expert to enforce a two year old pact that had been created to address the problem.

Fixed Time Frame

The case of an outside monitor being brought in is being viewed as a necessity, keeping in mind the seriousness of the problem and the danger it presents to the health of the general public. Simple mold cases are to be remediated in seven days, while the more serious cases are given a fifteen-day window to be resolved.

The Blame Game

The NYCHA is being censured for an apparent show of indifference towards the problem, which is believed to be the main cause of the problem growing to such vast proportions in the first place. Of note, no top NYCHA official showed up for the court hearing.

Do you have mold and fungus in your house that refuses to go away? Call on our expert NYC Mold and Treatment Services at Stern Mold, and we will get to work on your behalf. Once our company’s experienced professionals are finished treating your house, there won’t be a single spot where you will find mold, and that is our guarantee!

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News

Know the Law Before You Get Mold Treatment

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mp9004003931New York State has a new mold and fungus law that went into effect on January 1, 2016. The law identifies mold as a fungi growth that can produce toxins capable of causing pulmonary, respiratory, neurological or other illnesses after minimal exposure. The Mold Program and regulations come under the New York State Department of Labor and are part of Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law.

Key facts about the law that property owners should know

The primary purpose of the new law is to protect the public through improved licensing and by outlining basic work standards for contractors doing mold assessment and remediation. The law has three main components:

Training: Prior to obtaining a license for mold assessment or remediation, contractors must successfully complete required training.

Licensing: Contractors are not allowed to advertise or perform mold assessment or remediation services without the mandatory license. People with a New York license for mold assessment, remediation and abatement cannot remediate the underlying source of moisture. For that, you need a home improvement contractor. You can verify a contractor’s license on the Department of Labor’s website.

Work standards: The same contractor cannot perform both the assessment and remediation on the same property. The new law also requires that the identification of disinfectant products is consistent with EPA standards. There are now provisions for personal protection equipment that must be worn by employees working with mold and fungus.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, contact Stern Mold for a free consultation. We use the latest detection technology and have been serving Northern NJ and NYC since 1995.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News

Class Action Lawsuite Heats Up for NYC on Mold Remediation Woes

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Mold Issues

Mold Issues

Mold-related illnesses can have a seriously damaging effect on a person’s health and encompass a variety of physical ailments, including upper respiratory issues, digestion, muscle pain, brain fog and are a possible influence in a depression diagnosis.

NYC mold treatment companies are watching for news on a potential class action mold remediation lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) by the U.S.Attorney’s Office but so far, the Office hasn’t publicized any intention of bringing forth a lawsuit.

Mold Legal Issues

Currently, a report controversy exists regarding the reporting of a higher incidence of mildew reports and less of mold incidents by the NYCHA. Mildew does not cause the same amount of public concern as mold does, though it is still a fungi that can affect health if left untreated. Mold reports dropped dramatically in 2012 and have since stayed low, while mildew numbers that almost doubled in 2012 and tripled in 2013 have since continually climbed higher.

Another potential issue causing concern is the NYCHA’s involvement in a court-ordered settlement where a timetable set out for mold remediation and elimination may not be in compliance.

Progress Queens also has reported that Hurricane Sandy clean-up in housing developments has not been aggressively attacked by the NYCHA.

Mold and the Law

A Federal class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of the NYCHA tenants at the end of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s term to make the NYCHA address the widely encompassing mold abatement that needed to take place.

Are you looking for NYC mold treatment information? For a free consultation and price quote on our bio remedial mold treatment, contact Stern Mold today.

 

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

What Does the CDC Say About Mold Exposure

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Let Us Help Exterminate Your Mold Today!

Let Us Help Exterminate Your Mold Today!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is an organization under the Department of Health and Human Services that is charged with fighting disease and other threats to public health. Here’s some valuable information they provide about mold and its effects.

Where is Mold Found?

Any warm, humid area can provide a potential breeding ground for mold. Outdoor mold is most commonly found growing on decomposing organic materials such as felled trees, while indoor mold generally occurs in damp, humid areas such as bathrooms and basements.

How Does Mold Affect People?

Mold can trigger allergic symptoms such as wheezing, sinus congestion and red, itchy eyes. People with serious allergies or preexisting lung conditions can experience fever, shortness of breath and other strong reactions.

How Can You Limit Exposure to Mold?

Mold needs moisture to survive, so humidity levels should be kept low and water leaks or floods should be cleaned up immediately. If you find an infestation in your home, you should arrange for professional mold remediation regardless of what type it may be.

Should You Seek Medical Assistance?

If you’ve had extensive exposure to mold, don’t take chances with your health. Consult your primary care physician, who will determine whether or not your symptoms are severe enough for a referral to an allergist or other specialist.

State-of-the-Art Mold Treatment in NYC and Northern NJ

As the CDC recommends, you shouldn’t attempt mold remediation on your own. Our friendly and professionally trained technicians will remove mold and take measures to prevent its return. Visit our website to learn more about our efficient, effective and eco-friendly MoldExterm process.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law
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