Category Archives: Mold Law

NYC Gives Filing Help to Tenants Who Find Mold

Posted on by
Don't Put Yourself at Risk, Get the Solutions You Deserve!

Don’t Put Yourself at Risk, Get the Solutions You Deserve!

Are you a tenant who is feeling helpless because your landlord refuses to provide necessary mold treatment? Officials in NYC have developed a valuable resource that provides recourse when your living situation becomes a health risk.

“Safe and Sanitary” Housing

NYC law states that landlords must maintain rental units in “safe and sanitary condition” and complete repairs “in a timely manner.” The language is broad enough to include issues such as mold infestations that present a danger to your health.

How Do You Assert Your Rights?

• You have the responsibility to contact your landlord first with any request for repairs or maintenance. Document all communication in writing, either hard copy or email, so you have a trail of evidence to support your claim.

• If your landlord fails to respond, you may file a complaint with the City. You also have the option of seeking help from the Housing Court.

• Any complaints involving apartments must include your contact information. If you’re reporting a situation that affects the entire building, contact information is still required but the complaint may be listed as anonymous in the public record.

• More help is available on the NYC website. You will find a copy of the City’s 311 privacy policy as well as information on Housing Court and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Effective and Eco-Friendly Mold Treatment in NYC

Traditional mold remediation is difficult, messy and expensive. In addition, there’s a good chance that mold will reoccur. Our proprietary MoldExterm system is quick and non-intrusive, and it includes a patented polymer sealer that repels future mold infestations. Visit our website for more information and schedule your free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law, Mold Tips, News

What NYC Property Managers Need to Know About Mold

Posted on by
Know Your Choices on How to Deal With Mold

Know Your Choices on How to Deal With Mold

If you’re a property manager in New York City, mold and fungus are probably issues you’ve dealt with before. There’s no doubt that you understand how serious this problem is, but there’s a lot about mold and fungus that you might not know. Having the right knowledge will help you determine your approach to mold problems as they arise in your properties.

What is Mold?

Mold refers to any indoor multi-cellular fungal growth that can lead to a host of medical issues. Some of these issues include pulmonary disorders, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, or other illnesses. There are a number of mold types that can fall under this definition.

NYC Property Managers: Mold Treatment

A new law went into effect last year, which requires that certain conditions be met before someone can be considered as a contractor capable of diagnosing and treating mold. These individuals must meet three different standards of excellence, which include:

• Having the proper level of training

• Obtaining and maintaining the right licensing

• Meeting minimal work standards

Your Options for Treating Mold and Fungus

Obviously, this new law might change who you choose to contract with for mold treatment services, and rightly so. Every effort is being made to protect the tenants in your properties, as well as to protect you as a property manager. If you have a mold problem, it’s very important to be certain that it’s treated properly and efficiently.

Stern Mold offers mold treatment services, and we meet all of the requirements under the new law. If you have a mold problem, and you’d like a free inspection, we’d love to help you. Contact us.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Treatment

Tips on Filing a Mold Complaint with Your Property Manager

Posted on by
Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

Keep an Eye Out (and Nose Even) for Mold!

When living in a rental unit, virtually any type of issue with the unit’s structure must be called to attention by way of your property manager. That also includes a mold infestation, which may or may not be directly related to personal property in your household.

Here are some tips on filing a mold complaint:

• Notification — Notify your property manager of mold. Orally notifying them is good, but always take it one step further by writing a letter and making a duplicate, then putting it in the property managers mailbox. Make sure it’s dated, too.

• Pictures — Take pictures of the mold problem; you can even use your cell phone if it has a camera. Make sure you get several angles, and offload the pictures to a computer. If needed for evidence, you’ll know where to find them and they won’t be inadvertently deleted from your phone.

• File a Written Complaint — If the property manager or owner of the building won’t act quickly for mold treatment, you can file a written complaint with the housing department in your city, town or jurisdiction. Check online or go down to City Hall and ask questions about filing a legal complaint.

In most situations your property manager will be willing to help cure any mold problem that you may find. It’s in their best interest to take care of the problem as quickly and effectively as possible, to prevent health issues or legal actions from affecting their bottom line.

If you have questions about mold treatment in your rental, please contact Stern Mold. We will work with you and your property manager to rid your home of mold.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law, Mold Tips

The Cost of Litigation of Untreated Mold Problems

Posted on by
Worried About a Possible Mold Issue? Think About the Kids.

Worried About a Possible Mold Issue? Think About the Kids.

What is the price of your family’s health? As organizations such as the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to warn about mold and fungus as serious causes of illness, courts are becoming more likely to award monetary damages.

Failure to address moisture and mold problems can result in serious liability for property owners. Here are two cases where landlords and home owners were held responsible for significant damages caused by lack of mold treatment.

Former NBA Coach Cited for “Technical Foul”

After former NBA player and coach Rudy Tomjanovich and his wife sold their Pacific Palisades home, the purchaser sued over lack of disclosure concerning water leaks accompanied by mold and fungus. The couple claimed that there had been only one leak that was promptly repaired, and they blamed the non-disclosure on their attorneys.

The Tomjanovichs were ordered to pay more than $3 million in compensatory and punitive damages. This case underscores the fact that water damage and remediation efforts must always be disclosed in property transactions.

Renter Beware

An Oregon radiologist rented a home which developed a water leak in a stairwell. The tenant promptly reported the issue to the property management company, but they took no action. When an indoor air quality expert discovered numerous defects that caused allergic symptoms, the renter sued and received an award of $103,000.

Efficient Mold and Fungus Remediation in NYC and Northern NJ

If you suspect mold and fungus in your home or business, our Stern Mold technicians can perform eco-friendly and non-invasive remediation using our MoldExterm process. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Law

What Do I Need to Know About Mold in the Workplace?

Posted on by
Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in an Office Building is No Problem for Us

Mold in your home is a threat to your family’s health, but there are additional considerations when there’s an infestation in your office or business. Here is what the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has to say about the matter of mold in the workplace.

Detection and Prevention

• Any interior mold should always be removed, so testing is necessary only when visible growth can’t be confirmed.

• Excess moisture opens the door to mold growth, so water leaks and spills should be treated thoroughly within 24 to 48 hours.

• Maintain a regular building inspection schedule, paying close attention to HVAC systems, kitchens and bathrooms.

Health Issues

• The connection between mold growth and illness is still being studied, so there are currently no specific federal guidelines regarding mold in the workplace.

• Allergic reactions such as sneezing and red, itchy eyes are the most common health effects of inhaling mold spores.

• Consult a healthcare professional to address any concerns your employees may have.

Remediation

• An effective remediation plan should include steps to remove excess moisture and other conditions encouraging mold growth.

• Personal protection equipment such as goggles and respirators should be used by all remediation workers.

• Eating and drinking on-site should be avoided during the remediation process.

• Depending on the scope of the project, employees may need to be relocated while remediation is taking place.

Professional Mold Removal Service in NYC and Northern NJ

Our eco-friendly, non-invasive MoldExterm system is an efficient and cost-effective treatment for mold in the workplace. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our experienced and professionally-trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Remediation, MoldExterm, News
« Older Entries Recent Entries »