Tag Archives: mold law

Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

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Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

Did You Know Mold Testing Has to Be Done by a Separate Firm?

Sloppy and ineffective removal of mold and fungus can end up making the problem worse instead of resolving it. New York is one of several states that have enacted training requirements to protect consumers.

New York Adds Strict Regulations for Mold Assessors and Contractors

Here are the significant points of the mold law that took effect in New York during the past year.

• As of January 1, 2016, anyone working in the mold remediation industry must be properly trained and licensed. This includes assessors, contractors and all of their employees.

• Any jobs involving mold remediation or disturbance must be reviewed by a licensed mold assessor at both the start and completion of the project.

• All mold removal and clean-up jobs must be conducted by a licensed remediation contractor.

• According to the mold legislation, anyone holding a license to perform mold-related services is specifically barred from conducting both the assessment and the remediation.

• Violations of the mold law can result in civil penalties that range from $2,000 to $10,000.

Stern Mold: The Leading Mold and Fungus Removal Service in NYC

If you suspect the presence of mold and fungus in your NYC home or business, you need a company that you can trust. Using our proprietary MoldExterm system, our friendly and professionally trained technicians usually take only one day to effectively solve your mold problem.

MoldExterm is a two-step treatment that removes mold from affected surfaces and then applies a patented polymer sealer to prevent mold from returning for up to five years. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and learn more about the MoldExterm difference.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Law, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

Mold Litigation – What You Need to Know to Protect Your Business

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Don't Wait until it's Too Late, Inspect Now!

Don’t Wait until it’s Too Late, Inspect Now!

If you’re a property manager, one of the things you want to avoid at all costs is mold litigation. It’s in your best interests to ensure that you promptly take care of your tenants’ mold problems, and you should also be inspecting properties regularly to watch for any signs of mold.

Protecting your business is your primary concern, and to do that, it’s important to know as much as you can about mold and fungus.

What is Toxic Mold Syndrome?

Certain types of mold can produce spores that are released into the air. They produce a toxin known as a mycotoxin, which can lead to serious health issues when the spores are inhaled. Some of the symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome include:

• Fever

• Body Aches

• Dizziness

• Breathing Problems

• Nausea

Some people are more susceptible to Toxic Mold Syndrome than others. Children, the elderly, and those who have weakened immune systems are at much greater risk.

How is Toxic Mold Syndrome Proven?

In order to prove that someone has Toxic Mold Syndrome, a few steps need to be taken. First, medical proof needs to be obtained. Second, the existence of mold exposure must be proven. Finally, there must be proof that a defendant was negligent in providing proper treatment to remove any mold and fungus issues that exist on the property.

It’s in your best interests as a property manager to act quickly if a mold issue is brought to your attention. That way, you can avoid costly and time-consuming mold litigation. Here at Stern Mold, we specialize in identifying mold problems and removing them. For a free inspection, contact us.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Remediation

NYC Gives Filing Help to Tenants Who Find Mold

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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

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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

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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
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