Tag Archives: Tenants and Mold

When Should Tenants Withold Rent? Does Mold Count?

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Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

Should Tenants Pay Rent for Mold-Infested Apartments?

When you rent a house or apartment, you have a legal obligation to pay the agreed-upon amount each month. What happens if the landlord doesn’t uphold their end? If your rental home requires Manhattan mold removal, it could impact your responsibilities.

Is Your Home “Livable?”

Each state has laws governing landlord-tenant interactions. All rules incorporate the Warrant of Habitability, which requires landlords to provide housing that meets basic standards of health, safety and other living conditions.

One of the reasons rental properties appeal to tenants is freedom from responsibility for most maintenance and repair issues. If a pipe is leaking or the hot water heater breaks down, it’s up to the landlord to take care of it.

When the Warrant of Habitability Is Broken

Mold infestation, which creates a health risk, may fall under the landlord’s purview. If you need to seek Manhattan mold removal, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Notify the landlord in writing, text or email.

• Take pictures.

• Allow a reasonable amount of time for resolution, which can vary based on the severity of the problem. The landlord should demonstrate a good-faith effort to correct the situation.

• If the situation reaches a point where withholding a portion of the rent is justified, notify the landlord in writing. Deposit the withheld funds into an escrow account pending legal disposition.

Effective Manhattan Mold Removal for Landlords and Homeowners

Whether you have one property or several, Stern Mold can handle your remediation needs. Contact us for more information.

Posted in Mold Information, News

Mold 101: the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

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the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

the CDC Weighs in On Mold and Damp Buildings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the health risks associated with high indoor humidity, dampness and mold in offices, schools, and other nonindustrial buildings. You work hard to keep your business profitable, maintain a safe and comfortable environment for your employees and customers, and to keep customers coming back every time they need your products or services. A musky smell from leaking pipes or water incursion can’t be masked and it can ruin your business. People with sensitive immune systems and mold allergies feel the effects of mold spores quickly when they’re in a building with mold. Our Manhattan mold removal company can help you at a reasonable price and without tearing out walls.

The CDC defines dampness as any unwanted or excessive moisture inside your building. Having this dampness in your building will lead to mold growth that releases mold spores and breaks down building materials. Different types of mold grow in different moisture conditions. The CDC warns that mold inside buildings is associated with several respiratory problems including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. People sensitive to allergens and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing a more severe illness from their exposure to mold.

We can remedy your mold problem with our Manhattan mold removal service. Our MoldExterm method is faster and less costly than traditional remediation methods. It does not require tearing out walls and can be done with little or no interruption to your business schedule. Contact Stern Mold for a free professional inspection and consultation on the best way to maintain optimal air quality and prevent mold from coming back.

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

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

Tenants: Moving Out When Mold Moves In

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Moving out when mold moves in is actually a tricky situation. Regardless of anything else, and no matter where you live, you can’t just drop everything and leave. There are certain protocols that must be adhered to before you can legally move out.

Notification

The first thing to do if mold is found, is to notify your landlord. This is an absolute must, and once notified the landlord must remedy the situation in a timely manner.

However, if you wait too long or know about leaking pipes or a high humidity situation, like when an exhaust fan in the bathroom goes out, you yourself might be held liable for the mold infestation. This is why it’s important to notify your landlord at the first sign of a problem, or the first sign of mold.

Moving Out

In most states, the landlord will have 30 days to rectify the problem, and if it poses a health risk, the landlord may relocate you to another apartment or a hotel room until the mold extermination has been finished.

If the mold is considered a health risk and your landlord does nothing, you may be able to legally break your lease and leave. Make sure to keep documentation, like pictures and video, in case you must prove your case in court.

If you have any questions about mold extermination issues in your residence, rely on the professionals at Stern Mold. We are part of the Stern Environmental Group, and will answer all of your questions or do a free mold inspection. We have been serving the New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island area since 1995.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, News