Mold Growth on Your Rental Property: What Are Your Liabilities?

Mold can be a huge issue for landlords and property managers in Georgia. The state is famous for its hot, humid climate, which can create the perfect environment for mold growth. Besides being unsightly and unpleasant to tenants, it can also cause structural damage that could cost you a fortune in repairs. In addition, mold exposure can result in health problems, as mold can cause allergies and trigger some respiratory symptoms.

As a landlord or property manager, it’s important to know your responsibilities and liabilities when dealing with mold on rental properties.

What Are Your Responsibilities and Liabilities as Rental Property Owner or Manager?

When there’s evidence of water damage and mold growth at your rental property, you are typically responsible for addressing the issue as soon as possible. The only exemption is when your tenants caused the damage themselves. 

While Georgia doesn’t have a specific law that defines a landlord’s liabilities and duties regarding mold in rental property, you have a duty to provide your tenants with an “implied warranty of habitability.” This means that you must ensure the rental unit is habitable.

According to the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook, the rental property owner must keep a unit safe and in a livable condition. So, if the damage is caused by flooding, storm, or other conditions related to poor property maintenance (like pipe bursts), you are responsible for safely removing the mold and making necessary repairs. And while it’s rare, they may suffer from serious health risks from mold exposure, so you will also be liable for any medical costs.

If you fail, your tenant can file a lawsuit against you. Sometimes, tenants agree to do the repairs and deduct the costs from their future rent payments. 

What Are Your Options for Fixing Mold Problems?

It’s crucial to act fast when dealing with a mold problem. Note that mold can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water damage.

Here are tips on what you can do:

Mold Inspection

As soon as your tenant notifies you of a mold growth o your property, organize an inspection to see the extent of the issue. 

• Identify the possible source of the problem.
• Are there signs of moisture? Is there a hidden source of water? If you have an older property, see if there are water leaks. Check for condensation or inadequate ventilation if it’s a newer one. 
• Check your gutters for cracks if mold is present in the bedrooms, living room, or other areas where mold should normally not be present. 

Arrange for Repairs in Case of Structural Damage 

If the mold results from water damage, have your property inspected by professionals for any structural damage. The inspector can suggest the necessary repairs to stop mold growth and restore your rental home to its original condition. Note that water damage can cause problems in your home, which may need different specializations.

Some of these include:

• Structural damage: If the wood in your house absorbs water, it can rot and possibly collapse. This type of repair may need building contractors.
• Electrical systems: Untreated water can also damage your electrical systems, which needs electricians’ attention.
• Destroy ceiling and wall: Water damage can destroy ceilings and walls, which need to be replaced by contractors.

If you have insurance, contact your provider if your policy covers these repairs caused by water damage.

Clean and Disinfect

After you’ve identified that the source of moisture or leak is minor, clean and disinfect all affected areas with bleach or other safe disinfectants approved by the EPA. Be sure to wear protective clothing while doing the task to avoid any possible health issues.

Hire a Water Restoration Professional

If the mold infestation is severe (usually more than 10 sq meters), it’s best to hire mold remediation experts, such as PuroClean in Lawrenceville, GA. They will identify and remove the source of water or moisture and clean and disinfect all the affected areas to stop mold spores from spreading and returning.

They can even restore saveable belongings of your tenant, such as furniture, carpets, and other personal items.

10 Mold Damage Restoration Companies in Georgia You Can Call for Help

The following are some of the leading water and mold damage restoration companies in Georgia that you can contact:

1. PuroClean

PuroClean is one of the leading property damage restoration companies in North America. They specialize in water and fire damage, mold remediation, and biohazard cleanup. They also provide 24/7 emergency services. Since they have more than one branch in the state, check their website and find your location. Or simply type in your search engines, such as PuroClean in Dunwoody, GA, if, for instance, you’re in the Dunwoody area.

2. ServiceMaster Restore

This company offers mold removal, water damage repair, and other restoration services to both residential and commercial properties. They also have many locations throughout the state, so make sure to check their website or social media accounts to see if there’s one in your area.

3. Restoration 1 of North Atlanta

This Alpharetta-based mold remediation company services Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and the surrounding areas. Check their website to know more about their services if you’re from these locations.

4. DuraClean

Operating since 1986, DuraClean provides various property damage services, including mold remediation. They cater to residential and commercial properties. You can call them if you’re nearby Atlanta and its surrounding areas listed on their website. You can also ask them if they will service your place if it’s not included on their page.

5. FloodX 

This IICRC-certified property damage company specializes in water damage, mold remediation, and sewage damage. Their office is in Dacula and also provides emergency response services. You can go to their website and fill out a form to receive an immediate return call.

6. RCM Restoration Services

RCM Restoration Services has been in the business for 21 years, servicing Fayetteville and the surrounding areas. They can also work with your insurance company for your convenience. Go to their website to learn more about their service locations and if they provide free estimates on-site.

7. Zen Dry Restoration

Zen Dry Restoration is a locally-grown company servicing the North Georgia community. They specialize in water/flood remediation, mold, cleanup, and fire remediation. If you’re in the area, you can visit their website for more information on how their mold removal services work.

8. America’s Restoration Services

These Atlanta-based property damage remediation professionals are certified and provide 24/7 emergency services. Their specialization includes water damage cleanup, mold removal, waterproofing, upholstery cleaning, area rug cleaning, and tile and grout cleaning.

9. Grady Property Restoration

Grady Property Restoration is known for its rapid emergency response. Like any other reputable company, they are fully licensed and insured. They provide water damage restoration, storm cleanup, fire damage, environmental cleanup, contents restoration, and board-up.

10. SouthEast Restoration

This company caters to the North Metro Atlanta area, including Pickens, Bartow, Fulton, Gwinnett, Dekalb, Cobb, and Cherokee. They have 24/7 fire and weather emergency services and specialize in mold removal. If you’re near these areas, you can look for their contact numbers on their website.