How Effective Are Mold Tests Anyway?
Moisture accumulating in the Property? Mold! Hot and humid days? Mold! Leaks springing up in the property? Mold! It’s virtually everywhere, but most mold primarily grows around sources of moisture. Once grown, mold is not only visibly evident, but it may also trigger health-related complaints from tenants. Given these risks, landlords may be tempted to conduct extensive testing to determine the scope of the problem; however, state health officials recommend a more practical approach. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) actually recommends not testing for mold, but rather to just immediately move to address the mold and remedy any moisture issues in the Property.
Landlords that opt to perform a mold test will only discover a limited sample of visible or cultured mold spores in the indoor air or on indoor surfaces. In some cases, mold tests may yield a negative result and may not cover the full range of mold exposures. According to the CDPH, measuring mold levels does not determine whether a health problem exists, nor does it meaningfully assess risk. Furthermore, the environmental protection agency does not impose a limit or standard for “unhealthy levels” for spore concentrations or for particular different strains of mold. Often, if mold is visible or is recognized by a musty odor, then testing for mold is already moot.
If tenants are relaying health-related complaints, then it is important to take those concerns seriously and respond promptly by investigating the underlying source of moisture and any visible signs of mold, rather than just jump straight to mold testing. The Center for Disease Control advises that short-term air samples cannot interpret what may be causing the tenants’ health-related complaints. If the cause is unknown, then tenants may be afflicted by bacteria, dust, or compounds from building materials released into the air.
Landlords should practice preventative measure to minimize any mold-related disputes. Ideally, landlords should perform regular inspections of plumbing fixtures, roofing, and exterior drainage systems to identify leaks and moisture issues that could foster mold growth. Ensuring that the property has adequate ventilation in high moisture areas like bathrooms, the kitchen, and laundry room will mitigate moisture buildup and in turn mold development. Landlord should also promptly respond to and tenant maintenance requests involving water fixtures and damage. Delaying maintenance may invite unwanted mold growth.
Despite how ineffectiveness of mold testing, a tenant may still demand one. Refusing to administer a mold test may potentially cause the tenant to escalate legal action. Mold-related disputes can quickly become complex. Landlords do not have to navigate mold disputes alone. Contact Kendall Law today to schedule a consultation, if you are facing a mold-related dispute or a tenant demand for testing.
