4 Tips To Prevent Mold in Your Rental Home

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial mold growth in Flushing, NY.

Tips To Inhibit Mold Growth

Your rental home in Flushing, NY, is an important investment and source of income, so it makes sense to keep it in top shape year after year. Mold prevention is key to protect the building materials — both inside and out — from secondary water damage from excess moisture and humidity. The time and effort you put in now will save you from future headaches, expenses, and the potential loss of rental income.

Here are a few important tips to inhibit mold growth:

1. Measure the moisture levels inside the home with a digital hygrometer.
This inexpensive device should be set somewhere at least three feet off the ground in the area you want to measure. Though accurate readings can be determined in a few minutes, they can tell you the average humidity levels over the past 12 hours. Any reading above 60% is an indication that the area is wet somewhere and will warrant further investigation.

2. Run a dehumidifier in warm, rainy months and a humidifier in cold, dry months.
Your tenant will need to monitor them daily, adding or removing water as the need arises. It is also suggested that they turn off the water and lower their heat when not in use, though turning the heat off completely isn't recommended.

3. Assess the drainage around the building outdoors.
Make sure the ground isn’t sloped towards the foundation or that the downspouts aren’t pooling water beneath them. Regrading the landscape can be a quick fix or a much bigger project, but not addressing the problem will most likely lead to water damage.

4. Install and maintain household exhaust fans.
Each bathroom should be equipped with a working fan and kitchens should have an exhaust hood over the range. If your rental home has an attic, a fan will help regulate the temperature and humidity as well.

In most cases, mold prevention is an easy, low-cost way to protect your rental home and your tenants from the hassles and damage that excess moisture can cause. If you’ve discovered mold and need the help of a professional, call a mold remediation specialist in your area.