Mold can virtually be found in any environment, provided that the conditions favor its growth. When infested by mold, there are two reasons to worry about; the first one is your health and that of your family. Some of the health risks associated with mold range from mild to severe conditions. The other reason for your worry is the value of your home. When not controlled in time, mold can spread and colonize your home to appoint that eliminating them will be difficult. With these two reasons in mind, both landlords and tenants are always very cautious when signing a tenancy agreement. Therefore, in order to reduce the probability of mold, mildew, or any other fungal growth affecting your property, a tenant or a landlord may agree to sign a mold lease addendum.
What is a Mold Lease Addendum?
A mold lease addendum is a document that is signed by both the tenant and the landlord, giving clear responsibility pertaining to mold prevention in the let property. Usually, the landlord inspects the rental properties to ascertain that there is no mold growth. After this, the tenant is then given the responsibility to do anything possible to ensure that the property is mold-free during the tenancy period. In some cases, the landlord may include a list of activities to be done by the tenant, such as avoiding too much accumulation of moisture in mold-prone areas. The following are some of the guidelines that a tenant might be subjected to follow during his/her tenancy.
Guidelines a Tenant May be Instructed to Observe
Prevent moisture accumulation from the property
Here, a tenant may be advised to remove any visible moisture that accumulates in or outside the property. Remember, when moisture accumulates in one area for long, it creates a conducive environment for mold growth. At the same time, there are some areas that can be difficult to see, yet they hold some moisture enough to favor mold growth. These places include windows, walls, ceilings, bathroom floors, among other surfaces, as might be indicated by the landlord.
Regulating humidity in the property
Another thing that might be included by the landlord in the lease addendum is the humidity. In places where there is a high prevalence of mold growth, it’s recommended that you maintain proper humidity indoors. Excessive humidity does lead to increased condensation on windows, pipes, and walls, which eventually leads to a surge in mold growth. Therefore, a landlord may demand that the tenant maintain a humidity of between 30 and 60 percent inside the property.
Clean or repair roof gutters
The landlord may also demand that the tenant conduct regular maintenance of the roof gutters. Sometimes, just a simple leak in the roof gutters can lead to massive mold growth. Plus, if the tenant keeps an eye out of water stains after every rain, he/she might greatly control the growth.
Improve airflow in the home
The other measure that perhaps might be fruitful is ensuring proper airflow and temperature regulation within the property. As temperature drops, the air will definitely hold less moisture that would otherwise condense into windows, walls, and floors. Depending on the agreement, the tenant will be responsible for keeping fresh air inside the house more frequently hence keeping molds at bay.
Use exhaust fans
Additionally, the landlord may demand that the tenant use exhaust fans when washing dishes, cooking or even cleaning. In addition to this, they will also leave on or open the ventilation within the house to prevent the accumulation of moisture. This is because when cleaning, let’s say with hot water, the steam gets inside the house and gets suspended in the air awaiting condensation. However, when you leave ventilation on, the hot steam will find its way out hence reducing the inside moisture.
The list of guidelines/requirements may depend from one state to the other. While all these requirements are geared towards creating a mold-free environment, tenants are always expected to follow them to the latter once they are officially signed. Failure to adhere to the addendum guidelines may result in a breach of contract. Also, the landlord may decide to initiate a legal proceeding in accordance with the state’s laws, policies, and regulations. The tenant will also be forced to vacate the property due to his/her violations. Other than the vacation, the tenant may also be held liable for any damages caused by the molds. At the same time, the landlord will not be accountable for any damage or injury experienced.
What to Include?
A typical mold lease addendum contains the following critical information:
- Name and address of the landlord
- Name and address of the tenant
- Date when the addendum is written
- List of guidelines and agreement
- Measures to be taken in case of violation
- Landlord’s signature and date
- Tenant’s signature and date
Free Template
Mold isn’t good not only for your health but property alike. Other than causing health complications, mold also contributes to the reduced value of your home or any other property. Therefore, before leasing the property to someone else, it’s important that you take suitable measures such as signing a mold lease addendum to help protect your property. The good news is that we have free and easy-to-use mold lease addendum templates that you can use for your convenience. Besides, the templates are easy to customize into your own preference. Download one and enjoy a mold-free environment on your property.
