Mold in my daughters apartment at college (1 Viewer)

[Steeler]

Just found out there is mold in my daughter's apartment at college in FL.  It's a big apartment complex off campus but only allows students of the college to live there.  It's a 4 bedroom apartment (4 girls, each with a bedroom) and mold is growing in at least 2 of the bedrooms... like growing on clothes hanging in the closet.  Mold is on the couch in the main living area, in the bathrooms, and inside kitchen cabinets.

My daughter contacted the complex and they came out and cleaned for about an hour or so...  said they would replace the washing machine and dishwasher... changed all the filters and cleaned the vents... all that is good but it seems like that is the end of what the complex is going to do.  Also, they blamed the girls for not cleaning well enough.  Even if that is true, cleaning the mold from walls and clothes!!! is only treating the symptoms and not the underlying problem - like why is there mold and where is it coming from?

We haven't asked for a mold inspection or whatever but we want to have one completed... I'm guessing if we ask they won't do it, so how can we force the complex to do a mold inspection?  Should we ask first or come stronger (if we can) right out of the gate with the next communication with the complex?

This all happened yesterday although the mold has obviously been growing for a while to get to the point of being all throughout the apartment.  Trying to figure out our next step so coming to the FBG community first, obviously.

 

[encaitar]

Step 1: Absolutely get a mold inspector in.  If there's mold on the visible walls, then there's likely mold behind those walls as well.  And in other places not easily seen.  Regular mold isn't that bad, but if it's left untreated it'll turn into black mold which is very dangerous to a person's health.

Step 2:  Find the source.  Mold doesn't grow unless there's standing water or extremely humid air in the apartment.  If there's that much mold it's hard to believe there isn't a water leak some where.  If it's just due to the humidity, then you'll need to get a professional grade dehumidifier in there.

Don't let the apartment management just waive this off.  It's not a huge deal currently, but it certainly can become one.  If they're being difficult about doing more inspections/resolutions, don't be afraid to remind them that hospital bills are a lot more expensive than remediation costs and if one of the girls get sick it's on them.

 

[Zegras11]

Just found out there is mold in my daughter's apartment at college in FL.  It's a big apartment complex off campus but only allows students of the college to live there.  It's a 4 bedroom apartment (4 girls, each with a bedroom) and mold is growing in at least 2 of the bedrooms... like growing on clothes hanging in the closet.  Mold is on the couch in the main living area, in the bathrooms, and inside kitchen cabinets.

My daughter contacted the complex and they came out and cleaned for about an hour or so...  said they would replace the washing machine and dishwasher... changed all the filters and cleaned the vents... all that is good but it seems like that is the end of what the complex is going to do.  Also, they blamed the girls for not cleaning well enough.  Even if that is true, cleaning the mold from walls and clothes!!! is only treating the symptoms and not the underlying problem - like why is there mold and where is it coming from?

We haven't asked for a mold inspection or whatever but we want to have one completed... I'm guessing if we ask they won't do it, so how can we force the complex to do a mold inspection?  Should we ask first or come stronger (if we can) right out of the gate with the next communication with the complex?

This all happened yesterday although the mold has obviously been growing for a while to get to the point of being all throughout the apartment.  Trying to figure out our next step so coming to the FBG community first, obviously.

Call a lawyer and have them send a letter.   A full inspection should be done by a reputable company immediately.

 

[[icon]]

No expert here but Is there some value in documenting mold with photos, documenting communications with the property, then packaging it all up with a letter from an attorney or at the very least a certified letter?

One would think this would ring alarm bells in the property's office as a clear harbinger of significant (likely successful) legal action if any negative effects surface. 

College kids ##### a lot and property managers are very adept and brushing them off or appeasing them with minimal effort and cost incurred. But when lawyers or other traceable and legally admissible evidence and communications start rolling in... my guess is they start tap dancing. That sort of stuff is clearly laying a foundation to establish negligence. 

 

[belljr]

Mold doesn't jsut show up if your are sloppy/dirty.... it requires moisture and lack of airflow.

Now combined with "dirty living" contributes to mold - but just being a slob doesn't

 

[Cjw_55106]

I would say, no point in guessing what they will say. Ask for the mold inspection and get an actual response. 

Seems odd that they said they would replace the washing machine and dishwasher. Do they have evidence that is the source? 

 

[Gally]

Any time they see the start of mold a bleach solution will kill it and not let it "grow".  Good advice in here but in addition have the girls monitor for additional mold and clean with bleach right away.  That should keep it under control why the other steps are ongoing.  

As other's have said, mold grows from moisture so a dehumidifier, fans, and identifying where the moisture is coming from needs to be done to minimize the outbreaks.  

 

[ChiefD]

I think pretty much all the dumps I lived in during college had mold. Builds character. 

 

[Steeler]

Thanks for all the responses.  As of right now, the plan is to send an email to the property manager requesting that the air handler be cleaned* and that a mold inspection be completed.  We'll also aske to be notified when those will be scheduled/completed.  Sending it this evening seems prudent to show we want immediate action and will give us some time to lineup an Attorney should we need to go that route.

*One of my buddies is an AC guy and suggested the air handler cleaning since the mold is "everywhere" it might be coming from the AC handler.

 

[gianmarco]

Thanks for all the responses.  As of right now, the plan is to send an email to the property manager requesting that the air handler be cleaned* and that a mold inspection be completed.  We'll also aske to be notified when those will be scheduled/completed.  Sending it this evening seems prudent to show we want immediate action and will give us some time to lineup an Attorney should we need to go that route.

*One of my buddies is an AC guy and suggested the air handler cleaning since the mold is "everywhere" it might be coming from the AC handler.

I would focus on the mold inspection.  That is a request they shouldn't balk at.  The air handler they might.  If the mold inspection shows an issue with the air handler, then of course it'll have to be cleaned. 

If they don't agree to a mold inspection, then definitely going the attorney route is warranted.  As others have said, this isn't a cleanliness issue and they need to address it promptly and seriously.

 

[Manster]

All good advice above.....in the meantime, get em a couple big ### dehumidifiers

 

[jb1020]

Whats the foundation like here?  Is it a crawlspace?  I bought an old house that had been lightly remodeled with an open/crawlspace foundation.  After about 12 months we had mold on everything that was on the floor that didn't get moved around frequently, like luggage bags and things like that.  

Turns out the crawlspace was collecting water and it was like living on top of a lake.  We had to put a sump pump in.  Sounds like a similar experience.  

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I'm not trying to frighten you but, if there's mold on the frigging furniture, that #### is everywhere. If it were me, I'd get those ladies out of there until this is resolved. I've seen first-hand how badly mold can mess someone up.

 

[ChiefD]

Thanks for all the responses.  As of right now, the plan is to send an email to the property manager requesting that the air handler be cleaned* and that a mold inspection be completed.  We'll also aske to be notified when those will be scheduled/completed.  Sending it this evening seems prudent to show we want immediate action and will give us some time to lineup an Attorney should we need to go that route.

*One of my buddies is an AC guy and suggested the air handler cleaning since the mold is "everywhere" it might be coming from the AC handler.

I doubt that it is coming from the air handler. At least to the degree that you are describing. Now, there is an evaporator coil that should be cleaned and checked in there - just make sure you tell them to clean the evaporator coil within the air handler.

We get calls all the time here at our shop when people see mold. We go out and usually it's due to something other than the HVAC system: a leak somewhere in the house, lack of insulation, etc.

I would definitely ask the girls if they are using the air conditioner on a regular basis. If they are not (maybe to save money) and are living with the windows open all the time, you'll get a lot of humidity in the house, especially in Florida.

Lots of potential issues, but a mold remediation expert needs to be the call here to see if it's dangerous and see where it's coming from.

 

[eoMMan]

What town is this?

Did they notice anything when first moving in?

Do other apartments (friends) have similar issues?

 

[Steeler]

I doubt that it is coming from the air handler. At least to the degree that you are describing. Now, there is an evaporator coil that should be cleaned and checked in there - just make sure you tell them to clean the evaporator coil within the air handler.

We get calls all the time here at our shop when people see mold. We go out and usually it's due to something other than the HVAC system: a leak somewhere in the house, lack of insulation, etc.

I would definitely ask the girls if they are using the air conditioner on a regular basis. If they are not (maybe to save money) and are living with the windows open all the time, you'll get a lot of humidity in the house, especially in Florida.

Lots of potential issues, but a mold remediation expert needs to be the call here to see if it's dangerous and see where it's coming from.

Thanks ChiefD - he did specifically mention the coil within the air handler - I just short-handed it here in the thread.

After further consideration, I think we are not going to mention the coil and instead thank them for their quick response so far and ask for a mold inspection from a 3rd party or whatever... I like the phrase "mold remediation expert" so probably will be using that text.  Any other specific text we should include in the email?

 

[Steeler]

What town is this?

Did they notice anything when first moving in?

Do other apartments (friends) have similar issues?

Orlando.

Not sure, but they've lived there for 3 years and this is the first time mold has been everywhere.

Not sure.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I would focus on the mold inspection.  That is a request they shouldn't balk at.  The air handler they might.  If the mold inspection shows an issue with the air handler, then of course it'll have to be cleaned. 

If they don't agree to a mold inspection, then definitely going the attorney route is warranted.  As others have said, this isn't a cleanliness issue and they need to address it promptly and seriously.

This for the most part. They need to bring in an industrial hygienist. The hygienist will take samples and then develop a protocol.

A mold remediation company comes in using the hygienists protocol and remediates the mold.

The industrial hygienist is then called back in for a visual inspection. If there’s no visible mold the hygienist will take air samples.

The remediation company and the hygienist should not be the same company. 
 

 

[Osaurus]

They’re only seeing the tip of the mold iceberg. Do they have respirators to wear? I hope none of them have any breathing issues or it will be really bad. Get an expert in and they’ll have to mitigate it ASAP. Lol @ blaming the kids. WTH?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Before you get too worked up, unless your kid is immune compromised, the worst she’ll get is a little sick/headache. It’s a problem but it’s not aids. 

Also, we’re talking about Florida here- it’s basically heaven for mold. As is every eastern city that’s within a few miles of the coast. Don’t be shocked if they don’t take this as nearly serious as you are. To most coastal citizens, mold isn’t a bid deal and to most of them it’s just “mildew”. 

The mold inspection and Remediation is going to shut down the dorm. They don’t want that for three reasons. One, it’s going to shut everyone out. Two, it’s going to be redonkulously expensive. Three is it opens them up to litigation. 

ETA - Youre going to have to pressure them as they’re not gonna allow you to bring in your own hygienist unless you do it on the down low. 

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I know nothing about Florida's rental laws.  But as a real estate agent I can guarantee  you that the complex has not taken care of the issue.  Cleaning the clothes, walls, filters, etc is the tip of the iceberg.  It will help, but it won't get rid of it.  And I can guarantee you the girls not cleaning their rooms has nothing to do with it either.  There is moisture somewhere ... and it's usually behind the walls.  They want the girls to assume it's taken care of because these places always take advantage of college students.  My kids had issues and they would always say, "Oh, OK".  That is such the wrong response.  You have to press no matter what the kids say.

You need to get a lawyer.  And a mold test.  Then go from there.

 

[Steeler]

Before you get too worked up, unless your kid is immune compromised, the worst she’ll get is a little sick/headache. It’s a problem but it’s not aids. 

Also, we’re talking about Florida here- it’s basically heaven for mold. As is every eastern city that’s within a few miles of the coast. Don’t be shocked if they don’t take this as nearly serious as you are. To most coastal citizens, mold isn’t a bid deal and to most of them it’s just “mildew”. 

The mold inspection and Remediation is going to shut down the dorm. They don’t want that for three reasons. One, it’s going to shut everyone out. Two, it’s going to be redonkulously expensive. Three is it opens them up to litigation. 

ETA - Youre going to have to pressure them as they’re not gonna allow you to bring in your own hygienist unless you do it on the down low. 

So what do you suggest?  I'm going to send the email to have it documented that we have not signed off on their cleaning efforts... even if they say no it will be documented that we are not fully satisfied.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

So what do you suggest?  I'm going to send the email to have it documented that we have not signed off on their cleaning efforts... even if they say no it will be documented that we are not fully satisfied.

I think you're doing the right thing for sure. What I wanted to convey the most was, as a father to another father - I would understand if you were pretty worried. I just wanted to alleviate some of your fear. All the other stuff was just to prep you for what I think their reaction would be.

As far as what to do, at minimum I would email them some pictures of the mold and request an air sample by a qualified contractor, not a kit from HD. Ramp it up from there if you have to. 

Good luck!

 

[GroveDiesel]

I think you're doing the right thing for sure. What I wanted to convey the most was, as a father to another father - I would understand if you were pretty worried. I just wanted to alleviate some of your fear. All the other stuff was just to prep you for what I think their reaction would be.

As far as what to do, at minimum I would email them some pictures of the mold and request an air sample by a qualified contractor, not a kit from HD. Ramp it of from there if you have to. 

Good luck!

Definitely request air sampling. It’s not a requirement for a mold inspection and most places don’t want to open that can of worms, but that will give data on how much it’s proliferating in the air. Moisture testing surfaces throughout the apartment needs to be part of the inspection as well to help determine whether the moisture is coming from a leak/condensation inside the walls versus somewhere else.

For mold to be growing on surfaces like clothes, inside cabinets, etc, that indicates the problem is generally high relative humidity in the apartment. With that much mold spread and growth on those surfaces, my hunch is that it is not from moisture from something inside the walls because they would notice water staining or other evidence of that much water causing problems. My guess is that it is related to the HVAC system not working properly in some fashion though it very well could have been from the washing machine or dishwasher leaking as well if there was evidence of that.

I’ll echo what someone else said as well, if they are routinely leaving windows open, it absolutely could be the cause of the problem, especially if they are also running the AC at the same time.

Good luck!