Mold Prevention Tips

What is mold? 

Mold is a type of natural fungus that feeds on wood and other plant material. Mold spores commonly float around in the air but become a problem only when they start to grow where they are not wanted by feeding on materials in our homes.  

What makes mold grow? 

Mold needs moisture to grow. It can live on almost any surface, such as wood, wallpaper, paint, carpet, drywall, or insulation. It grows best when there is extra moisture from a leaky roof, leaky pipes, high humidity, or flooding. There is no way to get rid of all mold spores from your home, but you can control its growth by keeping your home dry. 

Does mold affect my health?

Most types of mold do not harm healthy people, but people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive. These people may get skin rash, runny nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma or difficulty breathing. People with suppressed immune systems or underlying lung disease may be at increased risk for infections from mold. 

A small number of molds produce toxins called mycotoxins. When people are exposed to high levels of mold mycotoxins, they may suffer toxic effects. These include fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation to the lungs and eyes. If you or your family members have health problems that might be caused by mold exposure, you should consult with your physician. 

When is mold a problem?

Mold is a problem when you smell the "musty" odor or see small black or white specks along areas like ceilings and walls. If you notice mold or know of water damaged areas in your home, it's time to take action to control its growth. 

Mold is often found:

• In areas where water from flooding or plumbing leaks has damaged building materials and furniture. 
• Along walls where warm, moist air condenses on cooler surfaces, like cold exterior walls, behind dressers, headboards, and in closets storing items against walls. 
• In rooms with high water usage and humidity, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. 

Should I sample for mold?

You don't need to sample for mold, because in most cases you can see or smell it. Even a clean, dry house will have some mold spores, but not enough to cause health problems. If you smell mold it may be hidden behind wallpaper, in the walls or ceiling, or under the carpet. 

If you suspect you have hidden mold, be very careful when you investigate. Protect yourself from exposure in the same manner as you would for a clean-up.

How can I control mold growth in my home?

Dry out the house and fix any moisture problems in your home:

• Stop water leaks, repair leaky roofs and plumbing. Keep water away from concrete slabs and basement walls.
• Open windows and doors to increase air flow in your home, especially along the inside of exterior walls. Use a fan if there are no windows available.
• Make sure that warm air flows into all areas of the home. Move large objects a few inches away from the inside of exterior walls to increase air circulation.
• Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Use heavy plastic to cover earth floors in crawl spaces.
• Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings.
• Vacuum and clean your home regularly to remove mold spores.
• Check around your windows for signs of condensation and water droplets. Wipe them up right away so mold can’t start to grow.

Renters and landlords can both help prevent indoor mold problems.

Renters

Renters need to operate the heating and ventilation systems to reduce water condensation. Renters need to notify landlords promptly, in writing, of any water leaks or moisture problems. If there is a water leak or moisture problem, it should be fixed by the landlord.

If you rent your home, you are covered by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter can help you resolve problems.

For informational recordings on residential landlord-tenant matters, call the State Attorney General's Office Consumerline at 1-800-692-5082, option 8.

Landlords

Landlords are responsible for:

• Maintaining rental units.
• Fixing building problems like water leaks and ventilation.
• Fixing heating defects which may lead to moisture problems.

Under the Residential Landlord-Tenant act, landlords must:

• Tell their tenants about the health hazards related with exposure to indoor mold.
• Letting tenants know the ways to control mold growth in their dwelling units.

Landlords may post this information in a visible, public location at the dwelling unit property.

Resources

• King County Health Department-Indoor Air Quality and Mold Prevention Guidelines
• Mold - Print these frequently asked questions about mold. Available in English and Spanish.
• Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home, EPA - Order free copies of this guide through the EPA website. Available in English (publication number: 402K02003) or Spanish (402K03008)

Rights and Responsibilities of a Landlord  

• The landlord will always keep the unit fit for human habitation.
• Maintain the rental property to follow any applicable code, statute, ordinance, or regulations.
• Maintain the roofs, floors, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, foundations, and all other structural components.
• Keep any shared or common areas reasonably clean, sanitary, and safe from fire hazards.
• Provide a pest control program when a tenant moves in and during tenant occupancy. The exception is when the tenant causes the infestation.
• Make necessary repairs and arrangements to make the unit a good condition. The exception is where the condition is because of normal wear and tear.
• Provide locks and furnish keys.
• Maintain and safeguard master key and duplicate key.
• Maintain all facilities--like plumbing, electrical, and heating--and appliances that the property owner supplies.
• Maintain the dwelling unit in reasonably weather-tight condition.
• Provide and maintain trash receptacles and regular trash removal.
• Provide heat, water and hot water.
• Provide a written notice to all tenants about fire safety and protection information.
• Provide tenants with information endorsed by the Department of Health. It must list how tenants can control mold growth in their dwelling units to cut the health hazards related to indoor mold exposure.
• Information may be given in a written notice to each tenant. Or it may be posted in a visible, public location at the dwelling unit property.

Landlord Resources

Washington Landlord Association: Washington Landlord Association  

Washington State Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Resources  

Based in Seattle, the Rental Housing Association of Washington provides advocacy and education services for roughly 5,000 rental housing owners--ranging from single family homes to multifamily communities. They also provide information for tenants. They can be reached toll-free at 1-800-335-2990. 

The City developed the Rental Housing Inspection Program based on tenants' concerns about the health and safety of their units. This program ensures that landlords keep up basic building maintenance. The City Council passed an ordinance in 2018: Landlords must periodically inspect rental properties that have two or more units.

Homebuyer Classes

In-Person Classes

Two local organizations offer free HUD-approved homebuyer education courses that take place in person:

• Washington Housing Finance Commission
• Homesight

Please note: Both organizations have cancelled all in-person classes due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 Online Classes

• Homestead’s online course meets HUD standards and is tailored to community land trust homeownership.
• The Washington State Housing Finance Commission and Homesight also offer HUD-certified online homebuyer education courses without the community land trust content. See their links above for more information.

Not ready to buy a home but interested in a class? Check out Homestead's Homebuyer Club

The Homebuyer Club is a different experience from HUD certified homebuyer education classes.  As a participant, you’ll have an opportunity to set and achieve goals to prepare for homeownership in a supportive, peer-based environment.

Down Payment Assistance

• Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) for home buyers who use the Home advantage program or opportunities program.