If you manage one or several of the 20 million rental properties around the United States, you already know how important it is to maintain habitable and safe living spaces for your tenants.

One of the most important roles as a landlord or property manager that you may not think about regularly? Mold prevention.

Mold growth in or around your rental property can quickly spread, resulting in health hazards to your tenants as well as cause damage to the walls, carpet, and appliances. As a landlord, mold prevention, mold remediation, and knowing how to get a free mold inspection should be a top on your list.

What are the Risks of Indoor Mold?

Even small signs can be problematic. Over time, mold tends to grow—especially if the root cause is not treated—which can lead to dangerous levels requiring expensive mold remediation services. Not to mention, the damages and costs associated with it. This is why mold inspections are key.

Exposure to Mold: Increasing Health Risks

Exposure to mold can lead to several health problems such as:

  • Respiratory issues
  • Severe allergic reactions and health symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, etc.
  • Skin rashes and hives
  • Higher chance of infections due to weakened immune system

The severity of these effects depends on the individual's sensitivity, amount of mold present, and how long a person is exposed. These health issues can appear immediately or years later.

Other Risks Associated With Mold

Mold comes with significant risks to everyone involved:

  • Puts you and your tenant's health at risk
  • Can spread from one unit to another or into common living spaces
  • Legal liability should any tenants decide to sue over unsafe environmental conditions
  • Dangerous mold infestations that make the property unlivable
  • Expensive remediation and rebuild costs

Getting ahead of mold problems sooner rather than later decreases your risk of damage and keeps tenants safe and happy.

What are Common Causes of Mold Growth?

Mold starts with the presence of mold spores (found everywhere) that thrive in warm, moist areas with a food source (like wood, drywall, dust). In most cases, water damage and excess moisture (from leaks, poor ventilation, condensation, etc.) are the primary triggers. Some of the more common situations include:

  • Water Leaks & Plumbing Issues: Unchecked water leaks from pipes, roofs, or broken appliances, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Be sure to conduct regular property inspections to prevent expensive mold damage cleanup.
  • Poor Basement Waterproofing: Plenty of units have either basement access or below-ground spaces. You can expect indoor mold growth whenever those areas have poor basement waterproofing.
  • High Humidity Levels: Excessive humidity is common in southern regions or when shifting from winter to spring. These higher levels promote mold spores and visible mold growth. Installing dehumidifiers in at-risk areas and ensuring you have proper ventilation helps.
  • Poor Ventilation in Bathrooms & Kitchens: These are excessively damp areas, so make sure to check ventilation systems and educate your tenants on the use of exhaust fans over ranges and during showers. Be sure everyone reports musty odors as quickly as they are detected.

A lot of landlord problems with mold begin when tenants don't communicate issues before they get out of hand. This is why it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with tenants at all times.

Preventative Steps to Avoid Future Mold Issues

To prevent infestations in your property, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Conduct regular property inspections so any moisture issues are found early on
  • Maintain good indoor air quality so mold spores cannot grow or spread
  • Educate tenants on mold prevention, such as reporting leaks, using exhaust fans, and keeping a unit clean
  • Address any household moisture issues with dehumidifiers, fans, etc.

Inspecting for Mold: Self vs. Assessments vs. Inspections

Doing a regular inspection in your rental units, whether by yourself or professionally, can help prevent issues down the road. Consider doing a self-check for hidden mold behind washing units, under carpets, or in the bathrooms.

How to Self Inspect for Mold

Visually check areas with excess moisture such as windowsills, bathrooms, and laundry rooms for musty smells or fuzzy spots. Use DIY mold testing services (found on Amazon or anywhere else) for suspected areas by leaving the provided petri dish open or swabbing surfaces to send back to a lab.

While DIY kits only detect mold on the surface and in the air, it can be a good indicator if you need additional venting or dehumidifiers.

What is the Difference Between a Free Mold Inspection and a Mold Assessment?

While both types are considered professional inspections, a mold inspection focuses on overall risks and signs of potential mold growth on the property, and a mold assessment is usually done to determine a plan after mold is found.

How to Get a Free Mold Inspection

To get a low cost or free mold testing, find a local remediation company who offers this service. Often, your local health department or home insurance will cover this exam, although, take note that these services may lead to sales pitches.

In a consultation, certified mold inspectors will look for physical signs and issues, which should take about 1-2 hours. This includes:

  • Visual inspection for visible mold growth.
  • Identifying common issues like water leaks and moisture problems.
  • Supplying basic recommendations to manage mold issues.

Remember, this is a basic assessment, and should be treated as a first-step approach.

How to Get A Mold Assessment

If you have or suspect mold, a professional inspection is best. This report outlines the type of mold infestation, severity, and plans for remediation including:

  • Mold testing for hidden mold and spores
  • Air samples that look at indoor air quality
  • Detailed reporting and mold remediation suggestions
  • Infestation identification

Starting with a free mold inspection is a great way to assess your rental unit risks. It also ensures you are aware of mold exposure and are actively following the recommended steps via the CDC to complete cleanup or remediation.

What to Consider When Getting a Professional Mold Inspection

Each property is different depending on the unit type, climate, etc. What is best practice for one set of units may not apply to another. A professional inspection is a good start in informing you of your overall risk.

#1 – Find a Professional Mold Inspector with Credibility

Keep in mind that many mold remediation companies will offer inspections as a deal so that they can secure future work. Before you schedule, ensure the team you're working with maintains local certifications and has a strong reputation for safe removal as well as customer service.

You should expect a certified mold inspector to have credentials like a membership in the National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors (NORMI) and the National Association of Mold Professionals.

When in doubt, ask other property managers or people in your area for recommendations.

#2 – Test Indoor Air Quality

A professional mold inspection should include air samples to determine indoor air quality testing. The risk of floating mold spores determines the severity of mold contamination and whether or not you need more drastic measures for removal.

#3 – Assess the Scope of the Inspection

There are different types of mold inspections, some more in-depth than others. Be sure to ask about the process before you agree to the service.

#4 - Use Vacancies When Possible

Consider timing the inspection with the property inspection of a unit before renting it to the next tenant. Access to an empty space where you don't have to work around the tenant's schedule ensures you get more in-depth results to quickly manage the problem and maintain a mold free area.

More: How to properly conduct a property inspection

What Are the Questions to Ask During a Free Mold Inspection?

Mold inspections involve careful attention. They can also set off fears with your renters, so you should clarify things before agreeing and sending out communication to your tenants.

Here are some questions to ask certified professionals to get the most out of your free mold inspection:

  • What specific areas of the property will the inspectors be occupying or viewing?
  • Do the mold inspectors check for toxic infestations like black mold?
  • Will this mold inspection include mold testing at a lab or just a visual check?
  • Can you provide a detailed written report of what you found and the next steps to take?
  • If you detect mold, how can we move forward with mold removal or remediation?
  • How long will the inspection take?

Work to build trust and transparency with your service professionals, as any mold issues could be recurring due to shifting seasons, frequent flooding, or high humidity.

Mold Mitigation: What to Do If You Find Mold

Whether you've spotted it yourself or received a report about mold growth, it's important to hire a mold remediation service for safe, professional cleanup. These experts will provide professional advice as well as follow recognized industry and health standards to remove the issues.

You may also want to hire a contractor for a home inspection that considers structural damage, that way you can take care of any problems before they become financial or safety risks.

Professional Black Mold Removal Services

If you discover toxic mold like black mold that requires a black mold removal service, search online for "mold remediation near me" and look up reviews.

You can also search for professional mold removal services on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. Ensure they are licensed, understand EPA guidelines, and follow IICRC industry standards for safe removal.

Attic Mold Removal Cost

One hidden area often found to house mold is the attic. If you find attic mold during an inspection, you'll need to find the moisture source—often a leak—and safely remove the contaminated area. While vinegar or certain mold-killing sprays can work in small areas, it's usually best left to the professionals. This usually costs around $1,000-$6,000 depending on square footage and spread, however, large infestations can cost as much as $15,000.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Free Mold Inspection?

A free mold inspection is the first step in uncovering potential mold problems for your rental properties. Make sure to read the fine print and reviews of each company before committing.

Always hire a professional mold remediation service if you see severe signs of mold. It's best to remain proactive with regular property inspections to prevent future mold damage. Make sure to maintain good communication with your tenants so they're aware of the situation and can report any issues.

Want to make property upkeep easier? Sign up for TenantCloud today and streamline property inspections, maintenance tracking, and tenant communication with our easy, all-in-one property management software.