Unfortunately, mold in apartments is extremely common. It often appears around sinks, along window sills and in bathrooms. You can remove mold in your apartment with regular cleaning, but it’s likely to return within weeks or even days. To get rid of apartment mold permanently, you’ll need to talk with your landlord about addressing the moisture issue that causes it in the first place.
Getting Rid Of Mold In Your Apartment
Mold will grow on almost any surface as long as it remains wet. This makes kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas the most common places you’ll find it. Mold is also common along window sills or even on the glass itself any time condensation forms on the windows. Here are some of the most common places you’ll find mold in your apartment and how to remove them.
Anywhere In The Bathroom
You probably use more water in your bathroom than you do in the rest of your apartment combined. From leaks to condensation, there is plenty of water to allow mold.
Regular cleaning with a bleach solution will keep mold from your apartment bathroom at bay. However, it won’t actually stop it from returning.
To control the moisture, run your exhaust fan any time you take a shower. Leave it running for at least 30 minutes afterward to continue to pull moisture from the room.
Clean the vent cover regularly to prevent a build-up of dust, which can limit the exhaust fans’ effectiveness. If you notice that the fan isn’t working well, contact your management company or landlord to have it cleaned or replaced.
If you don’t have an exhaust fan, open windows and doors to allow the humid air to escape. Ask your landlord about installing an exhaust fan as well.
Around Window Sills
Window sills are an extremely commonplace for mold in apartments, especially when temperatures are at their extreme. Very cold or very warm temperatures will cause moisture to condense on the window. If the moisture remains long enough, mold will grow on the window sill.
To prevent this, check your windows regularly for condensation. Consider installing a vapor barrier during the winter. Hang a layer of heavy-duty plastic sheeting directly against the glass. Then put another layer over the entire window. This barrier between your apartment and the window will limit moisture and prevent mold.
If you already have mold, clean the area thoroughly with a bleach solution and allow it to air dry. Then improve airflow around the window until the condensation disappears. Disinfect the area a second time before installing the vapor barrier.
Under Sinks
After your bathroom, your sinks get the most use. Yet we rarely think about how they work, which can lead to leaks and mold. Check under your sinks regularly for leaks or loose connections. Contact your landlord or management company about repairs if you notice any issues.
Underneath High Kitchen Cabinets
This may seem unexpected, but high cabinets above your stove or cooktop will collect moisture from cooking. Over time, this can allow mold. If you see mold, clean it with a bleach solution. To prevent mold in your apartment kitchen, run an exhaust fan while cooking. If you don’t have one, open a window or use fans to circulate the air.
Under Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers are prone to developing small leaks as they get older, so pull your unit out at least once each season to look underneath. If you see leaks or the hoses are cracking, dried out or look brittle, contact your management company or landlord about making repairs.
Under or Behind Your Washing Machine
If you have an in-suite washing machine, check under and behind it every season to see if there are leaks and mold. Look for dried out, cracking or loose hoses as well as signs of previous leaks. Put in a maintenance request with your landlord or management company if there are issues.
Can You Hire Your Own Mold Removal Company?
Unfortunately, you can’t hire your own company to remove mold in your apartment. Any reputable company will require authorization from the building owner. If you plan to call a mold removal company, make sure your landlord already on the line. This allows you to describe the damage while still allowing your landlord to authorize the work.
Who Pays For Mold Removal In Your Apartment?
In most cases, your landlord or management company are responsible for mold removal costs. The exception would be if the mold was the result of your negligence. Additionally, your landlord is not responsible for your personal belongings. Your local housing authority can help you understand both mold laws and your rights as a tenant in your state.
What To Do If Your Landlord Refuses To Remove Mold In Your Apartment?
If your management company or landlord refuses to address the mold in your apartment, you do have options. Always start by documenting as much as possible, including when you noticed the mold and the steps you’ve taken to have it removed.
Then contact your local housing authority for complete details on laws and tenants’ rights in your state. If some cases, they can assist you with getting the process moving with your landlord. In some extreme situations, you may need to hire a lawyer. We stress that you should only go this route as a last resort.
Get Help Removing Mold In Your Apartment
With your landlord or management companies approval, our restoration specialists will remove the mold from your apartment. For immediate service, call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free estimate from a mold removal specialist nearest you.
