Mold & Moisture Duties
Prevent mold and mildew with clear responsibilities for tenants and owners.
Mold & Mildew / Moisture Responsibilities
Moisture source, ventilation, reporting timelines, and remediation steps.
| Topic | Owner / Landlord (Typical) | Tenant (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| System safety | Maintain safe wiring, panel, and circuits. | Report sparks/burning smell/heat immediately. |
| Outlets & switches | Repair failures due to normal wear. | Reset GFCI/breaker when safe; report repeats. |
| Lighting | Maintain installed fixtures and unsafe conditions. | Replace standard bulbs; report fixture failures. |
| Breaker trips | Diagnose if recurrent or system-related. | Avoid overloads; note what was running. |
| Smoke/CO | Install/maintain required devices at turnover. | Test; replace batteries if applicable. |
| Roof integrity | Maintain roof, flashing, and penetrations. | Report stains/drips immediately. |
| Gutters/drainage | Maintain drainage where owner controls scope. | Clear debris only if required and safe. |
| Windows/doors | Maintain seals, latches, and envelope. | Use properly; report broken latches/screens. |
| Water intrusion | Repair source and affected materials. | Report early; keep area clear for inspection. |
| Heat | Provide and maintain operational heat. | Report loss promptly; allow access. |
| Equipment | Maintain equipment and normal wear components. | Keep vents clear; report noises early. |
| Air filters | Provide at move-in or as lease specifies. | Replace typically every 30–90 days. |
| Thermostat | Maintain system function if equipment-related. | Replace batteries if tenant-controlled. |
| Airflow | Diagnose mechanical causes when verified. | Do not block vents; replace filter; report persists. |
| Entry points | Address structural gaps/penetrations when verified. | Report gaps; keep food sealed; maintain sanitation. |
| Treatment scope | Owner if building-wide/entry-related is verified. | Tenant if housekeeping-driven conditions are primary. |
| Rodents | Address exterior access and building conditions. | Manage trash; report droppings promptly. |
| Bedbugs | Protocol-driven; case-specific response. | Follow prep steps; report early; avoid self-treating. |
| Leak source | Repair causes and dry affected materials. | Report immediately; provide access. |
| Ventilation | Maintain installed fans/venting systems. | Use fans during/after showers and cooking. |
| Surface mildew | Correct building-caused moisture when verified. | Routine cleaning; do not paint over growth. |
| Condensation | Investigate property causes when supported. | Reduce humidity; maintain airflow. |
What to Do First
Fastest Resolution Comes From Clear Info.
- Photograph Moisture/Mildew And Leak Indicators.
- Note If Worse After Showers/Rain Or HVAC Use.
- Use Ventilation And Keep Area Dry Until Inspected.
- Do Not Apply Bleach/Paint Before Documentation.
How LPM Handles Responsibility Disputes
- Stabilize first (stop damage, restore essential services).
- Document objectively (photos, notes, timestamps, history).
- Determine cause (wear vs misuse vs building condition).
- Apply lease + standards; communicate a written decision.
Disclaimer: General informational purposes only; not legal advice. Responsibilities vary by lease, property conditions, and local ordinances. If conflict exists, the lease and applicable law control.