Property owners owe certain responsibilities to tenants and guests. One of the most important duties is to make tenants and guests aware of any dangers on the premises. Property owners must make reasonable efforts to repair such dangers so as to minimize the likelihood of injury. Numerous studies indicate that mold and mildew pose a serious threat to the inhabitants of both residential and commercial facilities, causing property owners to re-think exposure to the liability that can result from exposure to these hazardous elements.
To date, only about a half dozen states have implemented specific laws regarding who is responsible for damages that occur. The stakes are high, as exposure to mold and mildew can cause serious illness and harm to human health. In this article, we explore tips for preventing liability for mold and mildew as well as top rated safety products that keep facilities clean, dry, and healthy for inhabitants.
Tips for Preventing Liability for Mold or Mildew
Writing for Allpropertymanagement.com, Ms. Tracey March provides the following forward-thinking tips for preventing liability for mold or mildew:
1. Check Insurance: Landlords are smart to refer to the details of their insurance coverage to see if it includes coverage for mold or mildew. Property owners are smart to keep insurance companies in the loop, providing immediate notification when a tenant expresses a claim.
2. Require an Inspection: Depending on the location of your building and the competition within the rental marketplace, it might be feasible to require a mold inspection. This can protect property owners from claims that a unit or dwelling was rented with the knowledge that it contained mold or mildew.
3. Set Clear Expectations for Notification: Many landlords require that tenants notify them of mold or mildew formation. Take things a step further by requiring prompt notification for other issues, like damaged humidifiers, air condition units, and other appliances that might cause moisture accumulation upon malfunction. In doing so, property owners will have the opportunity to remedy the situation before it may cause harm.
4. Ask That Renters Buy Renter’s Insurance: This may or may not be feasible, depending on the nature of the marketplace. Many indivdiuals prefer not to purchase renter’s insurance, especially when the market demographic is young or of modest income. Still, requiring tenants to purchase renter’s insurance will enable property owners to defer the cost of cleaning/ repair to the tenant’s insurance company (tenants will file with them directly).
5. Focus on Maintenance and Upkeep: Mold, mildew, and other hazardous conditions tend to grow with neglect. In the case of mold and mildew, prolonged moisture accumulation can be the driving force behind its spread and damage to both property and tenant health. Be proactive in maintenance to keep all appliances functioning properly, and clean mold or mildew as soon as it is spotted.
6. Respond Quickly, Avoid Negligence: Property owners must always be quick and efficient in their response to all tenant complaints, and mold/ mildew is no exception. Property owners must also employ a professional to adequately handle certain situations, like mold and mildew. By being quick to respond and employ a professional hygienist/ maintenance team, property owners demonstrate a resolute approach that can also protect themselves against claims of negligence.
Call for Consultation: 1-877-333-1018
Eagle Mat and Floor Products is committed to helping property owners keep premises clean, dry, and safe from hazardous elements like mold and mildew. From floor mats to wet umbrella bag dispensers, Eaglemat.com carries industry leading floor mats, runners, wet umbrella bag stands, and much more.
For additional information, product specifications, and consultation, readers are invited to log-on to the Eagle Mat online store or call client services at 1-877-333-1018.
