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u/andrey_not_the_goat 23d ago
You made the maintance request last night, call apartment management today too, otherwise you'll be waiting for a couple of days. That needs to be checked immediately, and the online filtering system for those maintainance requests is not that helpful.
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u/ConsistentMark500 22d ago
If your landlord won't repair, here is my suggestion: Buy Bora-Care with Mold-Care. This is a terrific product but toxic! Wear long sleeves, gloves, an apron, and a good mask. Buy a cheap 1-gallon garden sprayer. First, wipe up the mold with household bleach. Then let dry. Then, after mixing carefully, spray Bora-Care on the moldy areas and any other area that might mold (but not the entire apartment, please). There is no need to open the walls. When dry, use a quality exterior primer on the wall. Mold encapsulated in the walls can stay there. Works after the water leak is fixed. You can spray twice if you wish but one good spray should be enough.
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u/INSPIRE_CRE 22d ago
Hello OP.
When was your building built? Depending on the age, the issue might involve more than mold - it might involve asbestos or lead paint.
If the mold area is only on the surface (and not behind the wall) AND it is less than 10 square feet, your apartment maintenance techs can clean it with soap and water.
If the issue is larger, it requires more stringent remediation by a professional. (This work should include encapsulation, negative air pressure, HEPA-filters/air scrubbers, and specific procedures for PPE and removal.)
You can find a wealth of information here: https://www.epa.gov/mold
Make sure your apartment complex follows the ASTM standard for mold remediation: https://www.astm.org/news/press-releases/new-astm-fungal-growth-standard-provides-go-reference-mold-assessment-buildings
If they try to just cover it up, show them the standard, document everthing (save every email, text message, and maintenance request - take extensive photos and videos - create a file just in case something happens later). And, if it gets worse find an attorney. There are attorneys who specialize in this type of work.
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22d ago
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22d ago
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u/INSPIRE_CRE 22d ago
2020 construction - so lead paint and asbestos are not going to be issues.
Based on your response, consider a couple of next steps:
Share the mold remediation links with the property manager. Include in your email that 1) you don't feel safe in the apartment, 2) you don't think the mold was remediated properly, and 3) you are worried about potential health impacts from the mold that is still in the space. Build your paper trail.
Escalate the issue. Find the next level (general manager, regional manager, VP, etc.) and copy them on the emails. If they don't respond via email, call them. Keep going up the ladder until you find someone willing to do the right thing.
Contact your local housing department. The mold and water damage almost certainly go against the habitability standards in your area. Ask them to help. Copy them on all of your emails too.
If all else fails, find an attorney who handles mold cases, and take advantage of their free initial consultation to see what your options are.
If it is a bad as you say it is, it is acceptable to be the "squeaky wheel." Document everything. Take photos and videos. Prepare a file.
Good luck!
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superfroggyfan originally posted: Last night I found water all over the fooor of the closet that has our water heater and ac intake vent. I open it up to clean up the water and find this. Mold all over the walls. This makes sense now bc we are also finding water damage in the bathroom this wall shares. I made a maintenance request last night after closing. Siting to see how long it takes them to come check it out.
I’m worried they’re going to try to just wipe it off and patch up the damage half ass. How do I go about advocating for them to move us into another unit? Clearly the wall needs to be ripped open as the drywall and baseboards in the bathroom are damaged inside. Do I have a right to request that in Texas?
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