How To Prevent Mold In Your Home As A Renter, A Remediation Expert Explains

2.

Change air filters on time.

This step will vary based on the specific apartment complex. Some companies will change the air filters themselves, and others will place the responsibility on the tenant to swap out the filter.

For those tasked with changing their filters, opt for the highest-rated MERV filter possible for the specific HVAC system. Contact the apartment management to determine which filter the specific unit can handle.

The smaller the particles these filters can eliminate, the better! When dealing with microscopic particles like mold spores and mycotoxins, you want filters with the technology to eliminate them from the air. Otherwise, they’ll just circulate straight back into the home. Make sure to change these on time because dirty air filters will not properly filter out these particles. 

For those in apartments where staff change out the air filters, ask questions about which filters they use and how often they should be replaced. Work with management to ensure that they’re the best filters for the job and that they’re routinely swapped out on time.

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3.

Invest in air purification.

As noted earlier, it’s impossible to completely prevent particles from entering your home. Cleaning is a great way to remove them, but air purifiers also help to get rid of the rest of these particles. The fewer particles there are, the healthier your indoor environment will be and the less chance of a mold problem developing.

Not all air purifiers are built the same, though. You want to go with a unit that removes the maximum number of contaminants possible and does it all of the time, not just some of the time. That way, they don’t recirculate back into the environment and potentially make their way into the bodies of those spending time inside. Air purifiers should at least meet HEPA status, meaning that they remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If it can remove smaller particles, that’s even better. Some can also work to reduce other contaminants such as formaldehyde, VOCs, bacteria, viruses, and biotoxins. Also, pay attention to the space recommendations on the particular unit to ensure it’s equipped to filter the air for the size of the home.

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5.

Create airflow in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Mold can grow in high humidity. The goal should be to maintain humidity levels of 35 - 50% inside the home. Kitchens and bathrooms are constantly flooded with moisture, pushing them to the top of the list of areas to actively work to reduce humidity. 

Open a window or door when the room is in use and turn on the exhaust fan. Doing this will help pull that moisture-rich air out of the space and replace it with dry air from the outside. Keep the fan going for at least 30 minutes after using the space for maximum effectiveness, and make sure it’s operating properly by placing a piece of tissue paper against the fan to see if it’s pulling in air.

If the humidity level will not decrease, consider investing in a dehumidifier.

6.

Regularly check for water damage and mold.

The sooner you can stop and resolve water damage, the less opportunity there will be for microbial growth. On the other hand, the sooner a mold problem is detected, the faster it can be addressed and the less exposure the renter will face.

Hotspot areas to check in a rental unit include:

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While it’s important to work to prevent mold at the individual level as a renter, the management team should also be taking steps to keep your home safe. Asking questions before signing a lease can help ensure you're being protected.

A few questions to ask include:

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