What's that Growing on the Wall? MOLD FAQ's...

Contracts are almost always going to be worded to protect the business.  They're who wrote it up to begin with.  That being said, read and then reread it and then have an attorney (if you can) read the contract.  Case in point: The young couple who signed the rent to buy homes contract may be stuck.  The contract makes it virtually impossible for them to get out of the house if there's mold.  I say that because of the cost.  Even though they hired a mold technician from BBB Mold Test and had the results tested at Quantem Labs (where the consumer watch team goes if we need anything tested) and it came back that it was indeed mold growing on the wall, the contract says a "certified hygienist" would have to be hired.  That can cost anywhere from 1,500 - 2,500 dollars and there are only a handful that can be hired to test in the state. 

Luckily, a certified hygienist with Marshall Environmental Management has graciously volunteered his services to help this couple out.  I'll keep you posted on his findings.

We should note the owner of Property Management Services has offered to move the couple into a different home, but the couple says they can't trust the company so they've declined the offer.

I also can't stress enough the importance of getting a home inspection.  It can cost about 300-400 dollars, but can be well worth it.  The young couple told me the landlord said the only repairs that needed to be made are cosmetic.  If they had an inspection, they may have found out otherwise.

If you find yourself looking at what you think may be mold, check out this good resource: 

Click here for information from the American Industrial Hygiene Association.