We are replacing an air conditioning unit as it was leaking due to a broken condensation line AND filters not being routinely replaced. Had damage to the sheet rock and needs to be replaced also. Called ServPro for inspection and restoration. They said they did not find any mold. Now the "always complaining about something" tenant is requesting a certified Mold Inspection because now all of a sudden the family is sick. I know this is costly. They are demanding this be done as soon as possible. We have the AC replacement scheduled in a few days, the sheetrock people and painters all lined up. Do we rely on ServPro's findings, are we obligated by law to do this even tho ServPro did not find anything? And who pays for this if there is NO evidence???

They are not able to use their master bedroom due to the hold in the ceiling. We are also not charging any rent during this time of inconvenience.

Would appreciate your input as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Interesting..

When you go to their site or call the 800 number

They tell you the individual use a 'method' of their choice..

Well - I'm thinking it's "their choice" to continue to stay there - either you could charge them the rent and put them up in a hotel/motel until it's repaired or you are not charging them rent (which sounds like that's what you are doing) but they are CHOOSING to stay there and STILL COMPLAINING about it.

Both EPA and the CDC have excellent sites

CDC Appendix C

Spores are almost always present in outdoor and indoor air, and almost all commonly used construction materials and furnishings can provide nutrients to support mold growth. Dirt on surfaces provides additional nutrients, cloths, etc.

-

IN THE HOME, THE KEY IS TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE AND CONTROL THE MOISTURE/HUMIDITY.

*At present of the 200 common molds, there is no test that proves an association between stachybotrys chartarum (stachybotrys atra) or other mildew/molds, and particular health symptoms.

Individuals with sensitivities or persistent symptoms should see their physician; remove the cause or themselves from it.

As the home is on a MTM just 30 days is required notice.

Mildew or mold:

Blooming mildew or mold does not magically appear, when moist, the spores grow over time and for a reason.

*Mildew & mold spores are, naturally occurring, and are present in one form or another in the air and as such cannot be eliminated. CDC.

EPA:

Is testing or sampling for mold needed?

In most cases, sampling is unnecessary since, NO EPA or other Federal standards have been set for mildew or mold exposure.

Nor are there any over the counter (OTC0 or retail tests that are reliable to any degree more than 6%.

A certified lab may have a test for the type of mildew or mold.

Checking or sampling: EPA WEB SITE

Spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance NO EPA or other Federal limits have been set for mildew or mold

Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results, not a company the remediates mildew and mold, as they have a 'vested interest' in finding them.

Rather an independent lab that is certified for such testing.

Debbie,

First, put a halt to the free rent. "Inconvenienced", not "uninhabitable". They will continue to complain as long as the rent is free!

They are still using 95% of the house.

I'd give them a free day or two, maybe a gift card, but not for the whole time.

If you have put eyes and nose on this, and are convinced it's not an issue, let them leave. This bill will be very high.

Just to check, did they clean the air ducts after this AC moisture problem??

Short term solution: seal the area with plastic.

Or seal it with Zinsser BIN or KILZ until it can be replaced.

Me? Cut out the suspected sheet rock, spray some bleach water on the open area (because everyone expects bleach even tho it does not kill mold.) Then spray on some mold killer from Lowes or Home Depot.

Allow it to air dry.

Seal the affected area by spraying the exposed area with Zinsser BIN or KILZ.

My guess is ServPro will be VERY VERY expensive for this handyman level repair.

Good luck!

BRAD