Black Mold Growing on Walls - Landlord or tenant's responsibility?

[mojofml]

Hello all, seeking your feedback/opinion on this issue:

I've rented out a brand new unit (built in July 2022) to a tenant. The tenant just contacted me last week to advise that there's black mold growing on the walls in the living room, etc.

I've sent a contractor to look at the wall, there are no issues/findings (ie. no water leakage from within), and they suggested that it may be due to the condensation from running the AC.

From my perspective as owner, I can't see how this is a problem that falls on me to address. The humidity level inside the unit is not something within my control. In fact, the tenant has the responsibility to upkeep the unit.

My agent is suggesting that I can do a mold-resistant paintover for the place, which I'm guessing I would have to bear the cost. It kind of sounded like my agent is leaning in favor of the tenant.

What do you think, and what would you do? thanks!

[Pal]

Hi,

If this is a brand new unit, first Tenant, I don't see why you are responsible for it.

The Tenant must have been using the aircon and leaving some doors or windows opened causing condensation.

In the signed TA, there must have a clause stating that Tenant is responsible to keep the premises in good and tenable condition.

If I were you, I will argue the bad upkeep and inform the Tenant to rectify the problem with a coat of mould resistant paint or sealer so that the mould does not spread further.

Hello all, seeking your feedback/opinion on this issue:

I've rented out a brand new unit (built in July 2022) to a tenant. The tenant just contacted me last week to advise that there's black mold growing on the walls in the living room, etc.

I've sent a contractor to look at the wall, there are no issues/findings (ie. no water leakage from within), and they suggested that it may be due to the condensation from running the AC.

From my perspective as owner, I can't see how this is a problem that falls on me to address. The humidity level inside the unit is not something within my control. In fact, the tenant has the responsibility to upkeep the unit.

My agent is suggesting that I can do a mold-resistant paintover for the place, which I'm guessing I would have to bear the cost. It kind of sounded like my agent is leaning in favor of the tenant.

What do you think, and what would you do? thanks!

[abbby]

I would think it's tenant's responsibility to upkeep and maintain the place.

Turning on the AC too often will cause a lot of condensation around the walls and ceilings. Thus high humidity and walls and ceiling can turn mouldy. I have a friend whose neighbour downstairs turn on the AC 24 hours and caused her floor to be wet and slippery (really puddly wet). The problem was only resolved when the person downstairs stopped blasting the AC for long hours.

My place is also very high in humidity because my bathroom wall is not a wall but glass and seems like there's more condensation around these glass and thus my room is very humid. It was so humid that my eyeshadow palette started to turn moldy. So I put the humidifier packs (thirsty hippos) in this area and problem solved. And I could tell the humidity was high because the humidifiers had to be changed every 2 - 3 weeks.