Mold exposure is a serious health hazard that can be found in any home or business. Long-term exposure to mold has been linked to a host of health issues, including respiratory illnesses, mental confusion, and even cancer. The best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming ill due to mold exposure is to identify the source of the mold and take steps to mitigate it.

Common signs of mold include musty odors, visible growth on walls or ceilings, discoloration of interior surfaces, and water damage in areas such as bathrooms or attics. To determine the extent of a mold problem, you may need to contact an expert to conduct a thorough inspection.

Once the source of the mold is identified, it’s important to take measures to eliminate it. This may include proper ventilation of humid areas, use of a dehumidifier, and removal or treatment of affected materials. If you have allergies or asthma, you should be especially careful when dealing with any areas that may contain mold.

Mold exposure can be a serious health risk, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. Identifying and eliminating mold growth is key, and if you think you may have a problem in your home or workplace, it’s best to contact an expert for assistance. Taking the time to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of mold exposure will help keep everyone healthy in the long run.

It is also important to take steps to prevent mold growth in the future. This includes keeping all areas of your home or business dry and well-ventilated, regularly checking for signs of water damage, and addressing any plumbing problems right away. Taking these precautions can help you avoid a costly and potentially dangerous infestation of mold down the line.

Why It Is Critical to Hire Professional Mold Assessor and Remediator

Mold growth is not only unsightly but also dangerous as it can cause a variety of health hazards, especially in those with respiratory issues. If you suspect there’s mold growth in your home or business premises, you ought to have it inspected as soon as possible. However, you cannot rely on your instincts to confirm the presence of mold as it may thrive in areas that are not easily accessible. Engaging Texas-licensed mold assessors and remediators is highly recommended for several reasons, which we will discuss in this post.

Preventing Structural Damage

Mold can cause significant damage to the structure of your building if not addressed in a timely and professional manner. Apart from compromising the structural strength of your property, mold can weaken the integrity of your walls and ceilings, leading to cracking, peeling wallpaper, and loose tiles.

Comprehensive Remediation

Licensed Mold Assessment Consultants can identify where mold is located on your property. They have the expertise, experience, and tools to identify and eliminate mold growth sources, thus avoiding long term structural damage. Once the MAC has identified where the mold is located they can write a mold remediation protocol for a licensed Mold Remediation Contractor. The MRC will come out and remove the mold and clean the areas that have become contaminated. After completion of the remediation work, the MAC can come back and certify that the mold has been removed and properly cleaned. A Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation (CMDR) can be signed by both the MAC and the MRC and given to the property owner. This is a Department of Insurance form that certifies the mold issue has been resolved.

Mold remediation is a complex process that requires high-level expertise, experience, safety precautions, and specialized equipment. You cannot simply eradicate mold by scrubbing it off surfaces. If you do this, you might end up only touching the surface and leave behind the roots that will cause the mold to resurface after some time. Hiring licensed professionals to assess and remediate your mold problem will provide peace of mind by ensuring complete mold elimination in your home and/or business premises.

Conclusion:

Hiring a licensed professional mold assessor and remediator is essential in ensuring the safety of your home or office premises and your health. They are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, expertise, and experience to locate, assess, and eliminate mold growth sources while ensuring your home remains structurally sound. Additionally, professional mold remediation companies know the safety precautions to take when handling the potentially harmful mold. Most importantly though, a professional mold remediator will completely eradicate the mold threat, giving you peace of mind that you and your loved ones are safe from harm. Don't let the mold saga drag on - engage a trusted professional for an inspection and remediation today!

Where to Find Licensed Mold Professionals 

Look online at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for licensed companies in your area. www.tdlr/mold. Then click on Search licenses for Mold Assessment Consultants and Mold Remediation Contractors.

Mold growth in residences can be caused by a variety of common sources. One of the most frequent causes is high humidity levels. Homes that are too damp from condensation, lack of ventilation, or insufficient insulation all provide fertile ground for mold spores to settle and grow. Another potential culprit could be leaking plumbing or water damage from flooding, both of which can provide an ideal environment for mold. Lastly, the presence of organic materials such as paper, wood or fabric offer a food source for molds to thrive on.

Preventing mold growth in your residence is key to avoiding potential health problems and other costly damage caused by mold. Controlling humidity levels is one of the most effective methods of prevention. Consider investing in a dehumidifier or air conditioner to help regulate humidity levels and improve ventilation throughout your home.

Checking for and repairing any leaks, both inside and outside the house, can also be an effective strategy in preventing mold growth. Additionally, regularly cleaning areas where mold is likely to grow such as basements, showers, and bathrooms can help minimize the presence of mold in your home. If you suspect you have a mold problem, it is important to take the necessary steps to address and remove it promptly. Mold growth left untreated can lead to property damage as well as health problems for occupants of the residence. Taking preventative measures and properly assessing any potential sources of mold growth is the best way to keep your home safe and healthy.

Dear TMARA Members,

Welcome to the latest edition of the TMARA newsletter. In this edition, we are excited to share with you some insightful blogs from the Texas Mold Assessors and Remediators Association website.

Blog 1: Common Causes of Mold Growth in Homes

Mold growth is a common problem that many homeowners face. In this blog, we discuss the common causes of mold growth in homes, including high humidity levels, water leaks, and poor ventilation. We also provide tips on how to prevent mold growth, such as using a dehumidifier and fixing any water leaks immediately.

Blog 2: The Importance of Hiring a Professional Mold Assessor and Remediator

Mold can pose serious health risks to you and your family. In this blog, we highlight the importance of hiring a professional mold assessor and remediator. We discuss how professionals can accurately identify the type and extent of mold growth in your home and provide effective solutions for remediation. We also provide tips on how to choose a reputable mold assessor and remediator.

We hope you find these blogs informative and helpful. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Best regards,

TMARA Team

EPA Seeks to Revise PM2.5 Daily Standard for Particle Pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced its intention to revise the national daily PM2.5 standard, which sets limits for particle pollution in the air. The proposed change could have implications for millions of Americans who live in areas where such pollution is dense, potentially impacting their health and wellness—not to mention our overall environment and wellbeing as a society. By tightening controls on PM2.5 within certain populated regions of the country, it’s hoped that better protections against dangerous particles can be achieved while still allowing economic growth and development without compromising our citizens' safety or well-being unnecessarily at only a moderate cost to industry stakeholders affected by these new regulation changes over time. This blog post examines this proposed shift from all angles, exploring what led to it, considering its possible consequences (both positive and negative), and ultimately delving into whether we think this change is worth making.

1.    Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.

2.    There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3.    If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4.    Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

5.    Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:

·         Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside

·         Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers

·         Increasing ventilation

·         Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning

6.    Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7.    Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

8.    Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

9.    In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

The Mold Assessors, Remediators, Labs, and Schools penalty matrix was adopted by the TDLR Commission today in Austin.  

Does a landlord have to remove mold from a rental property in Texas?

The law says that landlords in Texas have a duty to remove conditions that “materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant” if all of the following are true:

• The condition was not caused by the tenant (renter), the tenant’s family, or the tenant's guests; and
• The landlord has proper written notice of the condition; and
• The tenant is not delinquent in rent at the time of giving the landlord notice to repair or remedy.

Read the law here: Texas Property Code 92.056.

How much time does a landlord have to remove mold from my apartment or house?

It depends on how you send notice to the landlord to repair or remedy the problem, and on the circumstances of the condition and its repair.

The landlord has a reasonable amount of time to remove the mold after receiving the tenant’s notice if:

• The tenant sent the notice by certified mail, return receipt, or other method with tracking; or
• The tenant sent a second written notice after waiting a reasonable amount of time after sending a first written notice.

Tip: If you send your first notice by certified mail, return receipt, or other method with tracking, you are not required to send a second notice to your landlord.

Note: You should try getting the problem fixed as quickly as possible by talking with or calling the landlord. However, to protect your rights to repair under Texas law, it is very important that you give the landlord written notice, preferably by certified mail, return receipt, or other method with tracking.

What is considered a reasonable amount of time to make a repair or remedy a problem?

Seven days is generally considered a reasonable amount of time. However, the court can consider a different length of time to be reasonable based on:

• The date the landlord received the notice,
• The severity and nature of the condition, and
• The reasonable availability of materials and labor and of utilities access.

Note: Exceptions apply to the timing to complete a repair if the damage to the rental property was an insured casualty loss. If the mold problem is a covered condition, the landlord has a reasonable amount of time after receiving the insurance proceeds to complete the repairs. Talk with a lawyer about your right to end your lease before the problem is corrected or receive a rent reduction if the property becomes totally unusable during the time your landlord is waiting for insurance proceeds to make a repair.

What options do I have if my landlord refuses to remove the mold from my apartment or house?

• End your lease and move.
• File (turn in) a lawsuit against the landlord in court.
• Hire a contractor to repair the mold and deduct the cost of repair from your rent. You can only do this under very specific circumstances (see below). 

Important: Talk with a landlord-tenant lawyer before you move forward with the above options if the landlord refuses to repair a hazardous mold condition.

If you need to talk with a lawyer, you can use our Legal Help Directory or check our Legal Events and Clinics. You may be able to talk with a lawyer for free at a legal clinic.

Can I just remove the mold myself and reduce the amount I pay my landlord in rent that month?

No. The repair and deduct method is not automatic and only reduces a future rent payment (if allowable). This method is not recommended without the advice of a lawyer.

If you want to have the mold removed (and the landlord is refusing to remove it), you must either: (1) get a court order requiring the landlord to remove the mold, or (2) follow the repair and deduct rules in Texas Property Code 92.0561 that, for example:

• limit the rent deduction for the cost of repair in any given month to the greater of one month’s rent or $500 (for non-subsidized rent),
• limit the rent deduction for the cost of repair in any given month to the greater of the fair market value of one month’s rent or $500 (for subsidized rent),
• only allow a tenant to repair and deduct if the landlord has a duty to fix the problem, and
• only allow the tenant to repair and deduct if the tenant did not waive his or her right to the repair in an enforceable provision in the lease agreement.  Read Texas Property Code 92.006 (e), (f).

Note: An exception exists if you and your landlord agreed in writing for you to repair a condition at the landlord’s expense. Read the law here: Texas Property Code 92.0561(d), (e).

Do I have to have the property inspected for the mold removal to be covered by the landlord?

Not always. Mold removal can be covered without an inspection where:

• Your landlord agreed to the mold removal; or
• Without an agreement, a court finds that the mold condition materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant and lets you:
   
  • end your lease, or
  • get a court order requiring mold removal.

If, however, you want to use the repair and deduct remedy, you must have the appropriate local housing, building, or health official (or other official having jurisdiction) provide the landlord with written notice that the mold condition materially affects the health or safety of an ordinary tenant. This official might be a city health inspector, for example.

What should I do if my health has been harmed by hazardous mold?

If you feel your health has been harmed due to hazardous mold exposure, talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately. Owners of property (such as your landlord) could potentially be held responsible for health effects you are able to prove you suffered due to exposure to hazardous conditions on the property. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you have a “toxic mold” claim that is connected to your mold exposure. 

Note: Since gathering of evidence and environmental testing is critical to a toxic mold claim, you should talk with a lawyer quickly so you may begin to prepare evidence for your potential claim.

For more information on mold and toxins, see the Center for Disease Control’s site: Indoor Air Pollutants and Toxic Materials.

Where can I find more information about renter’s rights to repairs in Texas?

For detailed information on renter’s rights to repairs in Texas, see the following links:

• Office of the Attorney General: Renters' Rights
• The Texas Apartment Association: Helpful Info for Renters
• Austin Tenant’s Council:Repair Rights 
• Texas Young Lawyer’s Association (TYLA): Tenants’ Rights Handbook 

Tip: The Austin Tenant’s Council has do-it-yourself forms for sending notices to your landlord to ask for repairs on your rental property.  It also has do-it-yourself forms for ending your lease and for filing a lawsuit. Get forms here from Austin Tenant’s Council Self-Help Repair Packet.

Read the law here: Texas Property Code 92.051 through 92.062

Dennis Butts, Owner/Operator of NTX Enviro just posted this:

Establishing an advisory board for the Texas Mold Assessors and Remediators has been long overdue. Now, there is a chance that the current legislative session may establish an advisory board which is a vast change from years past where it seems the only agenda was to Sunset the regulation of the industry. Encourage your representative to vote in favor of adopting SB 1213.

Bill SB 1213 was filed in the 88th Legislature Regular Session by Senator Judith Zaffirini relating to establishing the Mold Assessment and Remediation Advisory Board at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

SUBCHAPTER A-1. ADVISORY BOARD
Sec. 1958.031. (a) The Mold Assessment and Remediation Advisory Board consists of nine members appointed by the presiding officer of the commission, with the approval of the commission, as follows:
(1) three members who are licensed mold assessment consultants;
(2) three members who are licensed mold remediation contractors;
(3) one member who is a building contractor principally engaged in home construction and is a member of a statewide building trade association;
(4) one member who is a representative of an accredited mold training provider; and
(5) one member who represents the public.

Sec. 1958.034. DUTIES. The advisory board may advise the commission and department on:
(1) technical matters relevant to the administration of this chapter;
(2) standards or performance and work practices for mold assessment or remediation;
(3) qualifications for an initial license and the renewal of a license issued under this chapter, including any training or continuing education; and
(4) other issues affecting mold assessment and remediation.

This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

Bill in full:
https://lnkd.in/gF_RS_h9