Wooden siding - possible mold

[DangerDave]

Wooden siding is rotting and I believe there’s mold between the walls somewhere. I can’t see it but it smells horrible. Talked to the landlord and he basically told me that there’s no money to replace the siding since they just fixed up another rental property. The earliest he can do anything is next Spring.

None of us are allergic or anything but we would like to get rid of the smell. Any suggestions on how to do that?

 

[UKDslayer]

You can check out ozone machines just to get rid of odors, but that doesn't remove the health hazards of molds.

 

[DangerDave]

You can check out ozone machines just to get rid of odors, but that doesn't remove the health hazards of molds.

Is living with it manageable for 6 months without any long-term health problems?

 

[sirhrmechanic]

I’d just burn it down and start again.

Make sure insurance policy covers Jewish Lightning.

Sirhr

 

[Aftermath]

Is living with it manageable for 6 months without any long-term health problems?

There is absolutely no guarantee. You could all already be seriously compromised and not even know it yet. Molds and mildews are terrible to be breathing in. The city/county/state health department and rental rules/regs should have you covered. They can test for mold, or you can take them a 3rd party test, and they can force the landlord to make repairs. Of course, he can refuse and they can condemn and no matter what, you will be the asshole.
I suppose you are not in a position to be able to move?

 

[P-Squared]

I’d just burn it down and start again.

Make sure insurance policy covers Jewish Lightning.

Sirhr

Shhhh, Tuesday.

 

[DangerDave]

There is absolutely no guarantee. You could all already be seriously compromised and not even know it yet. Molds and mildews are terrible to be breathing in. The city/county/state health department and rental rules/regs should have you covered. They can test for mold, or you can take them a 3rd party test, and they can force the landlord to make repairs. Of course, he can refuse and they can condemn and no matter what, you will be the asshole.
I suppose you are not in a position to be able to move?

Yes sir. Next step is to buy a lot and build a house but with this economy, it’ll take me at least a couple years to get there.

 

[Im2bent]

Black mold exposure: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Black mold exposure is no more harmful than exposure to other forms of mold, but it may lead to health issues for certain people. Learn more here.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

 

[Aftermath]

Yes sir. Next step is to buy a lot and build a house but with this economy, it’ll take me at least a couple years to get there.

Well, for certain, document, document, document. Use text and email as much as possible because both are admissible in court. I'd start iwth telling him (again) that there is a bad smell and that you suspect mold. Ask when he can it tested and such. Have your own testing done, don't have to tell him and I wouldn't. Be seriously finding a new place to move. When you give him notice, and he wants to keep your deposit, gently remind him of the documentation you have. It would be worth your time to hire a lawyer, too.

EDIT: Another thought is to have a mold remediation professional come and give an assessment and provide an estimate. You could maybe pay that in lieu of rent...but you better have that in writing BEFORE you don't pay some rent. Also, you'd have that assessment in hand if needed.

 

[jasco]

What did you end up doing? I had the same problem last winter, so thought I’d post an update in case it helps.

I couldn’t get the landlord to act fast either, so I focused on reducing the smell and stopping things from getting worse until a proper repair could be done. I documented everything with photos and emails (timestamped), then bought a good dehumidifier and ran it in the worst room. That made the biggest difference because damp = stink + mold growth. I also used a HEPA air purifier, placed a few activated charcoal bags around the room, and emptied them/rotated them every few weeks. For visible surfaces I could reach, I wiped with an enzyme cleaner and then a mold‑rated product (follow the label; wear gloves and an N95). I avoided cutting into walls or doing structural work. That’s a job for pros if it’s inside the cavity.

If your landlord keeps delaying, keep pushing in writing, cite the health/repair issue, and check your local tenant-rights resources about repair timelines. I contacted the guys from https://saratogaroofingco.com/siding/ who helped me explain rot vs. cosmetic wear and why delaying can cost more (and who later handled siding replacement). In the end the landlord agreed to a proper fix in spring, but the dehumidifier + purifier combo made living there bearable in the meantime. Temporary fixes only go so far when the wood’s already rotting.