• Mold contamination in residential properties has resulted in several well-publicized lawsuits claiming both personal and property damage.  Even though there are no federal or state regulations defining which molds are harmful or what air concentrations of mold pose a threat to health, many owners find they must rebut the presumption that the mere presence of mold renders an apartment uninhabitable.
  
  
• This paper reviews useful guidelines provided by the EPA, CDC and various state and municipal health organizations. The steps available to stem liability and to appropriately deal with resident concerns/complaints are addressed and a sampling of recent litigation, verdicts and settlements is provided.
  
  
• It was updated on April 1, 2002.  Specific sections revised include:
• • State and local legislative activities (pages 3-5);
  • Recent studies (pages 9-10);
  • Guidance for maintenance technicians (page 26);
  • Insurance coverage (pages 27-32); and
  • Recent published verdicts and settlements (pages 45-48).

Minor changes were made to other sections, including: allergic reactions to mold (pages 8-9); detecting mold – assessment and remediation (pages 10-11); and identification and correction of IAQ problems (page 25).   Also, an attachment was added which highlights our federal policy objectives regarding mold. 

NMHC Contact Information:
Eileen Lee
202/974-2300
elee@nmhc.org