If the room climate is not optimal, you can ventilate and heat as you like, black mold won't stop. But who pays in the event of damage? You or the landlord? We know the answer.
Unfortunately, it is a very unpleasant topic, but many are affected by it: mold in the home. The main reason for mold is excessive indoor humidity. Especially in times when it rains a lot, it is not that easy to reduce the humidity. Because pure ventilation only causes the moist air to get inside.
If you have discovered mold in your own four walls, the first thing you should do is contact your landlord. You often hear about landlords pointing the finger at you and blaming incorrect ventilation for the mold. As a tenant, you have enough heating and regular ventilation.
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Possible causes of mold
It's no secret that mold can result from a lack of or incorrect ventilation. But it doesn't have to be the cause. Sometimes structural defects are also the reason for mold. For example, mold can arise from a lack of insulation, damaged or slipped roof tiles or old windows.
But how do you find out where the mold comes from and who is responsible? As a tenant, do I have to take care of this or do landlords have to pay for the damage?
Who bears the costs of mold in the apartment?
The question now arises as to who will bear the costs of mold removal. And actually this question would be easy to answer. Because whoever is responsible for the mold has to pay. If you as a tenant have too little or incorrect ventilation, you have to bear the costs yourself. If the tenant could not have avoided the mold because there was not enough insulation, the landlord must pay for the removal of the mold.
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But determining this is usually not that easy. Because you have to prove that you have ventilated and heated enough and your landlord that there are no structural defects.
Monitor the indoor climate
Even if this seems complicated at first, it makes sense to keep a record of when and for how long you ventilate. Hygrometers are also helpful. These measure humidity and room temperature. For example, if you have your heating turned up and it doesn't reach 18 degrees despite the windows being closed, there is a high probability that cold air will come in from outside and you as a tenant can only watch helplessly.
However, as a tenant you should take a closer look at your own habits. Because the following avoidable things can also lead to mold:
- Place large furniture close to outside walls. Better: No furniture on outside walls or at a distance of at least 10 centimeters.
- Do not heat to save costs.
- Room temperatures below 18 degrees.
- Ventilate too rarely. And instead of cross and/or shock ventilation, there is always a tilted window.
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Mold in the apartment – what to do?
- As soon as you have discovered mold in your apartment, you should inform your landlord in writing. If the damage is particularly severe, they adviseConsumer advice centerAvoid attempting to remove the mold yourself, as this may make the damage worse.
- If the landlord does not want to pay the damage, you should seek legal advice and consult a lawyer. It is also advisable to contact theGerman Tenants' Associationto turn.
- If you don't agree, nothing will help. The matter then has to go to court and an expert decides who is responsible and therefore has to bear the costs. But this should be the last resort, as this route can unfortunately be extremely costly.
We hope we were able to help you a little with our tips. For more hacks and household tips, check back oftenover!
