Should tenant sign mold form?

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Should tenant sign mold form?

ROBERT BRUSS

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/home/11527542.htm

Real Estate

Q. We rent a house. After signing the lease in December, we noticed

a large buildup of mold and mildew on the walls of the house. Our

landlady has sealed and cleaned the trouble spots. But now she wants

us to sign an additional form to force us to ventilate the house

regularly, releasing her from any further damage to the house if the

ventilation procedures are not met. We are willing to ventilate, but

do not feel comfortable signing a legal document, especially after

we know mold is a problem. Also, we don't want any future appearance

of mold to infer we did not ventilate, thus making us responsible

for repairs. What are our rights as tenants?

When you signed your one-year lease last December, you had no

further obligation to sign any addendum for mold remediation. The

terms of a lease cannot be changed by either party alone without

mutual agreement.

You are very wise not to sign anything regarding the mold, which

might reappear. For full details, please consult a local real estate

attorney.