No regulations on mold in homes

August 1, 2009

Story by Drew (Contact)

Originally published 01:28 p.m., July 30, 2009

Updated 05:36 p.m., July 30, 2009

49 ABC News Topeka Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:55 AM PDT

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Topeka Code Enforcement often gets calls about mold like this in Topeka renter's

apartment, but there's no city ordinance holding the owner accountable for mold.

" If we get a mold call, we inform the caller that the Code does not address

mold, " Codes Officer Carey said.

But it goes beyond a city problem, we asked Housing and Credit Counseling's

supervisor Baker, is there anything in Kansas law that protects tenants

from mold? " It's one of our most difficult subjects because there are no

Federal, State, or Local guidelines addressing safe or unsafe levels of mold, "

Baker said.

Even Kansas Department of Health and Environment says there's nothing they can

do, they refer the calls back to the HCCI. Baker says there are a lot of calls.

" We receive many calls about mold, it's probably one of the biggest questions

that we're asked. People are experiencing health conditions because of mold and

many times they are in desperation. "

le Simpson has mold throughout her apartment, and she says knowing her

landlord isn't legally responsible is disturbing. " It's upsetting especially

when you have kids because they can get sick from it, especially when it's black

mold, " Simpson said.

There are several spots in her home that have mold, like behind the front door,

in the bathroom, and underneath a window.

But code enforcement officer Carey says if codes get a call about mold,

they will try to find what's causing it. Sometimes a landlord can be cited for

things like a leaky roof. " We can't tell you just to get rid of your mold we

would tell you to correct your moisture issue and figure out what that was, "

Carey said.

Baker also tells tenants to get a mold testing kit, but that cost all comes out

of the renter's pocket.

To find out how to properly clean up mold click: Kansas Department of Health and

Environment

Or to get legal advice from Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. click: HCCI

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