Wet weather can provide many opportunities for additional moisture to collect indoors and contribute to serious water damage. If you are living in rental housing in unincorporated Sacramento County and believe you are having a problem with structural issues contributing to excess moisture, here are some helpful tips:
If mildew is developing near moisture-rich areas such as the shower, tub or certain kitchen areas, it is up to the tenant to remove it. Mildew can also accumulate in the colder, winter months due to excess condensation near windows.
“Ventilation is the key to combat this issue," said Tammy Derby with Sacramento County Code Enforcement. “Routinely open your window, use mechanical ventilation or fans in the room to dry it out.”
For additional tips on how to get rid of this mildew, contact the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department at 916-875-8484 or visit http://www.emd.saccounty.net/EH/EMDmoldinfo.htm.
If you are experiencing water intrusion in areas that don’t usually have moisture, such as a closet, bedroom or living room, it is likely that the water is coming from a leaky roof, pipes or improper weatherization of your rental unit. In these cases, it is the responsibility of the landlord to make structural or plumbing repairs to prevent water from leaking into your home.
If you are still experiencing structural and plumbing issues, and you haven’t gotten anywhere with your landlord, you can file a complaint with the Sacramento County Information Center at 916-875-5656 to report your problem.