Real Estate Attorneys in Milwaukee on Mold Testing for Residential Properties
In Wisconsin, following the execution of a Residential Offer to Purchase, routine residential inspections sometimes reveal the presence of mildew and/or mold. In other instances, an inspection is not necessary; black mold or other signs of mildew may be visible in bathrooms, attic areas, or in other parts of the house. On such occasions, the proposed purchaser often screams, “Let’s get this stuff tested!”
Is Testing Really Necessary?
Both buyer and seller should be aware that in most instances, once the existence of mold has been confirmed, testing is unnecessary. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EPA, the state Division of Public Health and environmental experts say testing only wastes time and money, since there are true standards indicating the levels of mold that are considered “safe.” Without actual standards, one expert can “test” using one method, while a competitor might use another. Instead of testing for the type of mold, most experts suggest a four-step process:
- Find the cause
- Remediate that issue
- Get rid of the mold
- Follow up with a thorough cleaning
Should One Inspect for Mold Where None Seems Visibly Present?
A mold inspection and, depending upon the findings, mold testing may be in order if any of the following conditions exist:
- There is a noticeable smell of mold, even though it is not visibly present. The mold may be in a location that is difficult or impossible to see. If you smell mold, it’s likely a problem.
- There have been plumbing leaks or if the property has water or drainage issues. Mold may be present behind the walls.
- There have been prior mold-related repairs. Testing and further inspection can determine if the earlier efforts were successful.
“Over-the-Counter” Mold Tests May Not be Accurate
Experts note that some readily available mold testing products fail to provide accurate results. The primary reason: Mold is ubiquitous. It usually exists both outside and inside any Wisconsin residence. When a home test petri dish tells you that mold is present, it likely has provided you with nothing that can be acted upon. Over-the-counter tests ordinarily are a poor substitute for the eye of an expert.
The EPA has published an online guide on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. A separate guide is available for commercial properties.
Sellers Must Disclose Presence of Mold if Known
Wisc. Stat. § 100.18(1) prohibits persons, firms, corporations, associations, and others from misrepresenting the condition of real estate that is being offered for sale. The failure to disclose the known existence of mold is a clear violation of the statute and can subject the owner/seller to significant legal liability and damages.
Mold only gets worse with time. Where it’s found, it is best to do all that is reasonably required to get rid of it.
Milwaukee Real Estate, Business, and Commercial Litigation Attorneys
Have you contracted to sell or buy residential or commercial real estate and you suspect that there may be an issue of mold or other environmental hazard? Are you currently involved in any other real estate dispute? The Milwaukee business litigation firm of Kerkman Wagner & Dunn has more than 50 years of combined legal experience representing property owners and business concerns in Wisconsin. Our firm has big firm talent and provides small firm attention. Call us at 414-278-7000 or complete our online contact form.
