Mold/Mildew or something else in apartment? (lease, Home Depot)

[ameme234]

So I managed to find that new apartment and it was okay, minus the first month where they took advantage of me.
Anyway, we had maintenance look to see if we had mold in August in the second bedroom. My brother was here and I was in Nevada at the time. He was upset because he did not seem like they took it seriously. They simply painted over it.. When I noticed more black stuff appearing in the same room on a different wall, I contacted one of the managers about the issue. I also asked for the results from the first visit. She emailed me that she would talk to the leader of the maintenance staff. Apparently they sent someone a few says after during the day while we were not there and left a note indicating they left something, which they did not. I contacted the same manager and she did not respond by forwarded my message to someone else who said there was no mold. That was it.

After that more black stuff has appeared i in my closet. My pets seems to have gotten upper respiratory issues since moving here. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm just worried and annoyed.

If its not mold, what else could it be?
We live on the bottom level of the apartment, partially underground .

Also, lately there has been a loud footed person upstairs. Its really loud, I'm not exaggerating. A few weeks ago I noticed a crack forming on my ceiling..

Thanks.

[bufflove]

Originally Posted by ameme

If its not mold, what else could it be?

It's probably mold. Whether it's pretty harmless or very harmful is a harder question to answer. I'd continue to raise hell with the manager and also document everything - take pictures of the problem areas, keep records of complaints, etc. If you end up wanting to get out of your lease that'll be good to have.

[ameme234]

Originally Posted by bufflove

It's probably mold. Whether it's pretty harmless or very harmful is a harder question to answer. I'd continue to raise hell with the manager and also document everything - take pictures of the problem areas, keep records of complaints, etc. If you end up wanting to get out of your lease that'll be good to have.

Thank you bufflove.

[ameme234]

I bought a dehumidifier yesterday. Its was near 70% when I first used it. After work today, it read 75%. 4 hours later it is at 55%. Is 75% too high?
I also had someone look at the black stuff on the wall and they claimed it was mold.
Was I lied to?

[ameme234]

I want to get out of this apartment anyway since we have had many issues and I'm done with the area..

I heard bleach helps get rid of it. Has anyone had to remove it themselves before?

[Seaponies]

Originally Posted by ameme234

I want to get out of this apartment anyway since we have had many issues and I'm done with the area..

I heard bleach helps get rid of it. Has anyone had to remove it themselves before?

You can remove mold with bleach if it's a small amount. I've had some mold/mildew in the shower and removed it with some liquid bleach on a paper towel, of course you should wear some kind of glove protection. Home depot sells mold test kits.

PRO-LAB Mold Test Kit-MO109 - The Home Depot

If you do decide to do the mold test, you may want to take a video on your cell phone so you have visual evidence.

Mold is very serious and you have every right to be concerned.

Coincidentially, like you, I lived at one time in a split level apartment that was partly below ground level. I had some clothes in a closet, and one time I noticed a fuzz on my jacket. I think it was mildew/mold. Being partly below ground I think means more humidity.

[ameme234]

Originally Posted by Seaponies

You can remove mold with bleach if it's a small amount. I've had some mold/mildew in the shower and removed it with some liquid bleach on a paper towel, of course you should wear some kind of glove protection. Home depot sells mold test kits.

PRO-LAB Mold Test Kit-MO109 - The Home Depot

If you do decide to do the mold test, you may want to take a video on your cell phone so you have visual evidence.

Mold is very serious and you have every right to be concerned.

Coincidentially, like you, I lived at one time in a split level apartment that was partly below ground level. I had some clothes in a closet, and one time I noticed a fuzz on my jacket. I think it was mildew/mold. Being partly below ground I think means more humidity.

Thank you!

[Alex1484]

If you have a below ground level apartment, I would definitely recommend a dehumidifier. As by nature, anything below ground level is more susceptible to being more humid than a ground level or above ground. Your landlord should remediate the mold problem as that is a health safety concern and should at the very least provide a dehumidifier for you.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by ameme234

I bought a dehumidifier yesterday. Its was near 70% when I first used it. After work today, it read 75%. 4 hours later it is at 55%. Is 75% too high?
I also had someone look at the black stuff on the wall and they claimed it was mold.
Was I lied to?

75% humidity is too high, so keep running the dehumidifier. Clean the area with peroxide before you try anything else. You have to keep it damp for at least 10 minutes.

[Creek Hollow]

Mold is toxic! You shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get this taken care of in a timely matter. I'd ask to be released from my lease or call the health department.

The apartment managers are probably afraid of costly mold remediation, but that's not your problem. Personally, I'd get out as soon as possible. It doesn't sound to me like a dehumidifier and bleach inside your apartment is going to solve the mold problem as it's source is behind your ceiling.