Real Estate Mold Question and Answer
 

         Q. I recently purchased a home that I believe have a mold problem.  My family is suffering from respiratory problems because of this.  I had to have a bathroom gutted out because of the mold.  I believe the mold is in other areas as well.  Is there anything that protects a new homebuyer for purchasing a home with mold problems?  Can the previous homeowners be held responsible for this problem and the cost involved to solve the mold problem? [June 13, 2003]
         A. A home buyer or real estate property buyer's first line of defense against buying a mold-infested property is to insert into the purchase offer an attorney-written clause giving the buyer 21days preferably [14 minimum] to conduct environmental testing on the building and property, and to get a refund of the earnest money deposit and to cancel the purchase if environmental inspection and testing discovers mold or other environmental problems that are unacceptable to the buyer. The buyer's second line of defense is to have a Certified Mold Inspector [and Certified Mold Remediator] carefully inspect and test the home or building for evidence of mold contamination. The third defense is to require in the purchase contract that the seller disclose in writing to the buyer all prior water problems, mold problems, and environmental property problems of which the seller is aware. It would be very unwise to agree to buy any home or other property "as is" without first conducing thorough inspection and testing of the property including non-environmental inspection [e.g., use of a traditional home inspection service]. You should have any real estate purchase offer reviewed by an experienced real estate attorney PRIOR to your signature to protect your legal rights and interests.

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Serious mold infestation in walls and ceiling.