Questions About California Mould Disclosure
[Feb.
16, 2002]
Q.
I live in Fresno, California and I have found a home that I like, but am
worried about the mould growing on the outside of the house--it is in the
rain gutters, along the bottom of the house, on the fence, and on some
parts of the roof. I am guessing (hoping) that the mould is caused because
the sprinklers are broken and causing flooding. The mould on the roof is
due to the rain gutters that have not been properly cleaned. First, what
questions do I need to ask the seller to determine if the house has been
flooded and second, with the new California law, is the seller required to
test and remove the mould as a part of the purchase? Thanks in advance for
your help and thank you for the website--it has very clear answers and
help to my questions.
A.
First, send a certified letter to the seller and realtor asking both about
the water damage and mould damage history of the house in question. The
real estate seller and the realtor
both have a legal obligation to disclose what they may know about the
property's history as to any material home defect including past and
present water problems and mould problems. Second, in the same letter ask
for at least a two or three week extension in the closing date of the sale
to enable you do environmental testing of the home under contract. Third,
at your expense have the home inspected and tested for mould problems.
Hire a Certified Mold Inspector to thoroughly and effectively do this.
Visit Certified Mold Inspectors.
To find a
Certified
Mould Inspector in your area,
or to be trained & certified as a mould inspection, testing,
remediation, and prevention expert, please visit:
Mould
Professional.
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