The situation
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
A tenant in one half of a hypothetical 1960s brick duplex opens a bedroom closet in late winter and finds white and green spots on shoes and the backs of hanging clothes. The closet sits on an exterior corner, and the wall behind it feels cold and slightly damp.
- The tenant photographs the closet, moves clothing to another room, and emails the landlord the same day with photos.
- The landlord replies in writing and schedules a visit within a few days.
- Inspection finds condensation on the cold corner wall, with no plumbing nearby, and a gutter on that corner that overflows and soaks the brick.
- Moisture readings are elevated low on the wall, and growth is found on the drywall surface and baseboard inside the closet.
- A contractor contains the closet, removes the affected drywall section and baseboard, cleans and dries the framing, and finds no growth further in.
- The gutter is repaired, the corner is insulated before the wall is closed, and the tenant is advised to keep the closet door ajar in cold weather.
The closet was back in use within a couple of weeks. Both sides kept copies of the messages, photos and the contractor's notes.
What each side did well
Tenant
- Reported in writing with photos
- Moved belongings rather than scrubbing the wall
- Kept a log of dates and responses
Landlord
- Responded in writing and inspected promptly
- Looked for the cause outside the unit, not just inside
- Shared the scope and timeline with the tenant
Damaged belongings
- Launder washable clothing promptly and dry it completely
- Wipe leather and hard shoes outdoors and let them dry; discard if odor remains
- Discard cardboard storage boxes from the closet
- Photograph damaged items before discarding in case renter's insurance applies
Common questions
- Why did the mold grow only in the closet?
- Closets on exterior corners get little warm air from the room, especially with the door shut. The wall surface stays colder than anywhere else, so moisture from the air and from the soaked brick outside condensed there first.
- Would the outcome differ if the tenant had bleached the wall?
- Bleaching would likely have faded the spots for a while without addressing the overflowing gutter or the cold corner. The growth would probably have returned, and the cause might have gone unnoticed for another season.
- What if the landlord had not responded?
- Tenants in that position should keep written records and look into the steps Colorado law sets out for habitability complaints, ideally with help from a tenant rights organization.
General information for Wheat Ridge, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.