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Surface microbial growth resulting from a high-humidity environment (warm air is coming in contact with cold air coming out of that vent and causing condensation) and a build up of dust and debris. You can wipe it down with any household cleaner that isn't bleach (it's not effective for killing spores and will just make you sick).
Change the filter, clean the coils and make sure your windows and doors are fully closed when the A/C runs. If it comes back, you either have an air leak somewhere or the HVAC system is oversized for your living space and short-cycling.
Don't listen to the folks screaming "black mold" and saying you're gonna die. The only way to identify a species of mold is through lab analysis that identifies species and concentration of spores collected inside and compared to an outside control sample to determine if there's an issue. Also, there are hundreds of species of mold that are "black" but only a couple of said species are actually harmful to human health (i.e. stachybotrys chartarum) and even then, you typically won't have any adverse health effect from minimal or brief exposure unless you already have developed a sensitivity.
For what it's worth, DC requires a landlord to engage a licensed mold inspector and separate licensed remediator only when the area of growth exceeds 10 square feet. Anything less does not require professional intervention. Not trying to discourage you from reporting to your landlord as they should address this issue regardless, but it's important to understand what they are and are not required to do. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
If you’re breaking out for no apparent reason, mold be the reason, I have this crazy neighbor that has been “watering” the community garden with her mix, she was acting strange, sure enough when I finally take a good look at the area she has been watering, mold, white mold black mold, this community garden is right by my window, so crazy lady was trying to affect my health. I was noticing over the days I would be breaking out and feeling like I just got out of a pool. (Water logged feeling)
That garden is no longer by my window, I got permission from the landlord to just tear it all out. I turned that soil and I’ve been slowly feeling better, no more random nausea!
Alright I’m done with my story since it’s still in the process, peace out! | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Looks like black mold, but I'm not sure | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Looks good to me. I think it's just pepper. Try licking it off maybe? | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Subject: Urgent: Mold Issue on AC Unit
Dear \[Landlord's Name\],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to bring to your attention a concerning issue with the AC unit in my apartment. I've noticed mold growing on the unit, which I believe could pose a health risk.
Could we arrange for someone to inspect and clean the unit as soon as possible? Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
\[Your Full Name\]
\[Your Apartment Number\]
**\*ATTACH PHOTO\*** | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I use concrobium. Lived in apartment that flooded with sewage four times over the 7 years I lived there. I used this stuff and never had a single issue with mold. It even kills the spores. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That won't help with this type of person. OP needs to over LL's head with this one. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Don't forget to CC the relevant regulating body. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Woof! Go post this to r/moldlyinteresting, they can prolly even give you exactly what kinda mold it is | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That is 100% mold.
If i were you, i would leave the house; naked; and bring nothing with me. Immediately. If you have no symptoms don’t worry about it that bad i guess. If you have kids, follow those instructions exactly. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Came back to say this. Of course bleach kills mold. You just don't wipe it into wood but on metal like that bleach the hell out of it and wipe it down | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
It's not mold it's mildew. Mold can only survive on organic material--that's what it eats. I'm an HVAC tech so I see stuff like this all the time. A little bit of bathroom cleaner and that'll come right off. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Of course bleach kills mold. You just don't wipe it into wood but on metal like that bleach the hell out of it and wipe it down | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Agreed but in the meantime, clean the mold off the vents | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
It’s from condensation on the grille. Hot, humid air has migrated inside from somewhere, and the grille was below the dew point. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That is 100% wrong, the reason this stuff ends up on the registers is because of the air temperature differential there. It's the same exact thing as the milder you find in your shower if you don't clean it enough, or your windows. Mold needs organic material to feed on, that's why it grows so well on wood and drywall. It 100% will not grow and thrive on a metal HVAC register.
And before you at me, I'm an HVAC tech and I've worked in property management for years and I see this all the time. All you're really going to do is rile up op when there's nothing to really be that concerned about. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Please educate yourself on how these type of things work before you go around fear mongering on the internet. This is literally one of the most common things to happen during heat waves with high humidity. That mildew is no different than what you find in your shower if you don't clean it often enough, or on the outside of your windows after it's been raining a lot. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
What needs to be replaced? The metal vent? | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Seriously, been here done this, just last year in Florida.
It'll take:
1) a home inspection paid for out of pocket, specifically with a certified inspector who can do a mold assessment and provide a write-up. Expect this to be anywhere in the $250 to $500 range.
2) report must be emailed to the landlord, any property management, AND the local code enforcement office. The landlord 100% WILL NOT be cooperative otherwise. Mold remediation is something they will go to great lengths to try to dodge having to pay for
3) invite code enforcement over
4) get the property manager or landlord to reimburse the home inspection/mold assessment
5) be prepared to look for a new place if the landlord does not fix it. If they agree to terminate the lease early as a result, make sure you're getting something extra out of a *signed addendum*, to cover moving expenses etc.
6) Worst case scenario you will have to go to court to get out of the lease if the landlord continues to fail to remedy the mold issue. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That, my friend, is mold. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That's the plague | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Biological growth. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That is mold, likely of the genus penicillium.
I had the same thing happen at a previous apartment. My vents looked exactly like that and I thought it was just dirt or dust as well, until I started having flu-like symptoms that lasted until a few weeks after I moved out.
The management there didn't take it seriously until I paid for a mold inspection service to come out and test it. The results were positive for several types of mold but penicillium was the most prevalent by far. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
You have mildew, not mold. Spray a little bleach on there and you’re good to go. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Black mold | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
that’s not true, mildew is just specific types of mold that generally grow flat. Powdery Mildew grows exclusively on organic material so idk where you get the idea that mold and mildew are different | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Mold | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That definitely appears to be mold. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
How about wash it? | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
From a top comment about a post talking about this in r/CleaningTips:
>Bleach kills the mold it can get to. Most of the 'bleach doesn't kill mold' thing comes because bleach doesn't penetrate porous surfaces well. So if you have mold on wood, there's probably mold /in/ the wood and sterilizing the top layer of the wood won't do anything to the spores and mold underneath. Things like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide also kill mold, but do a better job of getting into porous surfaces, and are non toxic so you can do stuff like leave it sit on the surface for ages while it penetrates. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I'm almost certain it is black mold. Get out!!! That is grounds for loss of use because it can make you dead.
Edit: probably downvoted by your landlord. Get a test kit. Send all hospital bills and funeral bills to them. I hope you love alone 🙏 | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I'm gonna need one of the people screaming "black mold" to explain how it's growing on an inorganic substance. Also explain why it looks exactly like mildew (flat texture, clusters of dots). Break it down Barney style for me. Thanks. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
From a top comment about a post talking about this in r/CleaningTips:
>Bleach kills the mold it can get to. Most of the 'bleach doesn't kill mold' thing comes because bleach doesn't penetrate porous surfaces well. So if you have mold on wood, there's probably mold /in/ the wood and sterilizing the top layer of the wood won't do anything to the spores and mold underneath. Things like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide also kill mold, but do a better job of getting into porous surfaces, and are non toxic so you can do stuff like leave it sit on the surface for ages while it penetrates. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
The vent, a bunch of ceiling, probably need to sand down studs and put some sporocidal paint on em. Basically, this is a sign of a bigger issue inside the ceiling/air ducts. Usually non-porous materials like metal vents are able to be cleaned, but it looks like it's also rusted, making it porous. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That is definitely mold. Spray it with some bleach and wipe it down. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Its mildew, not mold. Mold has to have some kind of organic matter to survive. Mold will not survive on steel grates. That being said all the duct work probably is full of mildew also. So I would suggest highly that your landlord has all the ductwork cleaned. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Seriously, stop freaking out and clean it with borax. Bleach and water works too. I live in GA, I deal with this pm every time it rains. It's not mold, you're probably not gonna die, and three simple Google searches of "what does black mold look like", "black mold vs mildew", and "how to remove mildew" is always easier than turning to Reddit for answers. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Mold doesn't grow in light. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
All around breweries is a mold that covers all surfaces and feeds on the alcohol in the air. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That’s blatantly wrong lmao, mold will absolutely grow in light. It can grow on basically anything organic (including wood or drywall paper) with enough moisture, like around an AC grille which is likely to form condensate.
And like the comment above you said, mildew is a type of mold, that usually grows flat and is powdery and lighter in color. Claiming “mold doesn’t grow in light” is ridiculous when mildew *is* mold. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Look at your laws. Certain states allow you to refuse to pay rent if they're a major issue with the property. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Idk where you learned HVAC but that’s just completely incorrect. I work in a giant old state facility in the HVAC department and we see this often. If we ever suspect it’s mold, we send tests to labs. Many times it looks exactly like this. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Imma need everyone to please stop speaking out of their asses. MOLD CAN GROW IN LIGHT. There are some specific types of mold that will THRIVE in the light. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
100% Not true.
From EPA.gov.
[https://www.epa.gov/mold/ten-things-you-should-know-about-mold](https://www.epa.gov/mold/ten-things-you-should-know-about-mold)
"Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods."
Look at all these images of mold growing in light sources.
[https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-image-library](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-image-library) | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Excuse me professor, glad your a mold expert. Worked rehab and hvac for 36 years. Black mold is what i was referring to since it seems to be the main subject concern. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Unless their ductwork is from many decades ago and have insulation INSIDE of them, it is pretty dang unlikely that there is mold in the ductwork. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Get a sample send it to a lab and then have those sent to him. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Bleach isn't effective, you need agents specific to killing and cleaning mold. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I’ve been doing HVAC work for 76 years now. If you turn the heat up to at least 88ish the mold will get too hot and leave. I can’t stress this enough, I’m a professional. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Swab some off on a Q-tip and place it in a baggy and bring it to your doctors. Maybe they can test it and get labs done for you as well! | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Unscrew the screws and put your phone through the vent and record I guarantee there's a lot more mold in the vent document this | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I’ve been a mold remediation expert for 135 years now and I’m the shit! I say whatever this may be does not look good and should at least be cleaned! | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
We need more people on Reddit who will write the damn email for us! Thank you good human!! | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Looks like black mold to me. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
That appears to be mild to me. I'm my old apartment we found mold on and around our AC unit and on my daughters wall in her bedroom. All they did was cover it with Kilz and move on. Luckily, I no longer live there, but this could make you and your family sick. Please take care | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Pizza guy Ryan is right. We should pool all of our years of experience and take this fight to the mold. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Death, this post ain’t even real, you’re in the next life. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Mold Killed my Uncle back in Nam. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Question. My vents were like that and they came and scraped the mold off. They claim that it’s probably not throughout the system because the condensation was only at the end of the vent. It seemed reasonable enough but would you expect it to be in the system too or just at the vent? | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I believe it's called, "Get the heck outta there immediately" | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
MOLD | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Haha that’s just fairy 🧚 dust. Nothing to worry about | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Cold air will cause condensation on metal. Your landlord could just replace the vent and inspect to see if the problem is bigger than that. If he doesn't, it will become bigger than that so he's really stupid. Especially since repairs are tax deductible. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Looks like a ceiling register which leads me to believe that during the process of installing the new ac system the duct work or insulation was disturbed. There is more than likely uninsulated exposed parts of metal close to the register now that are producing condensation/moisture sitting right in the dry wall and opposing side of the register. You can clean it but it will reoccur, until the exposed duct work is insulated correctly. Send pictures to the hvac company that did the work and if they are reputable company they should fix it for you | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Call the health department and have them come in and escrow rents. That’s a bio hazard not just for you but for the whole building. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I do mold remediation training through HUD every year. I've been working in HVAC and property management for 10 years. Before that I did hospital maintenance and biohazard removal. I know mold, the conditions it grows in, the food it needs, and it's safe removal like the back of my hand.
This is common mildew.
You people are doing nothing but scaring this poor bastard and causing a ruckus. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Black mold | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
I do mold remediation training through HUD every year. I've been working in HVAC and property management for 10 years. Before that I did hospital maintenance and biohazard removal. I know mold, the conditions it grows in, the food it needs, and it's safe removal like the back of my hand.
This is common mildew.
You people are doing nothing but scaring this poor bastard and causing a ruckus. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Black mold | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Exactly this. Cc everyone 😂 | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
We have AI, it will literally write every single thing for you. Even this tiny post could have been written by AI. It is very helpful when you can't find the right words or emotional context | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Black mold | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Mold | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
OP - you’ve GOT to get a test kit and confirm what it is. Inquiring minds need to know ! | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
OP, I would strongly encourage you to have the returns checked. LL can come out and clean what you see on the outside, but you really don’t want to be breathing in anything that’s living inside those returns. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Used to use TSP and water mixture. Than hit it with Bleach. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
What nice dalmatian vents you have there! | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Mold💯🙏 | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Let that go another week and that one little white spot on the ceiling (a little more than halfway down that register) is going to get bigger, and the black spots are going to start showing up further away, which will develop those little white short and fuzzy spots. Yes, that may be mildew on the register itself. But now it’s been in the Sheetrock. Mold grows in and out, so just spraying that isn’t going to fix it.
Edit: This isn’t to scare the renter. This is purely educational. If there is mold in that drywall, which it appears to already be in the surface, then replacing that area of affected drywall would be the most permanent solution. And all of that would be on the landlord. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
Mold on vents gents is normal. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-23-07 |
What state do you live in? | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Im more like
"I hope this message finds you complete with mold infested lungs."
LOL
Not really but Id be tempted... | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
He had AI write it. <sigh...> | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Thats what an AI response would say. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
ITs mold, that stems from mildew.
"Mold can only survive on organic material--that's what it eats. I'm an HVAC tech so I see stuff like this all the time. "
Youre an HVAC tech that is around a lot of mold. You are definately not a mold expert (no offense). It is untrue that mold can only grow on organic material. Mold sores duplicate from damp air and other high moist environments. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Tell him to prove its not mold. His property so it should be his burden. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Exactly, excrow the rent. You pay the escrow account and LL gets paid from it when the mold is resolved. This s living inside the HVAC system. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
You cannot clean black mold using vinegar. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
My office vents look like that | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
My Name is Laura, I'm a human person. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
rip | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
The AC probably was pushing some the hot air it produces into the ducts. With the AC being fixed, this issue should go away | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Black
Mold | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Not all black mold is “black mold.” | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Just to add, if the landlord refuses to fix, drags their feet or doesn’t fix it properly, most states allow you to notify your landlord, in writing, to withhold rent until the situation is remedied. I would check with your local laws. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Look at the second pic. It’s not just on the register. It’s on the drywall, too. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Mold spores are everywhere. A Amazon petrie dish won’t prove mold it is, harmful or not. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Well, my father was a mold expert. His father was a mold expert. My mother’s father was a mold expert. My three brothers are mold experts. Four uncles on my father’s side are mold experts. So I’m well qualified to say that OP should just burn the whole place down and start fresh. 🤣 | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Take the vent grille off and look inside. If it’s all through the duct ask for a duct cleaning. If it’s just on the surface, bleach and wipe off. The moisture in the duct combined with warm temps probably created the perfect environment for growth, whatever kind it is. | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
Gotta be a dozen redditors out there sitting in a 88 degree house rn because Fun Falcon 2222 told them The One Trick To Getting Rid Of Mold That Might Surprise You | r/renters | comment | r/Renters | 2024-24-07 |
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