Why Is Mold Such a Problem in San Francisco?

If you live in the Bay Area, you’re probably already acquainted with mold. Scrubbing mildew off of shower tiles or finding mold on a loaf of fresh bread are things we’ve all had to deal with. Mold loves moisture, and with an average humidity of 75%, San Francisco definitely has a humid climate. In fact, indoor mold is so common in San Francisco that the city classifies it as a public health nuisance. 

Weather conditions like fog and frequent rain create the perfect environment for mold. But the humid weather isn’t entirely to blame for our mold problem in San Francisco. Part of it has to do with the age of most of the buildings in our city, and also with the number of people living together in one house or apartment.

Old Buildings + High Occupancy = Indoor Mold

San Francisco is a historic city, and it’s well known for its 1800’s architecture. But the older a building gets, the higher the likelihood of water damage. Even the tiniest leak in the roof or crack in the mortar can let in enough moisture to start a mold infestation. And then there’s the issue of condensation…

Older buildings don’t always have the best ventilation, and the more people there are living in them, the more condensation they create. If you’ve ever had guests visiting for a few days, you know how doubling the number of hot showers will turn your bathroom into a sauna. And if the steam is making enough condensation that drips are running down the mirror, it probably means that the ceiling, walls, and floor are wet, too. 

More people living in one house or apartment means more condensation from cooking, laundry, and bathing. But since one of the easiest ways to save on rent is to take on extra roommates or move in with family, most San Francisco buildings are filled to capacity. And unfortunately, along with high occupancy comes an increased risk of indoor mold from condensation.

Is There Mold in Your Rental? 

Landlords and tenants both have to deal with the consequences of indoor mold. Because indoor mold is a health hazard, San Francisco landlords are obligated by law to inform their tenants of any mold on the premises that exceeds the exposure limits. They are responsible for providing a habitable residence, so if you find mold in your house or apartment, you should notify your landlord right away.

Just like you would ask your landlord to send an exterminator for a cockroach infestation, or a plumber for a leaky sink, you can also ask your landlord to pay for mold remediation. Be sure to make a request in writing, date it, and document it, just in case you need to take legal action in the future. However, if you caused the mold problem or failed to report it, your landlord could deduct the cost of mold removal from your security deposit.

Mold Removal in San Francisco

Sometimes mold is a problem you can solve on your own, but most of the time, visible mold is a sign of a bigger problem. If you find a large patch of mold discoloring your ceiling or growing inside a closet, you might need professional mold removal. 

At My Pure Environment, we know how pervasive mold is in San Francisco, but we also know how to get rid of it. If you’ve noticed any signs of mold or if you’re getting ready to buy, sell, or lease a home, schedule an appointment today. Your initial inspection is completely FREE and includes an onsite consultation with one of our experts. 

Even though you live in San Francisco, you don’t have to live with mold. Our patented dry fog mold removal is quick, effective, and demolition-free. It also comes with a 1-year, mold-free guarantee. Give us a call at 415-687-5374 or request an inspection online today.
Photo by Kimson Doan on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/30/2023.