Mold is a fungus, a small, simple organism that reproduces itself by means of spores, which are asexual organisms that are released by the mold and which reproduce themselves into more mold.  Spores are very durable, which means that once mold becomes a problem, it can spread very quickly and become an even more frustrating, expensive, and potentially dangerous issue.

Mold is everywhere; there is no way to get rid of all mold because it reproduces so quickly and is able to withstand a variety of conditions.  However, not all mold is a problem; in many cases, it is undetectable.

Mold particularly favors areas that are dark and most.  In a home, the most common location for mold to begin reproducing is in areas like dirty heating ducts; attics underneath roofs that leak and have created a moisture-filled space in which mold can grow and thrive; damp basements; and bathrooms.

Some people are particularly sensitive to mold.  Those who are allergic to mold might become quite ill due to prolonged exposure, and may experience mild to severe respiratory problems.  In addition, some varieties of mold, such as what is called "black mold," are more persistent than others and thus create a greater potential for negative health effects.  Mold that is considered dangerous to human health is known as "toxic mold."

If a home has a severe problem with mold in all parts of the structure, the likely problem is excessive moisture throughout the house, due to leaking plumbing pipes or a leaky roof.  If the mold is contained to just one area of a house, the likely cause is a small leak or a minor plumbing problem contained to just that portion of the structure. 

Mold forms where light and ventilation are minimal, but adding ventilation and/or light is unlikely to solve a mold problem.  The best way to prevent mold is to ensure a home has proper ventilation.  Ventilation is the process of moving air around and through a house to prevent the formation of mold and other harmful fungi or bacteria.  Ventilation may be accomplished through mechanical means, such as a ventilation fan, or naturally, by opening windows and/or doors to a home to allow for increased air circulation.

Once a mold problem has established itself in a home, it is impossible to get rid of it entirely, as it is simply too hardy.  Mold spores are likely to remain in air and household dust, and can spawn more mold.  The best approach is to control the growth of mold by eliminating moisture problems.  Mold must be cleaned up and any leakage fixed; if a water problem persists, the mold problem will return.

When a mold problem becomes so extreme as to take over large parts of a home or other building, it is often easier to condemn the structure altogether.  This ensures that a building which contains mold that is unsafe in terms of human health effects is no longer utilized. 

In recent years, many lawsuits have been filed with respect to sub-par construction or non-disclosure of the presence of mold by a seller of a property to the buyer in the course of a real estate transaction.  Sometimes, mold is discovered during the course of a home inspection, but this is not always the case.

Real estate in the State of Florida is particularly susceptible to mold problems due to the climate of the state, which tends to be warm and humid, increasing the amount of moisture in the air and in houses.  No case law or statute in Florida yet imposes an obligation on a seller or his or her real estate agent to disclose the presence of toxic mold.

Nevertheless, reputable real estate agents and agencies advise sellers of Florida real property to disclose any known mold problems to potential buyers.  Disclosure ensures that the seller and his or her agent is protected from potential future liability that may arise in the event that mold proves to be a problem for the buyer of the property that was not disclosed by the seller prior to closing, particularly if the condition results in any health problems to the buyer or other resident of the property.

Note, Contact an attorney on all legal questions or legal issues. A real estate agent is not qualified to give legal advice or tax advice and is not licensed to give legal advice or tax advice.

GBrey