Complete Guide to Mold Prevention in Rental Apartments — Causes, DIY Removal Methods, and How to Request Repairs from Management Companies

Mold in Rental Apartments — Tenant Obligations and Rights

When mold appears in a rental apartment, the question of "Is this the tenant's responsibility or the landlord's?" often becomes a point of contention. The basic principles are as follows.

Cases that are the tenant's responsibility (with restoration obligation)

• •Condensation and mold from inadequate ventilation (due to daily negligence)
• •Mold in the bathroom from neglecting to wipe down and dry
• •Mold on floors from continuously placing futons or furniture on the floor

Cases that are the landlord's responsibility (you can request repairs)

• •Mold on walls and ceilings from roof leaks
• •Mold under the floor from water pipe leakage
• •Mold from ventilation equipment failure resulting in no ventilation
• •Condensation mold from structural defects (such as insufficient insulation)

First, it's important to accurately identify the cause of the mold.

Mold-Prone Areas and Their Causes

Bathroom

The most common place for mold to develop. The cause is the combination of temperature, humidity, and organic matter (soap residue and skin oils).

Prevention essentials

• •Cool the entire wall with cold water after bathing (a rapid temperature drop suppresses mold growth)
• •Keep the exhaust fan running for 3-4 hours after bathing
• •Apply mold-prevention spray about once a week (spray after the bathroom has dried)

Window frames and sashes

Mold often develops from winter condensation. The greater the temperature difference between outside and inside air, the more condensation forms.

Condensation prevention

• •Apply condensation-prevention film (insulating film designed for windows)
• •Install a dehumidifier or place dehumidifying agents
• •Switch to insulating curtains (to prevent cold air from flowing into the room from windows)

Closets and wardrobes

These are enclosed spaces with poor ventilation where moisture easily accumulates.

Prevention measures

• •Place slatted shelving to create space between the floor and stored items
• •Install multiple dehumidifying agents (closet-type)
• •Open the door 1-2 times a week for ventilation

Walls (north-facing and exterior walls)

North-facing walls receive no sunlight, cool easily, and are prone to condensation. When chests of drawers or bookshelves are placed directly against the wall, the area behind them becomes a breeding ground for condensation and mold.

Solution: Create a 5-10 cm gap between furniture and the wall.

DIY Mold Removal Methods

Mild mold (surface discoloration)

1. Spray mold-removal spray (chlorine-based) directly on the affected area
2. Seal with plastic wrap and let sit for 15-30 minutes
3. Wipe off, then rinse with water or wipe with a damp cloth
4. After completely drying, apply mold-prevention coating spray

Moderate to severe mold (widespread area or penetrated wallpaper)

1. Spray baking soda solution (500 ml water + 2 tablespoons baking soda) → Let sit for 5 minutes
2. Gently scrub with a toothbrush
3. Wipe with water and allow to dry
4. If improvement is not achieved, use chlorine-based bleach (diluted kitchen bleach)

Important notes: Chlorine-based bleach requires proper ventilation and rubber gloves. Some wallpaper types may discolor, so test in an inconspicuous area first.

How to Request Repairs from Management Companies

If the mold is caused by the landlord's side (roof leaks, equipment failure, etc.), you can request repairs.

Steps to request repairs

1. Keep evidence: Take photos of the mold-affected area (with date and time)
2. Contact the management company in writing: Send an email or written notice describing "the fact of mold appearance" and "request for cause identification"
3. Request a cause investigation: Ask the management company or contractor to investigate the cause
4. Carry out repairs: If the cause is confirmed to be on the landlord's side, the landlord will pay for and conduct the repairs

If the management company doesn't take action

• •Contact rental housing advisory services (established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) in your area
• •Use dispute resolution procedures between tenant and rental property management company

Mold Upon Move-Out and Restoration Obligations

If mold problems at move-out are judged to result from "tenant negligence," you may be charged for restoration costs (such as wallpaper replacement).

Important criteria (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines)

• •Condensation within normal living conditions → landlord's responsibility
• •Mold resulting from neglecting ventilation and cleaning → tenant's responsibility

Keeping records of ventilation and cleaning during your stay helps prevent disputes at move-out.

Summary

Mold prevention in rental apartments is "80% prevention and 20% treatment." By incorporating ventilation habits and dehumidification measures into your daily routine, you can prevent both move-out disputes and health problems (allergies, bronchitis). If mold does appear, accurately identify the cause and handle it based on understanding the respective responsibility ranges of tenant and landlord.

A practical guide covering whether you can install add-on fixtures (water purifiers, dishwashers, bidet seats) in rental homes, how to get permission, and how to handle restoration to original condition when moving out—making it easy to improve your quality of life.