Black Mold Removal in Fife, WA

Why do Fife homes get damp underneath?

Fife sits on low, flat tideflat land reaching out from the Port of Tacoma, about 27 miles from Seattle. Southern parts of the city are in the Puyallup River floodplain, and in some areas the water table is only 10 to 15 feet below the ground. That kind of setting keeps soil wet for much of the year, so crawl spaces, lower walls and anything stored near the floor can stay damp long after rain stops. Add winter condensation on cold windows and bathrooms that don't vent well, and black growth has steady fuel. A vapor barrier on crawl space soil, working gutters and downspouts, and running heat and fans in winter all help.

I'm renting. Who can help?

Start by telling the landlord in writing about the leak or moisture, as Washington DOH recommends. Landlords must keep units reasonably weathertight and fix building problems such as leaks or failed ventilation, and RCW 59.18.070 gives them set times to start repairs after written notice. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has said it doesn't have regulatory power over rental housing issues, even as it has seen more complaints such as mold, so the landlord-tenant process is usually the main route. This is general information, not legal advice.

What should I ask a black mold removal company?

• Is it registered with Washington L&I as a construction contractor? Washington has no state mold license, so check L&I's Verify tool.
• Where is the moisture coming from, and who will fix it?
• How will the work area be contained, and what material will be removed?
• How will it show the area is dry and clean at the end?
• What does the written price include? Angi's Seattle cost guide reports a typical job at $1,008 to $2,967.

Permits in Fife

If removal opens walls or floors that need rebuilding, the City of Fife Community Development Department issues building permits. Its municipal code also has a flood damage prevention chapter run by the community development director, so ask about it for homes in the floodplain. Keep photos of the damage and copies of every bid; they help with an insurance claim and answer questions if you sell the home later.