Can you still live in a house with mold?
You can sometimes stay in a house with mold, but it is not a good idea to live with it long term. Mold can irritate airways and worsen asthma and allergies. Small, isolated growth may allow occupancy while it is fixed, and larger or widespread growth often calls for staying elsewhere during removal.
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The honest answer: it depends
Whether people can stay depends on how much mould there is, where it is, who lives in the home and what the work will involve. A small area in a basement corner that is separate from the living space is very different from growth throughout a bedroom wall or inside the ductwork.
Reactions to mould vary a great deal. Some people notice nothing and others have sneezing, coughing, irritated eyes or worse breathing. We do not give medical advice or diagnose anything. If anyone in the house has asthma, a weak immune system, or is a baby or an older adult, take extra care and speak to a doctor.
Signs it is better to stay elsewhere during the work
- The affected area is large or in a bedroom or main living space
- The work will open walls or ceilings
- The house shares a heating and air system with the affected area
- Someone in the home is sensitive to mould
- The occupant already has respiratory symptoms
How we protect the rest of the house
On a typical job we seal the work area with barriers, run negative air machines that pull air out through filters and wear protective equipment. The aim is for the rest of the home to stay clean while the work goes on. In many homes people can remain in unaffected rooms, but we say plainly if the plan means you should stay somewhere else for a short time. Read our what to expect page for the usual sequence.
What you can do today
- Limit time in the room.Close the door and avoid sleeping there until it is dealt with.
- Fix the water.A dry house keeps growth from spreading.
- Do not disturb it.Scrubbing or sanding releases spores.
- Book an assessment.We tell you what is there and what it will take to fix.
Renters and condo owners
If you rent or own a condo, tell your landlord or property manager in writing and keep a copy. Ontario tenants have rights about maintenance and repairs, and a landlord generally has to keep the unit in a good state of repair. A written assessment of the problem helps everyone act. If you are not sure who must fix what, a paralegal, lawyer or the Landlord and Tenant Board can advise.
Related questions
Is the mould in my air even if I cannot see it?
Spores are always in outdoor air. The concern is active growth indoors, which an assessment can find.
Do I need to move out for the whole job?
Often not. We tell you after the assessment which rooms should be avoided and for how long.
Do you bill my insurer directly?
Yes, we work with all insurance companies.
Request a quote
Tell us what you need and we will get back to you. In a hurry? Calling is fastest.
Call about mould in your home
Call us any day. The assessment is free, and you get a written scope and price before any work begins.
Call now (416) 272-3881