The city manager will propose updates to the city code regarding regulations around mold in May.
For the first time, Austin is updating its city code to better protect renters, particularly those in smaller complexes, from mold. Currently, Austin defaults to Texas state law regarding mold, which states that landlords only need to address mold if it overtakes 25 contiguous square feet, and if the impacted property includes over 10 units.
Kut News reports:
“When we talk about healthy homes, mold often comes up as an issue of concern,” [Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, who authored the measure] said. “And there just wasn’t strong enough enforcement mechanisms for the city, for our code officers, to really lean in and to be able to have these unsafe situations addressed more quickly.”
The city manager and staff will “work with housing providers, mold experts and tenants rights groups to figure out how the city can step in” over the next several months, Luz Moreno-Lozano writes for Kut News. The city manager will present possible changes to the city code to the Austin City Council in May.
Read the full story: Austin is drafting new rules to address mold in rental housing
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