Mold Remediation in Rex, GA

A village without a city hall

Rex is an unincorporated community in eastern Clayton County, about 13 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta in a straight line. It had a town charter in 1912, but that charter was repealed in 1922. The historic village center grew up around Rex Mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Without a city government, every permit and code question goes to Clayton County.

Clayton County offices

• Building permits: Clayton County Community & Economic Development, in the P.K. Dixon Building annex on South McDonough Street in Jonesboro, with an online permit and inspection portal. Rebuilding framing, subfloor or large wall sections after mold removal may need a permit.
• Code enforcement: a division of the Clayton County Corrections Department that enforces the International Property Maintenance Code. The county says it doesn't handle mold itself but may address the plumbing problems and leaks that cause it. Use the Click Clayton app or portal to report.
• Public health: the Clayton County Board of Health, with an environmental health office on Battlecreek Road in Jonesboro.

Why houses here get damp

Clayton County was among the Georgia counties under a state of emergency in the September 2009 floods. Outside of big storms, the everyday causes are the Atlanta climate and the way houses are built. Hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters keep crawl spaces moist. AC runs much of the year, so ducts in crawl spaces and attics can sweat. Red clay drains slowly and keeps water near the foundation after heavy rain.

EPA's key point is that moisture control is mold control: fix the water problem or the mold comes back. Dry wet items within 24 to 48 hours. Don't paint or caulk over growth.

Renting in Rex

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 44-7-13) requires a landlord to keep the premises in repair. Georgia Legal Aid advises giving written notice of the problem and keeping copies, and says Georgia doesn't permit tenants to withhold rent. If a leak goes unfixed, county code enforcement is the place to file. This is general information, not legal advice.

Health and hiring

EPA says mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs; people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas. For symptoms, see a health professional.

Georgia doesn't license mold work specifically, and the state health department says there are no enforceable standards for it. For a job that includes rebuilding, confirm a Georgia residential or general contractor license on GOALS Verify Now. Calling the number on this page connects you with an independent local company that serves Rex and the rest of Clayton County.