Mold Remediation in Riverdale, GA

When repairs lag

Local TV news has covered Riverdale renters who said mold took hold after a storm-felled tree broke through their rental home's roof and rain kept coming in before the roof was fixed. It's a clear example of how mold works. The tree didn't cause the mold; the weeks of water afterward did. EPA says wet building materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours, and if they can't be, assume mold is growing.

If you rent, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 44-7-13) puts the duty to keep the premises in repair on the landlord. Georgia Legal Aid says to give notice in writing and keep copies, by hand delivery with a signed copy or certified mail. Georgia doesn't allow rent withholding, and repair-and-deduct comes with real cautions. If repairs still don't happen, Georgia Legal Aid points tenants to the local housing code office; ask the city which office handles those complaints. This is general information, not legal advice.

About Riverdale

Riverdale is a western Clayton County city of about 15,100 people (2020 Census), just south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and roughly 13 miles south of downtown Atlanta in a straight line. It started as a railroad stop in 1886 and incorporated in 1908. Upper Riverdale Road, State Routes 85 and 138 and Pointe South Parkway are the main roads, and Banks Park sits next to City Hall.

Other ways water gets in

Clayton County was among the Georgia counties under a state of emergency during the September 2009 floods. Day to day, Riverdale houses face the same pressures as the rest of the metro: humid summers that keep crawl spaces damp, AC condensate lines that clog, and red clay that holds rain against foundations. EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity under 60 percent.

Permits

The City of Riverdale's Building and Permitting Division, part of Planning and Zoning, works out of its Wilson Road office and takes applications online through Citizenserve. A roof replacement or framing repair after mold removal may need a permit.

Health

The Clayton County Board of Health is the local public health agency, with an environmental health office in Jonesboro. 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, and anyone with health concerns should see a health professional.

What to ask a company

Georgia has no state mold license or certification. Ask how the work area will be contained, what will be removed, and how dryness will be confirmed. If the job includes rebuilding, check for a Georgia residential or general contractor license on GOALS Verify Now. When you call the number on this page, you'll be connected with an independent local company; mention whether the roof or plumbing has been repaired yet.