MOLD-MILDEW-TERMITES

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Let’s discuss the mold, mildew, wood rot, termite issue at Dockside Villas.  Yes it does exist and has existed for years.  The townhouses are poorly built wood frame structures built in 1987.  The land is basically landfill from other construction.  The end units have had the most issues due to three sides of the structure dealing with the harsh (hot and humid) Florida environment.  One end unit was bug-ridden with termites and termite tenting was suggested.  But, at the time the board thought this was a bad idea as the public would discover a major problem within Dockside Villas and devalue the properties.  They opted for wood replacement and chemical treatment.

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As for mold and mildew the same goes for all units but mostly the end units.  One end unit was plague-ridden with mold to the point it was remodeled to hide the issue.  It may have been purposely hidden from perspective buyers as the vehicles used to decontaminate the unit bore no markings.  This is highly unusual because companies doing this service like to advertise.  Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

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I wonder if the former owners or realtors made honest disclosures as to previous and current conditions of the properties. The Florida Supreme Court held that “where the seller of a home knows of facts materially affecting the value of the property which are not readily observable and are not known to the buyer, the seller is under a duty to disclose them to the buyer.” This obligation extends to licensees and, per Section 475.278, Florida Statutes, all licensees have a legal obligation to disclose all known facts that materially affect the value of residential real property and are not readily observable to the buyer. The disclosure can be made in writing or verbally, although it is highly recommended to make the disclosure in writing in case any issue regarding disclosure pops up later. Even if a home is being sold “as is,” the seller has an obligation to disclose known latent defects.

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As for wood rot or decayed wood from water damage, every unit in Dockside Villas has had an issue.  More than likely, underneath the faded vinyl siding is extensive wood decay and rotted insulation.  If there is the development of mold or mildew beneath the vinyl panels (which there is on most units) then there is a serious problem.