08/24/2026
ATTENTION COLLEGE PARENTS
It’s that time of the year again! Teens across the country are moving into University dorms and off campus rentals. Within a month or two, our phones will start ringing. Worried parents will begin calling us because their child has begun having unexplained health issues.
Many college dorms and rentals are notorious for having mold. While the symptoms are sometimes respiratory issues, rashes, food intolerance, brain fog, and lethargy. We have had parents call us because their child had become extremely sick, wound up in the ER, developed POTS, became aggressive, or even had to drop out of school.
Your child may be excited about moving off to college, but there’s one thing many parents don’t think to check: the condition of their dorm room or apartment.
Dorms and rentals can be particularly vulnerable to moisture and mold because of:
💧 Leaks from plumbing, roofs, or windows
🚿 Bathroom moisture and poor ventilation
❄️ Condensation around HVAC systems
🌧️ Water intrusion from outside
👨🔧 Previous water damage that may have been covered up
🌡️ High humidity and inadequate airflow
🛠️ Age and lack of maintenance
🪛 Lack of proper cleaning and maintenance on HVAC
Mold isn’t always obvious. You may not see a large area of growth on the wall or ceiling. Musty odors, staining, bubbling paint, warped materials, recurring condensation, high humidity, or unexplained dampness can all be warning signs that deserve attention.
BEFORE YOU UNPACK… 👀
Take a few minutes to look around the room:
✅ Check around windows and exterior walls
✅ Look under and behind furniture
✅ Inspect ceilings and corners for staining
✅ Look around HVAC units and vents and the water heater
✅ Check under sinks and around plumbing
✅ Pay attention to musty or unusual odors
✅ Look for signs of previous leaks or water damage
✅ Make sure the bathroom has adequate ventilation
Take pictures of anything concerning. If you find visible mold, water damage, or a persistent musty odor, report it to the school/ landlord immediately and document everything. Most of all do not let the school, maintanance crew, or landlord gaslight you! If you have concerns stand your ground until proper changes are made or do your best to remove your child from that property. Your child’s health is too important!!
Don’t simply clean it up and assume the problem is solved. If there is an underlying moisture source, the problem will return.
PREVENTION TIPS
💧 Keep humidity under control. A small digital hygrometer is inexpensive and useful. Ideally, indoor relative humidity should generally be around 30–50%. At 60% consensation can start. Some molds only need high humidity to grow.
🌬️ Use the bathroom exhaust fan whenever showering, and leave it running afterward. (20-30 minutes)
🚿 Dry wet areas quickly. Don't leave wet towels, damp clothing, or bath mats sitting around.
❄️ Don't block HVAC vents. Keep furniture and belongings from restricting airflow.
🧹 Clean regularly. Dust can accumulate on surfaces and HVAC components and can provide particles that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Regular vacuuming and wiping surfaces helps.
🧺 Don't dry wet clothes in the room if you can avoid it. Damp laundry can increase humidity.
🪟 Watch for condensation. Persistent condensation on windows, walls, pipes, or HVAC components can be a warning sign and a place for mold to grow.
📦 Don't push furniture tightly against exterior walls. Leaving some airflow can help prevent condensation and hidden moisture problems.
🌫️ Add an air purifier with true HEPA and carbon filters. A HEPA air purifier can reduce airborne particles, including mold spores, but it does not remove mold growing on surfaces or fix the moisture source.
💦 Consider a dehumidifier as needed. If the room consistently has high humidity a dehumidifier can help. A dehumidifier needs to be emptied/maintained properly, and it shouldn't be used as a substitute for fixing a leak or building moisture problem.
If you suspect mold in your child’s apartment or dorm, reach out to us at Home Safe Mold Inspectors and Hope the Mold Dog or find a reputable mold inspector in your area.
