Insurance will not pay for mold woes

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REAL ESTATE

Insurance will not pay for mold woes

The Charlotte Observer

ROBERT BRUSS

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/home/14785990.htm?

source=rss & channel=charlotte_home

Q. A few months ago we started noticing a mystery smell in our home,

which was built in the 1960s. Long story short, we hired a " mold

inspector " who said there was a leak in the flashing around our

chimney, which was causing extensive mold as the water drips under

the house. We had the roof flashing repaired, but the smell

persists. Our homeowner's insurance company refuses to pay to remove

the mold beneath the house. Do we have any recourse?

Most homeowner insurance policies now exclude or limit coverage for

damage caused by mold and fungus unless you purchased a specific

mold/fungus endorsement at extra cost.

Consider yourself fortunate if you and your family members have not

suffered any adverse health reaction to the mold. Most homes have

some mold, but usually not serious. Without insurance, however, you

are on your own to remediate the mold. Of course, when you sell the

house, you must disclose the mold problem to your buyers.