Unseen, Unheard - Until It’s Too Late: Mold in Condo Life

By Oksana Drahan
July 4, 2025

Mold in residential buildings can pose serious risks to both property and health, especially in condominiums where moisture often accumulates quickly. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a trusted federal authority on housing standards and guidance, offers a detailed guide on mold management and prevention.

1. What is Mold & Why It Matters

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp conditions. Even small amounts of moisture—like condensation on windows or behind walls—can promote mold growth. CMHC notes that a musty or earthy odour is often one of the first signs of hidden mold, even before visible spots appear .

For condominiums, unchecked mold can negatively affect indoor air quality, triggering health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems among residents. It can also damage building materials, reduce asset values, and lead to increased rates of maintenance and repair.

2. Common Causes in Condo Settings

According to CMHC, mold growth can result from several everyday moisture sources:

Routine domestic activities (like showering and cooking),
Moisture infiltration through leaks in windows, doors, walls, or roofs,
Damp materials – even those hidden behind drywall or under flooring – can harbor mold if they remain wet cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

3. Safe & Effective Mold Removal

How you address mold depends on the scope of the problem.

Small Areas (less than one square metre)
These can be safely cleaned in-house using warm water and unscented dish soap. Ensure proper safety gear – gloves, goggles, and a well-ventilated space. CMHC advises against bleach, as it isn’t necessary or effective for porous surfaces cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

Medium to Large Areas (more than one square metre)
In this case, hiring a trained professional is essential to manage mold safely and prevent further spread.

In both situations, the most critical step is addressing the moisture source – repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or installing dehumidifiers. Otherwise, mold will return .

4. Why Prompt Action Matters

Unchecked mold can lead to serious issues — from poor air quality and health concerns to damage of building materials and reduced property value.
CMHC emphasizes that the best defense against mold is prevention. Keeping humidity below 60%, ensuring prompt leak repairs, maintaining HVAC systems, and encouraging residents to report moisture early are all critical. These proactive steps help maintain a healthy environment and protect the building’s long-term integrity

At UrbanTec, we’re committed to bringing this expertise into every community we serve – because a well-managed building is first and foremost a healthy and thriving home.