I have seen so many stories such as this one regarding mold. (“Residents say New London housing for seniors, disabled is unsafe,” Sept. 4)

Almost every single one is in a rental unit. The landlord/owners/maintenance staff are blamed. The tenants never are. The truth, as I see it, is the occupants own some responsibility for the upkeep of their unit.

If there is an exhaust fan in the kitchen, turn it on every time you cook, and leave it on until you are done. When you boil any liquid, some of it escapes. This will be attracted to the coolest part of the wall/ceilings. If you are frying anything, tiny particles of grease are spattering into the air.

In the bathroom, if there is an exhaust fan, turn it on every time you bathe or shower. In addition, go to the Dollar Tree and buy a squeegee. Use this to scrape moisture in tub or shower walls down into the drain. The first time you notice a bit of stain on the wall or ceiling, mix a one part bleach to 10 parts of water in a spray bottle.

Jerri Phillips

Jewett City