Responding to Indoor Mold Concerns: A Resource for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Is a landlord responsible for mold remediation? In rental properties, responsibility for mold cleanup might depend on its cause. If mold results from a structural issue, like a roof or plumbing leak, the landlord is typically responsible. If it stems from tenant negligence, such as an unaddressed water spill, the tenant could be liable. Tenants can document the situation, formally notify the landlord, review local laws, and consider consulting with a legal professional. They can also seek help from local government agencies, including housing authorities or programs that regulate rental properties and enforce health and safety regulations requiring landlords to remediate the issue.
What if a tenant refuses to remediate mold? Determining whether a tenant’s actions contributed to conditions that led to mold growth can be challenging. If tenant negligence is established, a landlord can pursue remedies such as requiring the tenant to correct the issue or cover cleanup costs, withholding a security deposit, or initiating eviction, as allowed by law. Landlords can document conditions, provide formal notice to the tenant, review applicable laws, and consult a legal professional. They can also seek assistance from local agencies that enforce health and safety requirements. Whenever possible, landlords and tenants should work together to develop a remediation plan. Whom should I contact for help with conducting mold cleanup and remediation actions? Consider seeking help from qualified professionals experienced in mold inspection or remediation and credentialed, certified, or affiliated with organizations such as the NEHA; AIHA; the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), or the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) (Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, 2015). There is no federal certification program for mold assessors. A small number of states, including Texas, New York, Florida, and Louisiana, require formal licensing or certification for mold assessors and often mandate specific training, examinations, written protocols, post-remediation verification, and separation between assessment and remediation roles. Most states, however, do not regulate mold assessors directly, allowing individuals to practice without a state- issued credential. In those states, professional credibility is typically established through experience, industry certifications, and adherence to accepted guidance.
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