Understanding New York's 2015 Mold Law: What Homeowners Need to Know
In 2015, New York State passed a pivotal law aimed at improving the regulation of mold inspection and remediation, called the New York Mold Protection Law. This law, which went into effect on January 1, 2016, is designed to protect homeowners, renters, and property owners from the dangers of mold while ensuring that mold inspections and remediation services are conducted by trained, certified professionals. Here’s what you need to know about the law and how it affects you if you suspect mold in your property.
Key Components of the New York Mold Law
1. Licensing and Certification Requirements
The 2015 mold law introduced strict licensing requirements for anyone conducting mold inspections, assessments, or remediation in New York. Under this law, individuals and companies offering these services must be:
Licensed by the New York State Department of Labor.
Properly trained through state-approved courses that teach mold assessment and remediation techniques.
This licensing process ensures that mold professionals are qualified and follow best practices to safely identify and eliminate mold, preventing health risks and future growth.
2. Separation of Inspection and Remediation Services
One of the law’s critical provisions is the separation of inspection and remediation services. Mold inspectors and assessors cannot also perform mold remediation on the same project. This rule is designed to avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring that assessments are unbiased and that there is no financial incentive for an inspector to exaggerate mold problems.
In other words, the company that inspects your home for mold cannot be the same one to remove it, which helps protect consumers from unnecessary or inflated remediation costs.
3. Mandatory Written Reports
The law requires that mold assessors provide clients with a written report detailing the location, size, and cause of the mold problem, along with a plan for remediation. This report must include specific steps to be taken to address the mold issue, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Health and Safety Concerns
The law was passed in response to growing awareness of the health risks associated with mold exposure. Mold can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems, allergies, and even more severe health conditions such as asthma. The goal of the law is to ensure that homeowners and tenants are protected from these dangers through proper identification, removal, and prevention of mold growth.
Why This Law Matters for Homeowners
For homeowners, renters, and landlords, the 2015 mold law ensures that mold problems are addressed by qualified professionals, preventing the mishandling of mold that could lead to continued health risks or damage to the property. The separation of inspection and remediation services also provides peace of mind, knowing that the mold inspection is impartial and accurate.
What You Should Do If You Suspect Mold
If you suspect mold in your home, it’s essential to hire a licensed mold assessor to perform a thorough inspection. Should remediation be necessary, hire a separate licensed remediation company to handle the removal. This two-step process, as mandated by law, ensures that your mold problem is addressed correctly and safely.
You can check the New York Department of Labor’s website for a list of licensed mold inspectors and remediation professionals to ensure you’re hiring certified experts.
Stay Protected with a Professional Mold Inspection
Mold Patrol NY is here to help you comply with New York State’s mold laws. We are licensed, experienced, and ready to assist with your mold assessment needs. Contact us today to schedule a mold inspection and keep your home safe and healthy.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the New York State Department of Labor’s website or consult the full text of the 2015 Mold Protection Law.