NYS Certified Mold remediation speacialists

Mold is more than just an unsightly stain it can harm your health, weaken your property, and even cause legal problems if not properly addressed. This guide provides clear, educational information for homeowners, tenants, and property managers on the risks of mold, when to call for help, and what New York State law requires.

• Rapid Growth – Mold can begin forming within 24–48 hours after a water leak or flood.
• Health Risks – Mold exposure may trigger allergies, asthma, respiratory infections, skin irritation, and in some cases, serious health complications.
• Structural Damage – Mold eats away at drywall, insulation, wood, and flooring if left untreated.
• Hidden Infestations – Mold often grows behind walls, under flooring, or in HVAC systems, making it hard to detect without professional help.
   

• Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria – Frequently found in homes and buildings.
• Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold) – A toxigenic mold that can produce harmful mycotoxins and requires professional remediation.
   

Mold is more than just an eyesore—it can have serious effects on indoor air quality and human health. When mold grows inside a property, it releases tiny spores and, in some cases, mycotoxins into the air. Breathing in or coming into contact with these particles can trigger a wide range of health issues, especially for sensitive individuals.

• Allergic reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
• Respiratory problems: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or worsening asthma.
• Irritation: Throat, nose, and eye irritation, even in people without allergies.
• Headaches & fatigue: Some individuals may experience brain fog, headaches, or tiredness.
   

Certain people are more vulnerable to the effects of mold exposure:

• Infants and young children
• Elderly individuals
• People with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions
• People with weakened immune systems
   

Prolonged exposure to mold can contribute to chronic respiratory illness, heightened sensitivity to allergens, and in rare cases, more severe infections.

 Mold doesn’t just damage buildings—it can also harm the people living or working inside. Fast, professional remediation is the best way to protect both your property and your health. 

• DIY (Small Areas Only)
  • Safe only for mold covering less than 10 square feet.
  • Always wear protective gear (N95 mask, gloves, eye protection).
  • Clean affected surfaces with proper disinfectants and fix the source of moisture.
  • Be aware: painting over mold is not remediation.
     
• Professional Remediation
  • Required for mold covering large areas, hidden mold, or contamination in HVAC systems.
  • Essential if the mold was caused by sewage, stormwater, or affects vulnerable populations.
  • Professionals use containment barriers, HEPA filtration, and specialized drying and cleaning methods.
     

New York has some of the strongest mold regulations in the country. 

Key points:

• Licensing Required – Mold assessors and mold remediators must be licensed by the New York State Department of Labor.
• Separation of Roles – The same company cannot perform both the assessment and the remediation. This prevents conflicts of interest and ensures fair, unbiased inspection
• Mold Assessment Report – A licensed mold assessor must provide a detailed remediation plan before work begins. Both the client and the remediation contractor must receive a copy. 
• Work Standards – Mold remediation must follow strict state standards, including proper containment, personal protective equipment, HEPA cleaning, and safe disposal of contaminated materials.
   

• Warranty of Habitability – Landlords are legally required to maintain apartments and rental properties in safe and habitable condition. This includes addressing water leaks and mold issues.
• Disclosure Rules – New York State does not require landlords or home sellers to automatically disclose mold problems. However, tenants may have legal recourse if mold makes a property uninhabitable.
• Tenant Rights – Tenants may be entitled to rent reductions, repairs at the landlord’s expense, or legal remedies through Housing Court if mold problems are not corrected.
   

1. Assessment – A licensed mold assessor inspects and prepares a remediation plan.
2. Containment – Professionals isolate affected areas to prevent mold spores from spreading.
3. Removal – Contaminated materials are cleaned, removed, or replaced.
4. Air Filtration – HEPA air scrubbers and vacuums are used to remove spores from the air and surfaces.
5. Moisture Control – Leaks are repaired, and dehumidifiers/drying equipment are used to eliminate excess moisture.
6. Verification – A final inspection ensures the area is mold-free and safe for re-occupancy.
    

• Fix leaks and water problems immediately.
• Keep indoor humidity below 50% with ventilation or dehumidifiers.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
• Regularly inspect basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
   

• Mold can grow quickly and cause serious health and property damage.
• Small areas may be cleaned safely by the owner, but larger infestations require licensed professionals.
• In New York, licensed assessors and remediators must be separate, and strict safety standards apply.
• Landlords must maintain habitable conditions and correct mold problems promptly.
   

👉 At Disaster Cleanup Services, Inc., we are fully certified and trained to handle mold remediation in compliance with New York State law. Our team works 24/7 to keep your property safe, healthy, and mold-free.

📞 Call us today for professional mold inspection and remediation. 1-800-297-9283