If you’ve discovered mold in your home or business, New York State law (Article 32) has helpful information on how mold remediation should be handled. These regulations were created to protect you from “fly-by-night” contractors and to ensure your property is actually safe after the work is done.
CleanBright Surface Restoration is a licensed NYS Mold Remediation Contractor (License #26-6ZY18-SHMO). We provide law-compliant mold remediation and damage restoration services across Albany, Saratoga Springs, Lake George, and beyond.
Step-by-Step Mold Remediation Guide
1. Pre-Remediation Assessment
Prior to beginning any mold remediation work, a pre-assessment must be conducted by a New York State licensed mold assessor, outlining the scope of the project. This individual cannot be from the same company as the mold remediation contractors.
2. Commencement of Mold Remediation
Once the property owner has had a completed assessment, they can hire a New York State licensed mold remediation contractor of their choice to conduct the mold remediation project.
3. Post-Remediation Assessment
After the mold remediation project is complete, the New York State licensed mold assessor can conduct a post-remediation clearance assessment to ensure the mold remediation project was successful in eliminating the mold issues in the property.
3 Essentials Every NY Property Owner Should Know
1. The Right to Remediation
While New York State does not legally mandate that a property owner clean up mold when it is discovered, leaving an infestation unaddressed can compromise the structural integrity of your building and lead to long-term health concerns. As a property owner, you have the right to choose whether or not to pursue a professional solution.
2. When to Hire a Professional
Mold issues can sometimes be managed by a property owner directly. However, hiring a NYS Licensed Mold Professional is the safest and most effective course of action if:
- You are sensitive to mold or have underlying respiratory conditions.
- You are not interested in the physical labor and health risks of handling mold personally.
- You are not physically capable of performing the deep cleaning and structural drying required.
- The mold growth is extensive, hidden behind walls, or involves contaminated HVAC systems.
3. State-Mandated Consumer Protections|
New York has established strict laws to ensure that when you do choose to hire a professional, the job is done right. Once a mold professional is hired, they are legally required to follow all NYS Mold Law requirements. This includes several critical protections for the consumer:
- Conflict of Interest Protection (The Two-Company Rule): To ensure an unbiased assessment, the law prohibits the same company from performing both the initial mold assessment and the subsequent remediation on the same project.
- Mandatory Licensing: Only New York State licensed mold professionals are permitted to conduct any aspect of the mold remediation process.
- Strict Process Compliance: Licensed contractors like CleanBright Surface Restoration (License #26-6ZY18-SHMO) must follow the specific remediation plan provided by your independent assessor to ensure your property meets safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYS Mold Law
Do I have to hire a professional if I find mold in my property?
No. New York State law does not mandate that a property owner hire a professional to clean up mold. However, if you are not interested in handling the cleanup, are sensitive to mold, or do not feel capable of performing the remediation safely, you can choose to hire a licensed mold professional. Once you hire a professional, they are legally required to follow all NYS Mold Law protocols.
Does New York State require mold cleanup once it is discovered?
The state does not currently have a law that forces a property owner to clean up mold when it is found. That said, choosing not to remediate can lead to worsening air quality and structural damage. If you choose to address the issue using a professional service, the law ensures the process is handled by a licensed specialist to protect your investment.
What is the “Two-Company” rule?
This is a consumer protection law that requires a “conflict of interest” separation. The company that performs your initial Mold Assessment cannot be the same company that performs the Mold Remediation. This ensures that the specialist cleaning your home is following an unbiased plan created by an independent third party.
Can CleanBright Surface Restoration perform both the assessment and the cleanup?
To remain in strict compliance with the NYS Mold Law, we cannot perform both roles on the same project. As your licensed Remediation Contractor, we execute the cleanup based on the scope of work provided by your independent Assessor. If you haven’t had an assessment yet, we can provide a list of trusted, independent NYS Licensed Mold Assessors to get you started.
Why should I hire a licensed professional instead of a general contractor?
Only NYS Licensed Mold Professionals are permitted to conduct any aspect of the mold remediation process in New York. Licensed specialists like CleanBright Surface Restoration have the specific training, equipment, and licensing (License #26-6ZY18-SHMO) required to contain mold spores and ensure your property passes a final clearance inspection.
Helpful Resources
Don’t Handle Mold Alone.
Finding mold and navigating NYS Mold Law can be overwhelming. CleanBright Surface Restoration is here to simplify the process, protect your health, and get your property back to normal. Fill out the contact form below or give us a call at 518-608-6242 for help. We’re available 24/7/365.