Mold Remediation in Austin, TX

If you see or smell mold in your Austin home, don’t scrape or sand it, and deal with the moisture source. Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent company that serves Austin. For larger mold jobs, Texas law requires licensed professionals.

What to do in the first 24 hours in Austin

1. Don’t disturb it. Scraping, sanding or dry brushing releases spores into the air.
2. Find and stop the moisture. Fix the leak, dry the area and run dehumidifiers if you can. For a water main or meter emergency, call Austin Water at 512-972-1000.
3. Turn off the heating and cooling system if you suspect mold in it. The EPA warns it can spread mold through the building (EPA).
4. Measure roughly. Texas lets unlicensed people handle visible mold under 25 contiguous square feet. Larger areas generally need a licensed assessor and remediator (TDLR).
5. Photograph the mold, the moisture source and any damaged belongings.
6. Call your insurer if mold follows a recent leak or flood, and ask what your policy covers.
7. If you rent, tell your landlord in writing and keep a copy.

Local numbers to keep handy in Austin

Who	Why you might call	Number
Emergency	Fire, injury or gas leak	911
City of Austin	Non-emergency city services	3-1-1
Austin Energy	Power outages	512-322-9100
Austin Water	Water emergencies	512-972-1000
Texas Gas Service	Gas leaks	1-800-959-5325
Building and Trade Contractor Services	Emergency repair permits	512-974-1500
Emergency electrical inspections	Inspections before power is restored	512-974-2030
Austin floodplain office	Floodplain questions	512-974-2843

What mold remediation involves

Licensed mold work in Texas follows a set order. The assessor and the remediator must be different licensees on the same project (TDLR).

Stage	What happens	Typical duration
Assessment	A licensed mold assessor inspects, may test, and writes a remediation protocol.	Before remediation
Moisture repair	The leak or humidity source is fixed and the area dried.	Before or alongside cleanup
Containment	The work area is sealed and put under negative air.	Start of remediation
Removal and cleaning	Moldy porous materials are removed; hard surfaces cleaned.	Days, by size
Clearance	The area is inspected against the protocol.	After cleanup
Certificate	The owner receives a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation.	After passing
Rebuild	Drywall, insulation and finishes are replaced.	After the certificate

The industry standard is the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation. Check any Texas mold license on TDLR’s license search.

What it typically costs

• The size of the affected area and where it is, such as an attic, crawlspace or wall cavity.
• Assessment and testing by a separate licensed assessor.
• Containment and air filtration.
• How much drywall, insulation or flooring must be removed.
• Fixing the moisture source.
• Rebuild work after clearance.

How does insurance work for mold remediation in Texas?

Your adjuster decides what your policy covers. The restoration company documents the damage and writes the estimate the adjuster reviews. It can’t negotiate your claim for you.

• Timelines: insurers have 15 business days to acknowledge a claim, then 15 business days to accept or deny it after receiving what they need. They can take 45 more days if they explain why (TDI).
• What to photograph: every affected room, the source of the damage and damaged belongings, before cleanup.
• What the restorer documents: photos, moisture readings or residue notes, a written scope and an itemized estimate.
• Deductible: you pay it. Texas law bars contractors from offering to waive, rebate or absorb it. A contractor also can’t act as your public adjuster (TDI: know the law).
• Living expenses: if covered damage makes the home unlivable, additional living expenses coverage may pay for a hotel and meals (TDI).
• Mold certificate: keep your Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation. TDLR notes insurers generally can’t make adverse underwriting decisions based on prior mold damage when the rules are met.

Problems with a claim? Call the Texas Department of Insurance help line at 800-252-3439 or file a complaint.

What’s specific to Austin?

• Many renters. About 43% of Austin’s occupied homes are owner-occupied (43.4%, U.S. Census Bureau 2020–2024 estimate). Many households will need their landlord involved (Census QuickFacts).
• Heavier rain than the old maps assumed. The City of Austin notes that the 2018 Atlas 14 study found Central Texas is getting heavier rainfall. Current maps reflect 10.2 inches in 24 hours; updated maps reflect almost 13 inches in some areas (City of Austin).
• Emergency repair permits. The City of Austin says permits are generally required for repairs after fire and smoke damage, water and plumbing damage, electrical damage and gas line damage. Painting and small drywall repairs are often exempt (City of Austin).
• Water emergencies. For a main or meter problem, call Austin Water at 512-972-1000.

Frequently asked questions

Related help nearby

• Fire, smoke and water damage help in Austin
• Fire Damage Restoration in Austin
• Smoke Damage Restoration in Austin
• Water Damage Restoration in Austin
• Flood Damage Cleanup in Austin
• Mold Remediation: the full guide
• Mold after fire or water damage in Texas

Last reviewed: October 2026.