If you see or smell mold, don’t scrape or sand it, and fix or report the moisture source. Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent company that serves your area. For larger mold jobs, Texas requires licensed professionals.
What is mold remediation?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) describes mold remediation as removing, cleaning, sanitizing or otherwise treating mold or mold-contaminated material. Mold assessment is the separate job of inspecting the building and writing a plan.
Mold needs moisture. Remediation only works if the water source is fixed and the building is dried.
When does Texas require a licensed mold professional?
- The 25 square foot rule. Unlicensed people may only handle visible mold covering less than 25 contiguous square feet. Larger areas generally need licensed professionals (TDLR mold FAQ).
- Assessment and remediation must be separate. A licensee can’t do both the assessment and the remediation on the same project. One licensed assessor writes the plan; a different licensed remediator does the work.
- Owners have some exemptions. A homeowner can, in some circumstances, remediate their own property. TDLR explains the exemptions in its FAQ.
- Licensees must give you a Consumer Mold Information Sheet before work starts.
You can check any mold license on TDLR’s license search or call TDLR at (800) 803-9202.
What is a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation?
After licensed remediation passes inspection, the remediator gives the property owner a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation. TDLR notes that, when the rules are met, an insurer generally may not make an adverse underwriting decision based on that earlier mold damage. Keep the certificate with your property records.
Why does speed matter?
The EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA). After that, mold can spread into drywall, insulation and the heating and cooling system.
How does professional mold remediation work?
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | A licensed mold assessor inspects, may test, and writes a remediation protocol. | Before any remediation starts |
| Fix the moisture | The leak or humidity problem is repaired and the area dried. | Before or alongside remediation |
| Contain | The remediator seals off the work area so spores don’t spread. | Start of remediation |
| Remove and clean | Moldy porous materials are removed; hard surfaces are cleaned. | Depends on the size of the area |
| Post-remediation check | The area is inspected against the protocol. | After cleanup |
| Certificate and rebuild | The owner receives the certificate, then repairs follow. | After passing the check |
The industry standard is the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
What is safe to do yourself?
- The EPA says most people can clean a moldy area smaller than about 10 square feet themselves (EPA).
- Wear gloves, eye protection and a mask while cleaning.
- Don’t paint or caulk over mold. TDLR notes painting or bleaching over mold isn’t an effective fix.
- Don’t run your heating and cooling system if you think it is contaminated with mold. The EPA warns it can spread mold through the building.
- For larger areas, mold after a flood, or mold in the HVAC system, get a licensed assessor first.
What if I rent?
Tell your landlord in writing and keep a copy. TDLR doesn’t inspect homes for mold and can’t order a landlord to clean it up. It also notes that buildings with fewer than 10 rental units, including houses, fall under different exemptions. Your city or county building official may be able to help.
What drives the cost?
- The size of the moldy area and where it is, such as an attic, crawlspace or inside walls.
- Assessment and any testing, which a separate licensed assessor provides.
- Containment and air filtration.
- How much drywall, insulation or flooring has to be removed.
- Fixing the moisture source.
- Rebuild work after the certificate.
How does homeowners insurance handle mold in Texas?
Your policy and your adjuster decide what is covered. The restoration company’s job is to document the damage and write an estimate the adjuster can review.
- Report the claim early. Texas insurers have 15 business days to acknowledge a claim, then 15 business days to accept or deny it once they have what they need. They can extend that by 45 days if they explain why (Texas Department of Insurance).
- Photograph and film everything before it is moved or cleaned, and keep every receipt (TDI claim tips).
- Stop the damage from getting worse, for example with a tarp or a temporary repair. TDI lists this as a step for policyholders.
- Your deductible is yours to pay. Texas law bars contractors from offering to waive, rebate or absorb it (TDI: know the law).
- A contractor can’t act as your public adjuster. A company that does the repair work can’t negotiate your claim for you or advertise that it will.
- If you can’t live at home after covered damage, additional living expenses coverage may pay for a hotel, meals and laundry. Keep the receipts (TDI on living expenses).
Stuck on a claim? Call the Texas Department of Insurance consumer help line at 800-252-3439 or file a complaint online.
How getting help works
When you call or send the form, we connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area. They inspect, document the damage and give you a written scope — you decide whether to hire them.
Questions to ask the company that comes out
- Which IICRC certifications does the lead technician hold (for example WRT, FSRT, OCT or AMRT)?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- Will I get a written scope of work before anything starts?
- Who will talk with my insurance adjuster, and what will you send them?
- If mold is involved: what is your TDLR mold remediation license number, and who did the independent mold assessment?
Frequently asked questions
Not on the same project. Under TDLR rules, a licensee can’t do both the mold assessment and the remediation on one project.
Unlicensed people may handle visible mold covering less than 25 contiguous square feet. The EPA suggests most people can clean areas under about 10 square feet themselves.
It depends on your policy and on what caused the moisture. Document the source and ask your adjuster before work starts.
Use TDLR’s online license search, or call TDLR at (800) 803-9202.
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