NYS Licensed Mold Inspection, Mold Testing & Mold Removal
RescueDry offers professional and safe mold inspection and mold removal services for residential and commercial properties in Nassau, Suffolk counties, Queens, and Brooklyn NY. Our dedicated team is NYS licensed to perform both mold inspection and mold remediation. We're insured and comply with all NYS mold laws. We work with latest remediation equipment to restore your property to its pre-damage condition, creating a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.
What is Mold?
Mold, a multi-cellular fungus akin to mushrooms and yeast, manifests in various colors and textures—fuzzy, slimy, or powdery—often emitting a musty odor when abundant. Its growth hinges on three essentials: water/moisture, an organic food source (like paper, fabric, sheetrock), and appropriate temperature.
​
Excessive moisture is the catalyst for mold, spurred by plumbing leaks, roof/window leaks, high humidity, flooding, or condensation due to poor ventilation or insulation. While mold-proofing is unattainable, managing its growth is feasible by regulating indoor humidity and rectifying water leakage issues.
Addressing the root cause of moisture is imperative to thwart mold resurgence in the future.
Mold & Spores Sampling
In most cases, air sampling and mold testing are not necessary. Mold is a natural part of the environment. There is always some mold in the air and on surfaces. Sampling will almost always reveal the presence of mold or mold spores. There are no national or state standards for “safe” levels of mold. A thorough visual inspection is the most important step to identify mold problems and determine cleanup strategies.
Mold, a natural fungus, poses serious issues when it proliferates indoors due to moisture infiltration. Various mold strains can harm property and health by emitting spores and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Heavy exposure to these spores or VOCs may lead to headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, throat and eye irritation, allergic rhinitis, asthma, coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues.
What is Mold Inspection or Assessment?
Mold assessment, or a mold remediation plan, is a document prepared by a mold assessor who performs the initial visual mold inspection and assessment of the property for mold growth. This may include the use of a moisture meter, infrared camera, borescope cameras and/or mold sampling. It should identify the underlying source of moisture causing the mold growth (when possible).
​
This plan will identify how to remedy the moisture issue and the mold remediation methods to be used for cleanup. It should also have the post -remediation criteria that must be met to consider the cleanup complete. In NYS its a law to order a mold inspection through a licensed mold assessor, if there are more than 10 square feet of combined visible mold inside the residence.
Mold Assessment report should comply with NYS mold laws
Mold Remediation plan should comply with NYS laws and be specific to how remediation steps to take care of
Mold Removal or Remediation
Mold Remediation Plan is created as part of the Mold Inspection report. This is pre-requisite for any mold removal or remediation steps. Its a project-specific report, aiming to eliminate moisture sources and visible mold growth and it typically includes:
Containment: Set up barriers to prevent mold spores from spreading during remediation.
Material Removal: Safely remove and dispose of heavily contaminated materials.
Cleaning and Disinfection: Thoroughly clean and disinfect affected surfaces with EPA-approved solutions.
HVAC System Inspection: Inspect and clean HVAC systems to prevent mold spread.
Verification: Conduct clearance testing to ensure effective remediation.
Prevention Measures: Implement strategies to prevent future mold growth, such as addressing moisture issues.
Documentation: Maintain detailed records of the remediation process.
Occupant Communication: Keep occupants informed about the remediation process and safety precautions.
Mold Regulations & HPD Violations
The New York State Department of Labor does not require you to clean up mold on your property. However, if you decide to have someone assess and remediate an area of mold that is larger than 10 square feet of mold, you must use a New York licensed mold removal contractor to do the work. You must first have a Mold Inspector or Assessor do an inspection and complete a Mold Remediation Plan. You will then hire a Mold Remediation Contractor to do the work outlined in the plan. New York State Mold Law, Article 32 prevents licensed mold companies and their staff from conducting both assessment and remediation on the same property. While one company can perform initial and post-cleanup clearance assessments, a separate company must handle the actual cleanup work.
Class B and Class C mold violations from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) require a NYS-licensed mold assessment company to identify the mold issue, determine underlying causes, and compile an inspection report.
An affidavit of mold assessment is required to certify that the violation has been corrected.
Safe & Effective
Members of our team are NYS insured and licensed in Mold Inspection and Mold Removal. We comply with NYS Mold Law and take all the necessary safety steps before and during remediation.
In addition, we're IICRC.org certified in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Applied Specialty Drying (ASD) techniques. So we understand how to prevent mold growth in the future.
Why RescueDry?
Latest Technology
Using right equipment for mold remediation ensures effective removal, reduces health risks, and prevents mold from spreading. Advanced tools like HEPA air scrubbers, moisture meters, and dehumidifiers enhance precision, making it easier to detect hidden mold, properly dry affected areas, and improve air quality. This leads to faster remediation, better long-term results, and compliance with safety standards, ultimately saving time and costs by avoiding recurring mold problems.
Mold Regulations & HPD Violations
The New York State Department of Labor does not require you to clean up mold on your property. However, if you decide to have someone assess and remediate an area of mold that is larger than 10 square feet of mold, you must use a licensed mold professional to do the work. You must first have a Mold Assessor do an inspection and complete a Mold Remediation Plan. You will then hire a Mold Remediation Contractor to do the work outlined in the plan. New York State Mold Law, Article 32 prevents licensed mold companies and their staff from conducting both assessment and remediation on the same property. While one company can perform initial and post-cleanup clearance assessments, a separate company must handle the actual cleanup work.
Class B and Class C mold violations from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) require a NYS-licensed mold assessment company to identify the mold issue, determine underlying causes, and compile an inspection report.
An affidavit of mold assessment is required to certify that the violation has been corrected.
Post Mold Remediation
Once your Mold Remediation Contractor has done the work, the Mold Assessor must do a post-remediation assessment. The project is complete when the Mold Assessor issues a written passed clearance report that states:
- the work area is free from all visible mold
- all work has been done according to the Mold Remediation Plan and Contractor Work Plan
- the clearance criteria listed in the Mold Remediation Plan was met.
​
If the cleanup work was not successful, the Mold Assessor will write a final status report listing what needs to be done to receive a passed clearance report. The final status report will be given to you and the Mold Remediation Contractor.
You should use the same Mold Assessor who wrote the Mold Remediation Plan to do the post-remediation assessment, but this is not required.
How to check for Mold in your home?
Its always best to invite a licensed Mold Assessor to perform a thorough mold inspection. However you can
also identify mold at home, by watching for the following signs:
​Visible Mold: Black, green, or white spots, often fuzzy or slimy, on walls, ceilings, or furniture.
Musty Odor: Persistent earthy smell, especially in enclosed spaces.
Water Damage: Stains, discoloration, or peeling paint after leaks or moisture exposure.
Allergy Symptoms: Increased sneezing, coughing, or asthma symptoms at home.
Condensation: Excess moisture on windows, walls, or around pipes.
Hidden Mold: Check behind wallpaper, under carpets, and in HVAC systems for musty smells or damp spots.
Warped Materials: Buckling wood or warped walls from past water damage.
Leaky Areas: Mold often grows near roof or plumbing leaks.
High Humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 60% to prevent mold growth.
Inspect damp areas regularly and address moisture issues to prevent mold.
HPD classes of Mold Violations and how to cure them
Class A Violation
Issued for the presence of mold that’s less than 10 sq. ft. in a room within a dwelling unit.
OR less than 30 sq. ft. in any one level, hallway, or common area (or 50 sq. ft. in the aggregate).
Class A Violations from HPD must be corrected and certified within 90 days
Class B Violation
Issued for the presence of mold that’s between 10 to 29 sq. ft. in a room within a dwelling unit.
OR more than 30 sq. ft. in any one level, hallway, or common area (or 50 sq. ft. in the aggregate).
Class B Violations from HPD must be corrected and certified within 30 days.
Class C Violation
Issued for the presence of mold that’s more than 30 sq. ft. in a room within a dwelling unit.
Class C Violations from HPD must be corrected and certified within 21 days.
How to cure the violations for Buildings with 10 or more units?
Class A Violations:
​Complete and notarize form AF-7 (Affidavit of Compliance).
Once an HPD inspection verifies that the mold issue has been corrected, the violation will be dismissed.
If there has not already been an HPD inspection indicating that the condition is corrected, then file for a Dismissal Request and pay the appropriate fee for a reinspection.
​
Class B or Class C Violations:
Complete and notarize form AF-8 (Affidavit of Compliance).
You are REQUIRED to hire an NYS licensed mold assessment company and an NYS licensed mold remediation company.
- Submit the following from the licensed mold assessor:
- A copy of the mold assessor’s license
- Affidavit of Mold Assessment
- Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mold assessor’s filing receipt under Administrative Code Section 24-154
- Submit the following from the licensed mold remediation
- A copy of the mold remediator’s license
- Affidavit of Mold Remediation
- Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mold remediator’s filing receipt under Administrative Code Section 24-154
- If there has not already been an HPD inspection indicating that the condition is corrected, then file for a Dismissal Request and pay the appropriate fee for a reinspection.
Once an HPD inspection verifies that the mold issue has been corrected, the violation will be dismissed.