Clearing a NYC Mold Violation: What Landlords Need to Know

NYC Mold Violation? How to Clear It Fast

If you’ve received an HPD mold violation in New York City, you must have the mold assessed and remediated by separate, NYS-licensed professionals, fix the underlying moisture source, and file a Certificate of Correction with HPD — typically within 21 to 90 days, depending on the violation’s class, with faster clocks for large or urgent cases. RTK provides fast, licensed mold testing and clear reporting to help you meet these deadlines and get the violation cleared.

Mold Violation? RTK Can Help

Fast mold testing, clear results, and a knowledgeable staff — RTK helps building owners and landlords get mold violations cleared quickly and correctly the first time.

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What Is a Mold Violation Under NYC Local Law 55?

Mold violations in New York City are governed by Local Law 55 of 2018 (the Asthma-Free Housing Act), which requires owners of buildings with three or more residential units to proactively inspect for and remediate indoor mold and pest hazards. The law is enforced by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

Mold exposure is treated as a serious health issue because it’s linked to:

• Respiratory problems
• Allergic reactions
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Fatigue
• Neurological issues

Key Requirements of NYC’s Mold Law

1. Annual inspections are required. Landlords of covered buildings must inspect every unit at least once a year for mold, water leaks, and excess moisture — not just when a complaint comes in.
2. Violations must be remediated within a set window. Standard violations typically carry a 21- to 90-day correction deadline depending on class and severity; urgent cases involving more than 10 square feet of mold can carry deadlines as short as 5–7 days, especially in buildings with repeat violations.
3. Landlords must eliminate the root cause. Painting or cleaning over visible mold isn’t enough — the underlying moisture or leak source must be fixed, or the violation can reopen and trigger additional penalties.
4. Tenants must be informed. Landlords are required to notify tenants about mold conditions, their rights, and the remediation process, and to post relevant information in common areas.
5. Licensed professionals are required for larger jobs. Any mold assessment or remediation involving more than 10 square feet must be handled by an assessor and remediator licensed under New York State Labor Law Article 32.
6. Assessment and remediation must be separate. It is illegal in New York to hire the same company to both test and remediate mold on the same job — this conflict-of-interest rule ensures an independent, unbiased result.
7. Documentation matters. Landlords must keep inspection and remediation records (generally for several years) and file a Certificate of Correction with HPD once the work is verified complete.
8. False certifications carry steep penalties. Certifying a mold violation as corrected when it isn’t can result in civil penalties ranging from roughly $2,000 to $10,000 per violation.

How to Ensure Your Property Stays Compliant

The most reliable way to stay ahead of an HPD mold violation — or clear one you’ve already received — is to book a licensed inspector to assess your property and confirm the appropriate precautions are in place.

Steps to Clear a Mold Violation

1. Schedule an independent, licensed mold assessment.
2. Identify and correct the underlying moisture or leak source.
3. Hire a separately licensed remediation contractor to complete the work (required by law).
4. Obtain post-remediation clearance testing to confirm the space is safe.
5. File the Certificate of Correction and required affidavits with HPD.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to fix an HPD mold violation? Correction deadlines generally range from 21 to 90 days depending on the violation’s class and severity, though urgent violations involving more than 10 square feet of mold can require correction in as little as 5–7 days.

Can the same company test and remediate mold on the same job? No. New York law requires that mold assessment and mold remediation be performed by separate companies to prevent a conflict of interest.

What happens if I falsely certify that a mold violation is fixed? Falsely certifying correction of a mold violation can result in civil penalties of roughly $2,000 to $10,000, and may affect your ability to have future certifications accepted without an HPD inspection.

Do I need a licensed professional for every mold job? Any mold assessment or remediation covering more than 10 square feet must be performed by professionals licensed under New York State Labor Law Article 32. Smaller conditions may be handled in-house, but a licensed inspection is strongly recommended if there’s any uncertainty.

How often must landlords inspect for mold? Covered buildings (three or more units) must be inspected at least annually under Local Law 55 — not just after a complaint.

Why Choose RTK

RTK is highly experienced in helping building owners and landlords resolve HPD violations. With fast scheduling, comprehensive reports, licensed and highly trained inspectors, and expedited laboratory results, RTK helps turn a mold violation into a problem solved.

Contact RTK at 800.392.6468 or schedule an inspection now.