What's the difference between mold remediation and removal in Maryland and Washington DC ?

What's the difference between mold remediation and removal in Maryland and Washington DC ?

The question you should be asking is why I am even bringing this subject up ? 

Well there has been changes in the laws in Maryland and Washington DC in regards to mold removal and remediation and for homeowners, tenants , and property owners  and it's important to know the difference. So let's discuss the differences and similarities  between both locations. 

For those who don't live in either location , Maryland and Washington DC are geographic neighbors . With roads that go between neighborhoods and commercial zoned areas, if your not careful you may not realize what state or district you are in . That's important because general laws and mold laws and regulations are completely different . 

Only in the last five years , have laws in many states including Maryland and Washington DC changed due to the public concerns on how mold effects the body and how those effected react . 

In Maryland as well as Washington DC , property managers are faced with increased liability as tenants announce that they either know or fear that there is a possible mold issue .  

Also in Maryland and Washington DC, tenants and property owners and managers are faced with numerous " mold removal and remediation companies " claiming that they are the true source of how to correct the customers concerns . How does one really know what company's method is the correct one and how does one know that the mold removal and remediation has completely put the room, house or building in a healthy condition.?

Well Washington DC has in the last few years passed the Air Quality Amendment Act of 2014 § 8–241.04 which must be followed for any residential multi unit non owned unit mold complaint . I am not an attorney , but as mold remediation contractor in Washington DC and Maryland , it is my understanding that this law only covers multi unit buildings that are residential and non owned . That means if you are a tenant or building owner in Washington DC and mold has been reported , then this law must be followed . 

Here are some interesting facts about this  Washington DC mold law. ( act ) : 

• Landlords i.e property managers must use a Washington DC licensed mold remediator even if the contractor is licensed in another state . 
• If there is less than 10 square feet of mold in each unit effected , then a DC license is not required. 
• Tenants in Washington DC must report in writing or electronic mail the issue to the property manager or landlord and the landlord or property managers has seven days to respond with an inspection . 
• Landord or property manager must remediate or remove the mold ( if test is positive ) within 30 days . 
• The Washington DC court can demand a shorter period than 30 days to have the mold remediated and removed .
• The Air Quality Amendment Act of 2014 § 8–241.04 has additional requirements that should be understood . Please search and read this act . 

Maryland on the other hand actually has a law passed on the " books " but the law has not been activated . 

• Maryland did pass Maryland Mold Remediation Services Act in 2008 , but it was kept in a holding pattern until 2019 , where it was terminated . So at this point , there are no regulations or laws guiding how mold is removed or remediated  and  how property management should address the mold issue . 
• Maryland although is having " representatives of different branches of government and affordable housing advocates discussing the possibility of re introducing the idea of having a " mold law ". 

Landlords and property managers in both Maryland and Washington DC should be aware of the differences of mold laws , requirements and procedures . 

If you have questions please call Jeff Cohn with SI Restoration at 410-458-5371 . 

SI Restoration mold damage repair services are available in the following Maryland areas  : 

Towson          

Pikesville 

Catonsville 

Bel Air 

Baltimore City 

Baltimore County 

Dundalk 

Essex 

Laurel 

Parkton 

Westminster 

Aberdeen 

Hyattsville 

Burtonsville 

Bowie 

Chevy Chase

Elkton 

Gaithersburg 

Rockville 
Germantown 

Hampstead 

Manchester 

Mount Airy 

Sykesville 

Takoma Park 

Upper Marlboro