Massachusetts does not have a general state license specifically for mold remediation contractors, unlike asbestos or lead work. For rentals, mold and the moisture causing it are handled under the State Sanitary Code, enforced by local boards of health, and cleanup practice generally follows U.S. EPA guidance. Rules change, so check with the state for your situation. Mold after a leak? Call (413) 603-1274.
What applies in practice
- Rentals: the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) requires owners to keep units free of conditions like chronic dampness and mold that can harm health. Tenants can ask the board of health to inspect
- Cleanup standards: EPA guidance on mold in homes, plus industry standards, set the usual approach: fix the moisture, contain, remove, clean, dry
- Related licenses: work that disturbs asbestos or lead paint has its own Massachusetts rules. Older homes may have both
- Home improvement work: rebuilding after mold removal is home improvement work, which has its own state registration rules
General information only, not legal advice. Check current Massachusetts rules before relying on this.
What to ask any mold company
- What is causing the moisture, and will you fix it?
- How will you contain the area so spores do not spread?
- What will be removed, and what will be cleaned?
- How will you confirm it is dry and clean at the end?
- Will I get photos and readings?
See mold remediation after water damage and how to check for mold after a leak.
Older Chicopee homes
Many Chicopee homes predate 1978, so painted walls may contain lead, and some older materials may contain asbestos. Opening walls to remove mold should follow lead-safe practices, and suspect asbestos materials should be tested first.
Where to find official information
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health: guidance on indoor air quality and mold in homes
- The State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410): the minimum standards for rental housing, including dampness and mold
- Your local board of health: in Chicopee, the Health Department handles housing complaints and inspections
- U.S. EPA: plain-language guidance on cleaning up mold at home
Rules and guidance change. Check the current versions from these sources before making decisions based on them.
Hiring a mold company
Because there is no general state mold license, it is worth asking about training and experience directly: who will do the work, how they set up containment, how they protect your home, and how they confirm the job is done. Ask for a written scope of work before anything starts. A company that also fixes the moisture source and dries the structure can keep the mold from coming back.
Disclosure when selling
If you are selling a home where mold was removed, ask a real estate attorney or your agent what you should disclose. Keep records of the leak, the removal and the final readings. Clear documentation that the cause was fixed and the area cleaned usually reassures buyers more than silence.
Questions
Does my landlord have to fix mold?
Mold and dampness that affect health are covered by the sanitary code. Report it in writing. See Massachusetts landlord rules.
Is mold testing required?
Not generally. It can help in disputes or when the source is hidden.
Mold after a leak? Call now
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee.