Mold is more than an unsightly nuisance—it can pose serious health risks and cause significant property damage if not handled correctly. To properly eliminate mold and ensure a safe environment, mold remediation protocols must be carefully followed. But who bears the responsibility for making sure these protocols are carried out correctly?
The legal and practical responsibility for mold remediation falls squarely on the property owner or their designated representative. Whether the building is residential, commercial, or industrial, the owner is the key figure in ensuring the mold problem is addressed properly.
There are several reasons why the owner is ultimately responsible:
Sometimes, especially with absentee owners or large commercial properties, a property manager or facility supervisor is assigned as the owner’s representative. This person acts on behalf of the owner to coordinate and oversee the remediation process.
While the owner is responsible for ensuring that the protocol is followed, they usually are not performing the cleanup themselves. Instead, they contract professionals who are trained and certified in mold remediation.
Failure to follow the mold remediation protocol can lead to incomplete cleanup, which allows mold to return, possibly worse than before. It also opens the door to serious consequences:
Whether acting directly or through a representative, the property owner bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the mold remediation protocol is followed. That includes hiring the right professionals, overseeing the process, and verifying that all work meets regulatory and health standards. It’s not just about protecting property—it’s about safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone who lives or works there.