NYC Mold Compliance (Local Law 55 of 2018): Assessment, Remediation, and Filing Requirements
8 min read · Updated 2025-01-15
NYC Local Law 55 of 2018 requires licensed mold assessors and remediators for mold projects over 10 square feet. Learn who is covered, the assessment and remediation process, and post-remediation testing.
NYC Mold Law Requirements
What is NYC Local Law 55 of 2018?
Local Law 55 of 2018 (the Mold Law) requires that mold assessment, remediation, and post-remediation assessment in covered buildings be performed by NYS Department of Labor-licensed professionals — separate assessors and remediators (they cannot be the same person or company for the same project, to prevent conflicts of interest). The law applies to mold remediation projects covering 10 square feet or more in Class A multiple dwellings (residential buildings). It also requires landlords to keep records of mold remediation.
When is a licensed mold assessor required?
A licensed mold assessor (LMA) is required before beginning any mold remediation project covering 10 sq ft or more. The assessor evaluates the extent of mold growth, identifies the source of moisture, and prepares a written mold remediation plan specifying the remediation scope and methods. The assessor is not the remediator — they're an independent professional whose plan guides the remediation work.
Who can perform mold remediation under LL55?
Remediation of mold covering 10+ sq ft must be performed by a licensed mold remediator (LMR) — a contractor who holds the NYS DOL mold remediation license. The remediator must follow the mold remediation plan prepared by the assessor. The same company or individual cannot serve as both assessor and remediator for the same project. After remediation, a separate post-remediation assessment must be done by an independent assessor.
What is the post-remediation assessment?
After mold remediation is complete, a post-remediation assessment (also called a clearance test) must be performed by a licensed mold assessor — and it must be a different assessor than the one who performed the initial assessment (or at minimum, the assessor must be independent of the remediator). The post-remediation assessment confirms that the remediation was successful — that mold growth is no longer visible and that airborne spore counts are within acceptable levels.
What record-keeping is required under LL55?
Building owners must maintain records of mold remediation projects including: the initial mold assessment report, the remediation plan, the remediator's work records, and the post-remediation assessment report. These records must be retained for at least five years and provided to HPD upon request. Failure to maintain required records can itself result in an HPD violation.
Can a super or building staff handle small mold problems?
For mold covering less than 10 square feet, the LL55 licensing requirements do not apply — building staff can handle cleanup using appropriate protective equipment and cleaning procedures. However, it's important to identify and address the moisture source, not just the visible mold. If the same area repeatedly develops mold after superficial cleaning, there is likely an ongoing moisture problem (leak, condensation, plumbing issue) that must be resolved.
What HPD violations can result from mold in an apartment?
HPD can issue violations for mold conditions in occupied apartments. Depending on the severity, mold can be classified as a Class A (non-hazardous), Class B (hazardous), or in extreme cases Class C (immediately hazardous) violation. Mold resulting from the landlord's failure to address water intrusion (leaks, plumbing issues) is treated as the landlord's responsibility. Mold caused solely by a tenant's failure to ventilate properly is a more contested area.
What are common causes of mold in NYC residential buildings?
The most common causes: (1) Roof or facade leaks — water intrusion from above or through the building envelope; (2) Plumbing leaks — slow pipe leaks inside walls are particularly problematic; (3) Condensation — inadequate insulation or ventilation causing moisture to condense on cold surfaces; (4) Bathroom and kitchen exhaust — inadequate or missing ventilation fans allowing humidity to accumulate; (5) Flooding — from basement water intrusion during heavy rain or from burst pipes. Addressing moisture sources promptly is far cheaper than mold remediation.