Mold in Texas: What Homeowners Need to Know
Expert insight by: Brad Fishbein, Licensed Mold Assessor
Updated August 1, 2025
Texas is no stranger to mold—and if you’ve dealt with flooding, water leaks, or sky-high humidity, you know how fast it can take over. From coastal homes in Houston to drywall rot in Dallas, mold is a growing concern for homeowners statewide.
This guide covers everything Texas residents need to know to detect, manage, and professionally remove mold from their homes.
🌡️ Why Mold Is a Big Problem in Texas
Texas has the perfect conditions for mold growth:
- High humidity in coastal and central regions
- Heavy rainfall and frequent flooding
- Intense heat that traps moisture indoors
- HVAC systems overworking and leaking condensation
- Aging homes with roof and plumbing vulnerabilities
After major storms like Hurricane Harvey, mold spread rapidly in homes that weren’t dried out within 48 hours.
🦠 Common Types of Mold in Texas Homes
Texas homes often face:
- Black mold (Stachybotrys) – especially in drywall and HVAC vents
- White mold – found in attics, basements, and carpet padding
- Green mold – on siding, furniture, and ceilings
- Yellow mold – seen in insulation and crawlspaces
Explore mold color types here: Common Mold Types
🧾 Texas Mold Laws & Licensing Rules
Texas has some of the strictest mold laws in the country.
- ✅ Texas requires mold assessors and remediators to be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- ✅ A mold assessment must be performed before remediation begins (if >25 contiguous square feet).
- ✅ Work plans must be submitted and followed during removal.
- ✅ You can look up mold licenses on the TDLR License Database
⚠️ Hiring an unlicensed mold contractor in Texas can invalidate insurance claims or violate state law.
💰 Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold in Texas?
Most Texas policies limit or exclude mold damage, unless caused by:
- A covered peril, like a pipe burst or storm
- Sudden and accidental water damage
- Prompt mitigation to prevent mold spread
Always check your declarations page and contact your insurer ASAP.
Need help documenting mold for a claim? Check our Insurance Claims Guide.
🧪 When to Get Mold Testing in Texas
- After flooding or a major water event
- If you see discoloration or smell musty odors
- When health symptoms (cough, fatigue, headaches) appear
- Before selling, buying, or renting a home
Texas Tip: Licensed mold assessors in Texas can legally interpret test results, unlike general contractors or inspectors.
💵 Mold Remediation Costs in Texas
| Type of Job | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small bathroom cleanup (DIY) | $100 – $400 |
| Attic mold remediation | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Crawlspace or HVAC cleanup | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Whole-house remediation | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
Costs vary by square footage, location, and material replacement needs.
🧼 How to Prevent Mold in Texas Homes
- Run a dehumidifier year-round if indoor humidity > 50%
- Ensure proper attic and crawlspace ventilation
- Regularly clean and maintain gutters, HVAC systems, and roofs
- Dry wet areas (showers, leaks) within 24–48 hours
- Monitor for leaks near water heaters, under sinks, and behind walls
Explore detailed strategies in our Mold Prevention Guide
📞 Need Mold Help in Texas?
If you think you have mold, don’t wait. Texas laws are strict—and the longer you wait, the worse (and costlier) the damage can get.
Call 1-866-871-0209 now to get help fast.
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is an ACAC council-certified Microbial Investigator. In the fall of 2012, he became a Licensed Mold Assessor in the State of Florida through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Brad has helped homeowners with over 5,000 successfully completed Mold Inspections since 2009.
