Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

I have a mildew and mold problem in my apartment that is going to cost an estimated $10,000.00 for my landlord to repair using a company like ServPro or DryTech. Is it possible to have a regular contractor do all the demolition work, then have a professional come and spray and dry out the area, re-spray, and then have a regular contractor do the finish construction, or is it the law that the entire job must be done by a mildew specialist? I live in California.


Asked on 8/05/09, 1:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Sounds like you and your landlord are cooperating on this, which if true is unusual and commendable. As to selecting a contractor, I recommend contacting the Contractors State License Board to make a specific inquiry as to whether a proposed contractor's license allows that contractor to address any particular aspect of the problem.

I have just checked the CSLB's Web site to see if it contains any references to a special category of contractor license for mold abatement. To the extent I am able to learn, the issue of a special license category was considered by the CSLB in 2005, but no action was taken, nor has any been taken since.

Therefore, I'd suppose the landlord would be OK to hire any general licensed contractor, but I would advise him/her/it to demand that the selected contractor make a representation in writing in the contract that he/she/it has all the requisite licenses to do the work called for in the contract, including rectifying mold and mildew problems.

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Answered on 8/09/09, 1:42 am


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