Mold Questions from San Diego Homeowners, Renters and Condo Owners

Look for a musty smell, dark or fuzzy spots, water stains, bubbling paint or soft drywall. In San Diego homes, common places are bathroom ceilings, closets on outside walls, window sills, under kitchen and bathroom sinks, and around AC vents. If you can see it, you usually don't need a test to confirm it is mold.

The CDC says that for some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash, and that people with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. If anyone in the home has symptoms, talk to a doctor. This site does not give medical advice.

Color doesn't tell you much, and the cleanup is the same: fix the water and remove the growth carefully. The CDC says that no matter what type of mold is present, you need to remove it. A large dark patch is treated like any other large mold problem, so focus on the size and the water source.

Small spots on hard surfaces such as shower tile or a window frame are often a household cleaning job, as long as you fix the moisture. Moldy drywall or insulation, a large area, a musty smell with no visible source, or mold after flood water are reasons to get quotes from companies that contain the area while they work.

California does not license mold inspection or remediation as its own trade, so checking credentials is up to you; the CSLB list of license classifications has no mold class. Repair work of $1,000 or more, or any job needing a permit, requires a CSLB contractor license. Also check IICRC or ACAC certifications and an insurance certificate.

No. The Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001 asked the state health department to set exposure limits, but the department concluded in 2005 that science-based limits could not be set. There is no state health limit for indoor mold, so be wary of anyone who says a test shows your home passes or fails a California standard.

Sometimes. In buildings with five or more units, San Diego County APCD Rule 1206 requires an asbestos survey before renovation and 10 working days' notice when 100 square feet or more is disturbed. Houses and buildings with four or fewer units are outside that rule, but older homes may still contain asbestos, so testing before tear-out is good practice.

Often not for small jobs. In the City of San Diego, like-for-like repairs of $1,000 or less with no electrical, plumbing or mechanical work need no building permit, and up to 100 square feet of drywall replaced as part of such a repair is exempt. Larger jobs need a No-Plan permit (IB 203). Historic homes are excluded. Elsewhere, check with your city.

Sometimes, depending on the cause. The California Department of Insurance guide (Jan 2026) says mold and flood are usually excluded, sudden and accidental water damage is typically covered, and water damage from seepage or leaks is not. Check your declarations page and call your insurer before tear-out. No one can promise coverage.

Homeowners and renters policies generally do not cover flood (CDI). Flood needs a separate policy; NFIP coverage goes up to $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for contents. On January 22, 2024, Lindbergh Field recorded 2.73 inches of rain and Chollas Creek flooded homes in Southcrest and Shelltown. See mold after a leak or flood.

Usually. Civil Code 1689.6 gives buyers of a home solicitation contract until midnight of the third business day to cancel, or the fifth for seniors. For repairs after a declared disaster, the window is seven business days. Contracts above $500 must be in writing (B&P 7159). Ask for the cancellation notice. Not legal advice.