Indoor mold has become a growing concern for residents of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, yet it often only receives attention when high-profile cases arise. Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made headlines over a $27 million mansion dispute that involved significant mold issues. However, while Altman’s case drew media attention, countless lower-income tenants across the city suffer from similar problems without the financial resources to fight back.
Mold Lawsuits in San Francisco Highlight Widespread Issues
Mold infestations in rental units have sparked tenant lawsuits and rent strikes in San Francisco, exposing the failure of landlords to address these hazardous conditions. One major example is the ongoing dispute between tenants and Veritas Investments, one of the city’s largest landlords. The Veritas Tenants Association launched a rent strike, citing mold infestations, leaks, and other serious habitability concerns that the company allegedly failed to resolve.
These cases highlight a broader problem—many tenants lack the legal and financial means to fight mold-related health hazards, leaving them trapped in unsafe living conditions.
What Mold Regulations Exist in California?
California has some of the strongest tenant protection laws in the country, but mold regulation remains inconsistent. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has established guidelines on indoor mold exposure, outlining potential health risks and recommending remediation best practices.
However, California law does not require landlords to test for mold, nor does it mandate licensing for mold inspection or remediation professionals. This creates a significant gap in oversight, allowing unqualified individuals to conduct mold-related services without state regulation.
The Need for Licensing in California
While states like Florida and Texas have strict licensing requirements for mold professionals, California has yet to implement similar regulations. Industry experts argue that without licensing standards, unqualified contractors may misdiagnose mold issues or fail to perform proper remediation, putting residents at risk.
Eric Andrews, CEO of Mold Inspection & Testing San Francisco, believes California needs immediate regulatory action:
“The State of California should implement licensing for mold-related professionals to recognize the seriousness of these issues and protect the consumers of the State of California. Other states such as Florida and Texas have implemented similar licensing to ensure the people offering these services know what they are doing.”
A Call for Action
San Francisco’s mold crisis is not limited to high-profile lawsuits—it’s a citywide problem affecting thousands of renters. As mold-related health concerns continue to grow, stronger state regulations are needed to ensure proper remediation and hold landlords accountable. Implementing licensing requirements for mold professionals would be a crucial step in protecting both renters and homeowners from the dangers of mold exposure.
