Mold Removal Seattle: $1,500 to $9,000 + Renter Rules (Fixr)

National figures; we found no Seattle mold removal price.

Do this now: mold in a Seattle home

1. Find and stop the water source first: a leak, a wet crawl space or condensation.
2. Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours; the EPA says that in most cases keeps mold from growing.
3. Do not run the furnace or AC if you suspect the system itself is moldy, the EPA says.
4. Under about 10 square feet, the EPA says a homeowner can generally clean it; larger areas call for professional remediation.
5. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, the CDC says.
6. If the mold follows a sudden leak, photograph it and call your insurer.

Is it urgent? Health signs and when to call

Mold is urgent when someone in the home has asthma, a mold allergy, a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease: the CDC says people with asthma or mold allergies may have severe reactions, and immune-compromised people may get lung infections. It is also urgent when the patch is bigger than about 10 square feet or follows sewage or a large leak. A small spot on a bathroom ceiling can wait for a scheduled visit. See mold remediation for national methods and costs.

Why Seattle homes get mold

Seattle's damp season is long: Sea-Tac averages 93.4 days a year with measurable rain and 39.34 inches of precipitation, NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals show. Crawl spaces, roof leaks and side sewer backups are common sources. Seattle's rental inspection checklist fails a unit with standing water in the crawl space or walls, floors or ceilings that are soft, spongy or wet to the touch. Seattle's median home was built in 1976, the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 survey shows, and 22.8% of units date to 1939 or earlier.

Do you need mold testing?

Usually not. The EPA says that if visible mold is present, sampling is in most cases unnecessary, and no federal limits exist for mold or spores. The CDC does not recommend mold testing. Fixr puts an inspection with lab testing at $450 to $800; it can make sense after remediation, to confirm the area is clean. More in mold inspection.

Renters and landlords in Seattle

Washington law requires landlords to give tenants Department of Health information on the health hazards of indoor mold and how tenants can control mold growth (RCW 59.18.060). Seattle's rental registration inspection checklist says a building should be reasonably weather-proof and damp-free. Tenants should report leaks to the landlord in writing.

Fix the water first: Seattle help

Mold comes back if the leak does. Seattle Public Utilities credits 100% of above-normal use from a customer-side leak once per calendar year for owners who fix it within 60 days. The Office of Housing's 0% repair loans, starting at $3,000, cover roof, plumbing, sewer and water line repairs for income-qualified owners, with a waitlist. Leaks: plumber in Seattle and roof repair in Seattle.

Mold and moisture facts for Seattle, from the official city, county, state, utility, Census and NOAA pages listed under Sources.

Questions to ask a Seattle mold company

1. How will you find and fix the moisture source, or who will?
2. How will you contain the area and protect the rest of the house?
3. Do you follow the EPA's remediation guidance, and will you show me moisture readings before and after?
4. What is your L&I registration number, and can I see proof of insurance?
5. Will you ask me to sign anything that assigns an insurance claim to you? (Do not sign it.)

More Seattle guides

Water damage: water damage restoration in Seattle. Other cities: mold removal in Portland and mold removal in Denver. Calls go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job (how calls work).