Connecticut's New Mold Remediation Requirements: What Homeowners Need to Know

On October 1, 2026, new mold remediation requirements took effect in Connecticut under Public Act 26-100. If you are planning mold removal in your home, here is what changed, what the state's Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) says, and how to choose a contractor with confidence.

What changed on October 1, 2026

Public Act 26-100 was signed in June 2026 and adds mold-specific rules to Connecticut's Home Improvement Act. Two changes matter most to homeowners:

• Certification and registration. Starting October 1, 2026, businesses offering mold remediation on residential properties must be certified and registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC), according to DCP. The certification must come from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI), or another organization the DCP commissioner approves.

• A work standard. Mold remediation in Connecticut must follow ANSI/IICRC S520, the Standard for Professional Mold Remediation (fourth edition), or a successor revision approved by DCP.

What counts as mold remediation

DCP defines mold remediation as the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition or other treatment of mold or mold-contaminated matter in a building. DCP also notes that the HIC registration applies to residential properties, and that commercial mold remediation is not covered by it.

Mold remediation has been part of the Home Improvement Act's definition of home improvement since 2017. What is new this fall is the required certification and the S520 work standard.

Why a registered contractor protects you

Home improvement work in Connecticut requires an active HIC registration. DCP also points out that homeowners who hire an unregistered contractor are ineligible for the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund, which reimburses people harmed by a registered contractor. Registration gives you a safety net if a project goes wrong.

How to check a mold remediation contractor

1. Look them up on eLicense. DCP's public search tool shows whether a registration is active.

2. Ask about certification. Under the new rules, that means IICRC, NORMI or another DCP-approved certification.

3. Ask how they follow S520. A confident contractor can explain the plan in plain language.

4. Read the contract. DCP says it must be written and signed, and must include the HIC registration number, a project summary, a payment schedule, a cost breakdown and your three-day right to cancel. For emergency repairs, that right can be waived.

5. Compare quotes. DCP suggests getting quotes from at least three registered contractors.

6. Pay safely. DCP recommends traceable payment, such as a credit card or a check made out to the name on the registration. It advises against cash or peer-to-peer apps, and against paying in full upfront.

If water damage came first

Mold often follows water, so DCP's guidance for fire and water loss is worth knowing. DCP advises confirming it is safe to re-enter your home, since a damaged structure can have mold, structural and electrical hazards, and it notes that an N-95 mask is recommended in some cases. Contact your insurance company to start the claim; DCP points out that some insurers work with a restoration company directly. DCP also suggests hiring local and asking friends, family and neighbors for recommendations. Acting quickly on water matters, because damp materials give mold a place to grow.

What to expect from a certified team

A well-run job is easy to follow. It starts with a free estimate and inspection to find the mold and the moisture behind it. Then come containment to protect the rest of your home, removal and thorough cleaning, and a final walkthrough with you. If you want documentation for a home sale or extra peace of mind, mold testing can be arranged.

Frequently asked questions

When did the new requirements start?

October 1, 2026.

Do the rules apply to commercial buildings?

According to DCP, the HIC registration covers residential mold remediation only. Commercial mold remediation is not covered under it.

How do I confirm a contractor is registered?

Search their name or business on DCP's eLicense tool. Registration status is public.

Do I need mold testing before removal?

That is your choice. Mold testing can help with documentation, and our team arranges it whenever you want it.

Talk with our team

Mold in your home deserves a clear plan and a professional response. Call us for free estimates across Windham County, CT and Worcester County, MA.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (774) 587-2581

IICRC Certified Mold Remediation Specialist | Licensed & Insured in CT & MA | EPA Lead-Safe | OSHA 30 | Family Owned | Free Estimates

This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

Sources

• CT DCP, Mold Remediation: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/license-services-division/license-division/mold-remediation

• CT DCP, Hiring contractors for fire and water damage restoration (Oct 1, 2026): https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/knowledge-base/articles/consumer-topics/home-improvement/repairing-fire-and-water-damage

• CT General Assembly, Home Improvement Act (Chapter 400): https://cga.ct.gov/current/PUB/chap_400.htm

• Public Act 26-100: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/act/pa/pdf/2026PA-00100-R00HB-05222-PA.pdf

• Cleanfax, "Connecticut Signs Mold Remediation Reform Into Law" (June 3, 2026): https://cleanfax.com/connecticut-signs-mold-remediation-reform-into-law/

• Restoration Industry Association on PA 26-100: https://www.restorationindustry.org/restoration-blog/ria-advocacy-success-connecticut-public-act-26-100-delivering-value-emergency

Contact

Call for fast response: (774) 587-2581. Proudly serving Northeast Connecticut & Central Massachusetts.

Email

Call

Aetherrestoration@outlook.com

774-587-2581

© 2026. All rights reserved.

CT Home Improvement Contractor Registration HIC.0706473