Mold in a Commercial Building: A Texas Guide for Tenants, Property Managers, and Building Owners

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

---

 

Commercial mold concerns can create uncertainty for tenants, property managers, and building owners alike. Unlike residential properties, commercial buildings often involve multiple stakeholders, occupied workspaces, lease agreements, facility operations, and business continuity concerns.

When mold is suspected in a leased commercial property, understanding the process can help everyone involved respond effectively and make informed decisions.

Why Mold Concerns Occur in Commercial Buildings

Mold growth is not caused by a building being commercial or residential. The underlying issue is usually moisture.

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), mold develops when building materials remain wet or moist for extended periods of time.

In commercial environments, moisture sources may include:

• • Roof leaks

• • Plumbing failures

• • HVAC condensation

• • Building envelope issues

• • Flooding events

• • Tenant improvements or construction activities

Because many commercial buildings operate continuously, moisture issues can sometimes go unnoticed until odors, visible growth, or occupant complaints emerge.

Signs of Mold in a Commercial Building

Musty Odors

One of the most common triggers for commercial mold investigations is a persistent odor that employees or occupants cannot identify.

Visible Growth

Discoloration on ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation, or around HVAC systems may indicate mold growth or moisture intrusion.

Water Damage Events

Leaks from roofing systems, pipes, or HVAC equipment often prompt further investigation.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns

Occupants sometimes report discomfort, unusual odors, or concerns about building conditions following water-related incidents.

What to Do If You Suspect Mold in Your Commercial Space?

Commercial tenants are often the first to notice changes in their leased space.

When concerns arise, tenants should:

• • Document observations

• • Take photographs when appropriate

• • Record locations of concerns

• • Notify property management promptly

• • Share any relevant history of leaks or water damage

Providing detailed information can help property managers investigate the issue more efficiently.

How Building Owners and Property Managers Investigate Mold Concerns

The primary objective is to identify the source of moisture. Investigations often include:

Roof Systems

Commercial roofing issues are a common contributor to moisture intrusion.

HVAC Equipment

Condensation, clogged drain lines, and equipment malfunctions can introduce moisture into occupied spaces.

Plumbing Systems

Leaks may affect multiple suites or floors before becoming visible.

Building Envelope Components

Windows, doors, exterior walls, and penetrations can allow water intrusion during severe weather events.

Understanding the source is critical because correcting moisture issues is often the most important step in preventing future mold growth.

When Should a Commercial Property Schedule Mold Testing?

Not every moisture event requires mold testing. However, there are circumstances where a professional assessment may provide valuable information.

Examples include:

• • Recurring moisture problems

• • Significant water damage

• • Ongoing tenant complaints

• • Planned remediation activities

• • Documentation requirements

• • Insurance-related investigations

A licensed mold assessment consultant can help evaluate conditions and determine whether additional testing or remediation planning is appropriate.

Who Should Hire the Mold Assessment Consultant / Mold Testing Company?

In commercial properties, the answer varies. Depending on the situation, the mold assessment professional may be retained by:

• • Building owners

• • Property management companies

• • Insurance representatives

• • Legal counsel

The appropriate approach often depends on the circumstances and objectives of the investigation.

What Happens During a Commercial Mold Assessment?

Commercial mold assessments are designed to gather objective information about building conditions.

The process may include:

Visual Evaluation

Inspecting areas where moisture intrusion or mold growth is suspected.

Moisture Mapping

Identifying areas of elevated moisture within walls, ceilings, and flooring systems.

HVAC Evaluation

Reviewing mechanical systems that may contribute to moisture or indoor air quality concerns.

Sampling

When appropriate, air or surface samples may be collected and analyzed by a laboratory.

Reporting

The findings are documented and presented to stakeholders to support decision-making.

Who Receives the Mold Test Results?

For commercial properties in Texas, the mold assessment report generally goes to the client who hired the licensed mold assessment company. If the property manager hires the assessor, the property manager is typically the client. If the building owner hires the assessor, the owner is typically the client.

Because commercial buildings often involve multiple parties, tenants, property managers, and owners should discuss reporting expectations before testing begins. If more than one party needs the report, the client may need to authorize the mold assessment company to share the results with those parties.

TDLR requires licensed mold professionals to provide the Consumer Mold Information Sheet to the client and to the property owner if the owner is not the client. That requirement is separate from the full mold assessment report.

What Happens If Mold Is Confirmed?

If mold growth is identified, the next priority is addressing the moisture source. TDLR notes that simply treating visible mold without correcting the underlying moisture problem is unlikely to provide a lasting solution.

Depending on the circumstances, the response may include:

• • Moisture source correction

• • Removal of affected materials

• • Professional remediation

• • Verification testing

• • Occupant communication

• • Return-to-service planning

Each building requires an approach based on its specific conditions.

Why Documentation Matters

Commercial mold concerns often involve multiple parties.

Tenants want clarity about their workspace. Property managers need reliable information to guide decision-making. Building owners must understand conditions affecting their assets.

Independent documentation helps ensure that decisions are based on observations, measurements, and objective findings rather than assumptions.

Moving Forward with Confidence

A musty odor or water stain does not automatically mean a building has a significant mold problem. However, moisture-related concerns should not be ignored.

The most effective response is usually a structured process:

1. 1. Document the concern.

1. 1. Investigate the moisture source.

1. 1. Correct the underlying issue.

1. 1. Engage licensed professionals when appropriate.

1. 1. Make decisions based on verified information.

For commercial tenants, property managers, and building owners across Texas, that approach provides a clear path forward while helping protect people, property, and business operations.

When questions arise, reliable information and qualified professionals can help replace uncertainty with clarity.