Maryland’s Tenant Mold Protection Act (SB 856) requires landlords to start a mold inspection within 15 days of a written complaint and finish repairs within 45 days. NextDay Inspect says moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and lab air testing help document compliance in DMV rentals.
— Maryland just started a new regulation system for property owners thanks to the Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act (SB 856). This is actually the first time the state has set a specific timeline for fixing air quality issues. Now, landlords have to start a professional mold inspection within 15 days of getting a written complaint from a tenant.
As we head into the 2026 spring rental season, data shows that many property managers are still trying to figure out how to update their maintenance routines to meet these new safety deadlines.
Required Response Timelines
The government created this law to set a standard for how landlords deal with mold and dampness in rental homes. This is important because health experts say these issues can cause serious breathing problems for tenants. Here are the main rules:
Initial Assessment: An official inspection has to start within 15 days of being notified.
Fixing the Problem: If mold is found, landlords have 45 days to finish professional repairs.
Keeping Records: Landlords have to keep paperwork of all inspections to prove they followed the rules, especially if there’s a legal fight over rent.
The Move Toward Professional Testing
SB 856 has really changed how evidence works in Maryland rental disputes. Before this, maintenance workers usually just did a “visual check” to see if things looked damp. But now, the law includes “dampness”, which means things like weird smells, constant condensation, or extra moisture as a legal reason for a tenant to take action. Because of this, owners need real data instead of just guessing.
Experts from NextDay Inspect say that property managers are moving away from just “looking at things” and are using technical reports instead. In the DMV area, this means using tools like moisture mapping and thermal cameras. These let inspectors find water hiding behind walls or under floors where mold grows in secret until it gets dangerous.
By using lab tests for air quality, companies can provide proof that a regular visual check would miss. Since landlords only have 15 days to start the process, these scientific reports are huge for proving they are doing their jobs and following the law.
How This Affects the DMV Rental Market
This law is a big deal for the DMV because so many of the properties here are older and have issues with leaks and bad ventilation. Legal experts say that having a third-party report is the best way for landlords to protect themselves from fines. In 2026, having this documentation is going to be a basic part of running a rental business.
Looking Forward
The Maryland Department of the Environment will probably update the state’s mold standards again by 2027. For now, the Tenant Mold Protection Act is the main rule everyone has to follow. Property owners should probably double-check their insurance and maintenance plans now to make sure they can actually get an inspector out within that 15-day window.
About the company: NextDay Inspect® is a premier provider of comprehensive home inspection and environmental testing services across Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia (Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties). Utilizing advanced technology and delivering detailed reports typically within 48 hours, NextDay Inspect® empowers homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals to make informed property decisions with confidence and clarity. The company is committed to providing reliable, thorough, and timely assessments to ensure a smooth and transparent real estate transaction process. Learn more at https://nextdayinspect.com/.
Contact Info:
Name: Khaled Alkurd
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Organization: NextDay Inspect®
Address: 46179 Westlake Dr #200, Sterling, VA 20165
Phone: (703) 450-6398
Website: https://nextdayinspect.com/
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