MN mold inspection: What your HOA, condo, or high-rise should know

What are Minnesota mold inspections?

Minnesota mold inspections are evaluations that look for visible mold, moisture problems, water intrusion, odors, humidity issues, and conditions that could allow mold to grow. For HOAs, condos, and high-rises, these inspections are especially important in common areas, shared systems, roofs, attics, basements, garages, exterior walls, and anywhere leaks or ventilation problems may affect more than one home.
 

Who is responsible for mold inspections in an HOA or condo?

Responsibility usually depends on where the mold is located, what caused the moisture, and what the governing documents say. In many Minnesota common interest communities covered by MCIOA, the association is responsible for common area maintenance, while owners are responsible for their units (Minn. Stat. § 515B.3-107(a)). If a roof, exterior wall, pipe, or common system causes the problem, the board should review the declaration and involve the right professionals quickly.
 

Common causes of mold in Minnesota buildings

Many mold issues start with moisture. Board members should watch for:

• Leaks: Plumbing leaks, roof leaks, window leaks, or water intrusion through exterior walls.
   
• Condensation: Moisture forming on cold surfaces, especially during Minnesota winters.
   
• Poor ventilation: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and mechanical areas that do not vent moisture well.
   
• High humidity: Indoor humidity that stays too high for too long, especially in basements or shared spaces.
   
• Ice dams: Winter roof conditions that allow water to back up and enter the building.
   
• Foundation seepage: Water entering through basement walls, slab areas, or crawl spaces.
   
• HVAC issues: Clogged drain lines, poor airflow, or damp mechanical equipment.
   
• Delayed repairs: Small water problems that are not dried or repaired quickly enough.

Visual inspection vs. mold testing

The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend mold testing in many cases, especially as the first response to an indoor air quality concern. Instead, it recommends careful visual inspection, recognizing moldy odors, and focusing on areas with signs of moisture or suspected water problems. Testing may still be useful in some situations, but it should not replace finding and fixing the moisture source.
 

What a mold inspection report may include

A mold inspection report may include:

• Photos: Images of visible staining, growth, water damage, or affected materials.
   
• Moisture readings: Measurements showing where materials may still be damp.
   
• Affected locations: A clear list of rooms, units, common areas, or building systems reviewed.
   
• Likely moisture sources: Notes on what may be causing the problem, such as a leak, condensation, or ventilation issue.
   
• Ventilation concerns: Observations about airflow, exhaust fans, or humidity control.
   
• Recommended repairs: Practical next steps for fixing the moisture source and affected materials.
   
• Further evaluation: Notes on whether additional inspection, contractor review, or remediation may be needed.
   
• Lab results, if sampling is done: Air, surface, swab, or tape sample results, when testing is part of the inspection.

MN mold inspection tips

1. Look out for warning signs.

   Avoid the problem of dealing with mold entirely by looking out for any warning signs that lead to it building and addressing them immediately. The longer you wait, the more you will potentially have to deal with later.
   
   The first sign is most likely dampness or water in rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen. You can feel moisture along floorboards, or it can also appear as a discoloration on the ceiling. This is often due to leaks from the floor above, but any water leakage will do for mold to start growing.
    

2. Check the attic.

   Have you been in your attic recently? Even though attics are where we store our junk for years to come, it is important to look in this room and inspect it thoroughly every once in a while. What you want to look for is dampness, water stains, or actual mold that is forming.
   
   Particular places of interest should be the floor joists, roof decking, and underneath and behind the insulation. One of the mold’s favorite places to build is the paper backing on fiberglass insulation. Confirm that this area is clear before you move on!
    

3. Inspect the roof and ceilings.

   Once you’ve completed a thorough look at the attic, continue your inspection by going to the roof and ceilings. A leaking roof is a direct avenue toward a moldy attic. Beyond cracks or holes, properly check that the flashing is installed around vent pipes and air conditioning units. It benefits you in the end because it will direct drainage off the roof.
    

4. Invest in a dehumidifier.

   A good investment during these dewy and damp times is a dehumidifier, especially if it’s not already built into your HVAC system. Your humidity levels should always be kept below 50% since anything higher can create the dampness needed to produce mold.
    

5. Slope away.

   When talking about sloping around your home and surrounding buildings, you want it angled downward and away from the structure. If the ground is sloping towards the structure, the base can collect rainwater that comes its way and easily creates dampness around the structure where mold may grow.
   
   If you suspect that there’s a drainage issue within the community, contact your association management company to investigate. (Click here to read about community drainage risks).
    

6. Trim regularly.

   Despite trimming during the warmer weather for aesthetic purposes, there are other reasons to be trimming regularly. If trees and shrubs become overgrown, the collection of dead leaves and underbrush creates a shady, moist place for mold to grow.
    

7. Don’t wait; take action.

   There’s no need to play any waiting games once you notice the slightest amount of mold forming. Call a qualified professional to manage the problem and provide you with a more in-depth examination of the problem.
   
   They will usually investigate with a digital hygrometer. This tool monitors the humidity levels in different areas of the home, and it detects which areas of the home would be most appealing to mold. Since there are different types of mold, they may also take a core sample of it so that they know how to best take care of the problem using a custom plan. If a professional association management company manages your community, your association manager can provide you with many options for a qualified mold inspector.

About FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential supports Minnesota communities with local expertise and dedicated service. Our teams assist with communication, maintenance coordination, financial management, documentation, and 24/7 customer care, all designed to simplify life for board members and residents alike.

To learn how FirstService Residential can support your association, contact our team today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.