MOLD Act

The MOLD Act would establish uniform safety standards for privatized military family housing operated by private companies on military bases. The bill would require the Department of Defense to set standards for acceptable humidity levels, ventilation, and moisture control within one year of enactment. It would mandate independent third-party inspections of all covered military housing, with results reported to residents within 10 days. The legislation would also establish a 24/7 complaint hotline and website for military families to report housing hazards and would require annual reports to Congress on mold complaints, inspection results, and remediation timelines.

The bill addresses concerns that approximately 700,000 military service members and their families living in privatized housing have been exposed to mold contamination and other environmental hazards due to inadequate maintenance and oversight. Military families have reported bearing financial burdens for temporary relocation, property loss, and medical expenses related to mold exposure. The legislation would hold private housing contractors accountable through enforcement mechanisms, including withholding fees and allowing tenants to retain rent for noncompliance. If enacted, the bill would improve health protections for military families and create enforceable accountability for private housing providers.