Cleaning and Stain Removal - Mold found in basement

ok, details first.
Basement is finished approx 900 sq ft. Carpeted floor.
It has been dry, never wet.
Dehumidifier runs mostly in summer, occasionally in winter. In the summer, I empty the drip pan at least once daily (to ensure continual operation).
In a double door storage closet built along the North wall, we have found some mold on the lower portion of the walls (closet dimensions are 3 foot deep by 12 foot long). It has been there for a long long time (meaning potentially years). We saw the black smudges, but thought they were scuffs from the boxes we have in there.
Mold is splotchy and is growing up the wall. Highest point is about 12" high.
I cut a small hole and the drywall is fine.

Ok, I spoke to a professional remediation company. They told me it is most likely just because there is no circulation in this back closet. Verbal bid (over the phone) was $1300 to remediate and perform air change out.

Do I have to remediate? This seems so small, I can get one of the mold cleaning products from the websites herein to clean. Also, we do not have any health/breathing problems.
Also, this company has my name, address, phone, etc. If I don't have them remediate, am I in violation of any law?
What about disclosure when selling the property? We are not moving for along time, but eventually we will.

Thanks for the help.
:confused:

What i would do is get another deumidifer and run back there...leave the hole cut in your drywall for awhile and run a fan directly up against the hole to circulate air into the wall itself. You may want to consider installing a circulation or exhaust fan in that room. Clean the effected areas with either like you said a mold/mildew treatment or it its not too bad.. 4 parts water 1 part bleach. If there is carpet in that room. Check underneath it for any problems. Is the subfloor sealed?

If not i would up carpet and do so to help with moisture wicking up from the concrete. Mold/mildew in your home is basicly your problem. The company can not "turn" you in. Basicly they can just suggest the best possible action. If it was rental or a bussiness that may be different.

When you sell your property most states have sections on your disclosure that will ask you if you have KNOWN or HAD any water or sepage problems in the basement or house. And if so, what did you do to correct it.

If you do hire a professional save any invoices or inspection reports they give you to go along with that disclosure...it will help the selling process.

I went to buy a house not too long ago..and they said they didnt know of any problems...inspector found mold in the ceiling raftors...they didnt want to fix the problem which is not illegal. Why did i mention this? Because after they didnt fix the issue.................I didnt buy the house. It still sits unsold months later. Just a story from personal experience.

Thanks doc.

:thumbup:

Reducing humidity with dehumidifier and improving air circulation by removing fans and leaving closet door open may resolve your mold and mildew problems. Surfaces affected by mold and mildew should be disinfected with bleach/water solution.

A little mold & mildew on a closet wall that is kept closed is no cause for alarm and no cause to call in mold remediation experts. Mold & mildew spores are everywhere in the air. When they find a dark, damp, poorly ventilated area, they tend to settle in. Keep mildew prone surfaces clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Keeping sprayed with disinfectant is also helpful. Avoid overcrowding closet and stacking boxes that would prevent adequate ventilation. Stored items should have good air circulation around them and should not block air circulation. Leaving closet door open will improve air circulation into area.