What Landlords And Tenants Can Do About Mould In Rental Homes
Summer, with its high temperatures, humidity and rainfall, is just around the corner – and that means mould season is on the way too.
We take a look at what both tenants and landlords can do to fix and prevent mould in rental properties.
What is mould?
Mould is a fungus that thrives in damp, steamy, dark and poorly ventilated conditions. It’s common in the wetter months, and bathrooms, kitchens, overcrowded storage areas, behind furniture and wall and roof spaces are all at risk. From mildew on clothes and shoes to black mould on bathroom ceilings, there are different types. Large quantities of mould spores can be a health hazard that might cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
What causes mould?
The reasons for household mould are many and varied, but they include:
- rain leaks through the roof or walls
- plumbing leaks
- surface water leaks
- water damage from severe weather events such as storms
- inadequate ventilation
- rising damp
- showering, cooking, boiling water, using clothes dryers or unflued gas heaters without adequate ventilation (such as open windows and exhaust fans)
- liquid spills
- storing water-absorbent items, such as books, cardboard boxes or clothes, in a damp area
What should I do if there’s mould in my rental home?
Mould needs to be dealt with both quickly and thoroughly. Cleaning mould and taking care of the damage it has caused could be the responsibility of the tenant or the landlord, depending on what caused the mould in the first place.
Tenants should contact their landlord or property manager as soon as they notice a mould issue. They are responsible for cleaning the mould and paying for any damage if they caused the mould. For example, if mould occurs because a tenant repeatedly allows steam to accumulate in a bathroom without opening a window and/or using the extractor fan or doesn’t clean the bathroom regularly, they are responsible for the mould.
As a general rule landlords must clean mould and take care of any necessary repairs if the mould is caused by problems with the property, such as a leaking roof, rising damp or the absence of sufficient ventilation or extractor fans.
How to remove mould
In some cases, cleaning the affected area with white spirit vinegar mixed with 20 per cent water will do the trick. In the event of a serious mould problem, a specialist may need to identify the cause and remediate the issue.
How to stop your rental home from becoming mouldy
Preventing household mould requires both the tenant and the landlord to do their bit to stop moisture build-up in the home.
The presence of mould is a good indicator of poor ventilation. Tenants should make sure that doors and windows are opened as frequently as possible to encourage airflow and move air from inside to outside. A fan can also help with this. An air purifier that removes particles from the air is an option if opening the windows isn’t.
Extractor fans should be turned on when showering or cooking, and a dehumidifier can help remove moisture from damp corners or rooms. Keeping areas like bathrooms and kitchens clean can also help prevent mould from growing.
What can landlords do to keep their investment property mould-free?
Landlords should make sure that their investment property meets minimum ventilation requirements. Openings such as windows and doors must be at least 5 per cent
of the size of the floor area of a room, and if the opening is large enough, it can also ventilate an adjoining room. Exhaust fans can be installed in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Large apartment buildings may use mechanical air-handling systems to control ventilation viaducts.
Carrying out repairs in a timely manner is another way landlords can help prevent mould. For example, fixing a leaking pipe sooner rather than later can ensure moisture doesn’t build up and mould doesn’t have the chance to grow.
And, finally…
Stopping mould in its tracks requires working out the source of the problem, and paying close attention to moisture build-up, ventilation and cleaning. Often, it requires landlords and tenants to communicate and work together.
If you’re looking for more expert Brisbane property management advice, contact our specialist team today.
Share this article: