How to Manage Mould in your Rental Property
In the event that your rental property has mould, what should you do?
Managing Mould in Your Rental Property - The Causes, Who's Responsible and How to Fix it.
As we progress through the chilly months of the year, coupled with the heavy rains, flooding and humidity from the months before, the risk of mould increases greatly. In the event that your rental property has mould, what should you do?
Read on below and we’ll explain the best way to deal with it.
What causes mould to grow inside a home?
The ideal environment for mould to grow is in a wet or moist area that lacks proper ventilation. Mould loves to show up on walls and ceilings, especially in places like bathrooms and kitchens but they are not the only place where mould can grow. If it gets damp, it's at risk!
Some of the most common causes of mould in the home are:
- Using dryers without ventilation
- Liquid spills inside the house that haven't been properly cleaned up
- Showering in bathrooms that don’t have proper ventilation
- Cooking in kitchens without a proper extractor fan or ventilation system
- Roof leaks
- Flooring like carpets getting wet and not properly drying out
Winter is an especially risky month as the cold sets in and people are more reluctant to open windows and let air in so proper ventilation is reduced.
Why is mould so dangerous?
Mould is associated with respiratory illness and can cause serious health problems. When mould dries out or is disturbed, it releases spores which can cause illness as well as exacerbate existing health issues like asthma, respiratory infections and sinus problems.
There are many different types of mould that exist and all have the potential to cause health problems which is not something any landlord wants for their home or tenants.
Leaving mould untreated can lead to rapid spread and damage to the property. In addition to plaster and ceiling cavities, mould may also grow inside walls, behind gyprock, as well as beneath carpets and floorboards. When mould causes enough damage, it can lead to large costs for maintenance especially if it caused any structural damage.
Costs associated with professional cleaning can also add up which is why it is best to deal with it as soon as possible before it gets out of hand.
Who’s responsible for dealing with mould in a rental property?
Who is largely responsible for fixing mould growth will vary depending on how it developed in the first place. For example, the NSW guidance says:
If mould developed from a build-up of moisture because the landlord failed to repair a defective window in a reasonable time, or the property didn’t have adequate ventilation – then the landlord is responsible and must fix the problem.
If the mould developed during the tenancy because the tenants allowed a build-up of moisture by never opening any windows or not using ventilation fans in the bathroom – then the tenant may be responsible.
Landlord Responsibilities:
Property owners are required to maintain their properties in a reasonable state of repair, meet all building, health, and safety requirements, and complete all repairs within a reasonable time frame.
In the event they fail to meet these obligations, for example not repairing a leaky roof or replacing broken exhaust fans, then there may be in breach of the lease agreement.
At the start of the tenancy, the landlord must note on the condition report if there are any signs of mould and dampness. When mould damages personal property and the landlord fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the damage, tenants may seek compensation so getting addressing the issue as soon as you’re aware is really key.
Tenant Responsibilities:
Tenants must notify the landlord or agent as soon as possible if they see any signs of mould or damp developing during the tenancy.
Tenants need to ensure that excess moisture and build-up are avoided in the home. Maintaining the property, opening windows to let air circulate, using exhaust fans in the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms, and wiping down and drying surfaces are all practices tenants should be aware of and follow regularly.
How should you deal with mould in your property?
Exposure to mould can cause serious health problems and it should be removed with care, while wearing the correct protective equipment and if required, with professional help.
The process of dealing with mould is much like dealing with any other repair and maintenance issue in the property. If the tenant first spots the problem, it is their duty to inform the landlord ASAP and it’s recommended that they do so in writing. Attaching pictures or a video can also be really helpful to help understand the situation and get things rectified ASAP.
If the landlord identifies an issue, perhaps through a routine inspection then they should notify the tenant and get the process started to fix the problem. The amount of damage caused will determine the best course of action. If the mould is mild, it can usually be removed without professional help using a bleach or vinegar solution. You can also purchase special mould products to help.
- Document the situation and any damage
- Inform the other party (landlord or tenant)
- The property owner should then decide what the best course of action is based on the damage and seek professional help or assessment if required.
If the mould is causing a danger to the health of tenants or other occupants, then this may be considered an urgent repair and must be dealt with immediately - usually within a 24-hour time frame.
How can you prevent mould from appearing inside your property?
As the saying goes, prevention is better than the cure so it’s important to follow measures to help:
- Conducting regular inspections of your property throughout the year
- Encourage tenants to communicate and report any issues as soon as they arise
- Schedule routine maintenance works and address any issues as soon as they arise
- Remind tenants to adequately ventilate the property by opening windows and always use exhaust and extraction fans
Does insurance cover mould damage?
Damage caused by mould is a standard exclusion in most insurance policies in Australia and neither landlord nor tenant is likely to be able to claim on their insurance for any damage.
This is because mould growth is usually unavoidable and it doesn’t normally cause a lot of damage if it is taken care of quickly. Insurance is designed to cover unexpected events, not compensate for neglect or the inevitable.
Claiming for mould damage or for mould cleaning/removal on Landlord or Tenant insurance policies is generally not an option.
How can RentBetter help you manage mould and other routine tasks for your property?
Through RentBetter you can manage your tenancy with ease with our all-in-one management platform. We make it easy to communicate with your tenant, request and record maintenance and conduct routine inspections for your property so that you can prevent issues before they occur.
If required, the platform allows you to hire a professional to carry out the inspection on your behalf so you’re confident and can relax knowing things are in safe hands!
Property owners should get on top of any mould issues before they become expensive problems as the cost of damage caused by mould will usually rest on the party who is responsible for its occurrence.
