Mould in a Rental Property – Who is Responsible for Cleaning Up?

Mould Outbreaks: Who Bears The Responsibility in Rental Properties?

Wondering what to do if your place gets hit with a mould invasion that’s a health risk? In Australia, with all our rain and humidity, mould can pop up fast, especially in damp spots at home.

When mould appears in your rental property, it’s normal to question who is responsible for addressing it. The response to this question is dependent upon several factors.

Mould poses a serious health risk

Did you know that mould isn’t just some pesky house problem –  it’s a health hazard too! Picture this: it loves hanging out in damp places, especially when it’s rainy outside. And once it settles in, it’s like the ultimate house guest that just won’t leave.

You might spot it creeping around in your kitchen, bathroom, or even hiding under your pile of clothes. But here’s the kicker: when mould dries up or gets disturbed, it releases these tiny spores that can mess with your health big time. Like, we’re talking rashes, sinus troubles, asthma attacks, and those annoyingly itchy, red eyes. So, next time you see mould, don’t just brush it off—take it seriously!

Where is it coming from?

Mould thrives in environments with poor ventilation and high moisture levels, such as on wood, tiles, insulation, beds, walls, and ceilings.

Common causes of mould include:

• Rising humidity levels
• Rainwater leaking through walls or roof
• Poor ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries
• Indoor plumbing leaks

Identifying the initial cause of mould growth determines who is responsible for addressing it. If a structural issue is at fault, the landlord is typically accountable for repairs. On the other hand, if mould develops due to inadequate cleaning or lack of using ventilation, the tenant  may be held liable.

As a renter, what should you do?

Preventing mould in a rental property is important for maintaining a healthy living environment and avoiding potential damage to personal belongings. Here are some steps tenants can take:

• Ensure that there is airflow in the property, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking, showering, or doing laundry.
• Use a dehumidifier if needed, especially during wet seasons.
• Regular cleaning helps prevent mould growth, in areas such as sinks, bathtubs, and windowsills.
• Communicate with the landlord or property manager regarding any issues or concerns related to mould in the property.

If you find mould resulting from a problem that falls under the landlord’s responsibility, promptly inform your landlord or property manager and request a resolution. Should they fail to provide a solution, issuing a notice to address the breach or pursuing legal action is an option.

Regardless of the cause, renters should inform their landlord or property manager in writing as soon as possible.

To proceed, once the mould growth is discovered, take pictures of it. Maintain a log of all correspondence with your landlord or rental agency, as well as any steps you take to resolve the problem in your house, such cleaning or moving personal items out of the way.

Maintaining documentation of attempts to reduce any harm to property is essential when requesting reimbursement for damages incurred. 

As a landlord, what should you do?

It’s crucial to respond quickly if there is a structural integrity issue with your property. It is your responsibility as the owner to make sure the property is kept in a fair condition of repair and habitability. Here are some steps property owner’s can take to minimise the likelihood of mould growth: 

• Make sure signs of moisture/mould are detected at routine inspections, this way the signs can be caught early on to prevent future problems.
• Ensure all ventilation and exhaust fans are working correctly. 
• Fix any plumbing leaks, roof leaks, or other sources of moisture quickly.
• Engage professional cleaning of air-conditioning units and ducted systems regularly.
• If mould is persistent – hire a professional mould remediation company to properly remove the mould and address the underlying moisture issue.

If there is mould growing in the ceiling cavities, walls, or under the house as a result of a ceiling leak, you are accountable for fixing the problem. If a tenant doesn’t take reasonable action to fix the issue, they may file a claim for damages to their personal property.

Taking advantage of this chance to inspect your rental properties is advised, especially because the present weather and humidity are causing mould outbreaks in many residences.