It’s no secret that recent wet weather has caused a national mould outbreak.
Depending on the type of mould and how and how significant the growth is, there’s a good chance you might need to call in an expert to help kill and remove the mould properly.
But what if you’re living in a rental? Are you liable for the mould removal cost, or is your landlord?
How to prevent mould from growing in your rental
Mould spores are everywhere, and there’s nothing we can do about that. But what we can control is the environment.
We know that mould spores thrive in damp environments, so your most significant defence against the fungi growing in your home is to reduce moisture.
John Liddell is the Managing Director at The Mould Doctor. He says that the extra moisture is what causes mould to grow.
“If a property is damp from condensation, building defects or inadequate ventilation, the humidity will be elevated,” says John.
“When the humidity in a living space exceeds 55%, the conditions are ideal for mould.”
Ways to reduce moisture in your home
- Leave the exhaust on for 15 minutes after you’ve had a shower.
- If you regularly wake up with condensation on your windows, get in the habit of wiping them down with a microfibre cloth.
- Ensure the exhaust is turned on when using the stove, including boiling the kettle.
- If you have an A/C unit, think about running the dehumidifier setting.
- Invest in a dehumidifier
- Make a DIY dehumidifier.
Who is responsible for mould growth?
According to NSW Fair Trading, it depends on the source of the mould.
The website 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.”
The same can be said if there is structural damage to the premises that could be causing water or dampness in the ceiling or the walls. If that’s the case, then that is also the landlord’s responsibility to fix.
But, if you, as the tenant, ignored signs of mould and didn’t take any measures to prevent it (turning on the exhaust or opening a window), you might be responsible.
How soon you notice mould growing in your rental after moving in is also a factor.
“If mould develops close to the start of the tenancy, it could be considered pre-existing damage,” says Fair Trading.
What to do if you spot mould growing in your rental
If you spot mould growing in your rental, report it to the real estate agent or landlord like you would for any other repair.
The sooner you do, the sooner the problem can hopefully be fixed.
It’s always a good idea to document the first sign and mould and keep a record of your correspondence with real estate agents and your landlord.
You might also like:
How to deep clean your home like a professional
How to make your own natural household cleaning products
How to clean your oven in 15 minutes
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