Lots of rain coupled with sticky, hot nights and record-breaking humidity created almost the perfect breeding ground for mould. Combating this property pest usually takes a team effort with contributions from tenants and landlords

Mould is a fungal growth, which produces tiny particles called ‘spores.’ If inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to spores, health problems may develop. These problems can include a blocked nose, eye and skin irritations, and sometimes wheezing. Occasionally, people may have more severe reactions – for example, mould can trigger asthmatics.

For tenants, when it comes to mould management, your responsibility is two-fold. The first is to let your Raine & Horne Property Manager know of any issues that could contribute to mould and mildew problems. This issue can range from a leaky roof, walls, pipes, and indoor plumbing leaks. There might be issues with the sealing on windows that allows moisture to seep in, while poor ventilation can create mould in bathrooms and kitchens. Once you raise these issues, the Property Manager will organise the appropriate tradespeople to investigate the problems.

Moreover, some properties may be more prone to mould due to the building’s age, structural issues, its location, or the absence of adequate ventilation or extractor fans. The landlord is more likely to be responsible for mould in these circumstances.

Blocked roof gutters can also contribute to mould, especially given the wild weather we experienced in late February and March across significant parts of Australia. As a tenant, you need to report blocked gutters, which is the landlord’s responsibility to clear. If you don’t let the landlord know that gutters are blocked with leaves and other debris, water can overflow and seep into the roof and wall cavities creating perfect mould environments – as well as more expensive structural damage.

The second responsibility for a tenant where mildew is an issue involves to removing any surface mould as best you can as part of the responsibility you take on when you sign a tenancy agreement. There are some environmentally friendly cleaning solutions available that can be used to attack surface mould. Moreover, by using these solutions removing mould and mildew is much safer than before.

If you have any questions about mould and mildew in your rental home, contact your Raine & Horne Property Manager immediately for advice.