Let’s talk mould in a rental property
Mould – it’s not the most pleasant of topics, but like pest control it’s one of those issues that can crop up in a rental property, and responsibility for handling it is both a landlord and tenant issue.
So, let’s talk mould and who is responsible for doing what, should it appear in a rental property.
The trouble with mould
If mould is present in a rental property, it poses a problem for both landlords and tenants due to the fact it can quickly become a health issue.
The spores associated with mould are linked to allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues, while mould can also cause damage to building materials, contents, and structures.
Importantly, the presence of mould might indicate there’s something more sinister going on behind the scenes such as a roof leak, rising damp, or frequent water incursions.
Common reasons mould might be present
There are multiple reasons mould might be present and the cause determines who is responsible for handling the problem.
Reasons for mould include:
- Roof leaks
- Rising damp
- A plumbing leak in the walls
- Surface water leaking into your property
- Indoor liquid spills
- Showering or cooking without proper ventilation (exhaust fan/open windows)
- Drying clothes without proper ventilation
As you can see some of these issues relate to the condition of the property, while others relate to its use.
So, when is it the tenant’s responsibility and when is it the landlord’s?
Tenant’s responsibilities
The tenant is responsible for notifying the property manager of any issues that might cause mould, such as dripping taps and water leaks.
In addition, they are also required to keep the property clean and tidy, and not intentionally or negligently cause any damage.
Meanwhile, they’re expected to use common sense when it comes to avoiding activities that might encourage mould, such as:
- Failing to open a window in the bathroom or use the exhaust fan
- Allowing pools of water to sit in the bathroom or letting scum build up in the shower
- Getting a carpet or floating flooring wet and failing to deal with it properly
Landlord’s responsibilities
The landlord is responsible for keeping a property in good repair, adhering to building, health and safety standards, and tending to any maintenance issues that arise.
This includes dealing with leaks in a timely manner in a bid to keep a property free of mould. If the landlord fails to meet these conditions, they may actually be in breach of the lease.
The takeaway
If mould is found in a rental property it needs to be dealt with properly and the underlying cause also needs to be identified and remedied.
Depending on why the mould is there, it might be the landlord or the tenant’s responsibility to have the mould cleaned.
How we can help
At Eview Group our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both tenants and landlords. We appreciate as a renter, the property you reside in is the place you call home.
You can learn more about our current rental opportunities available here.
