Preventing mould in rentals
It’s unsightly, it’s unhealthy and it can cause a whole host of damage. Yep, mould is the last thing anyone wants to see in a rental, but the big question is how can it be prevented?
Well, often it’s a joint effort between the property owner and the renter. So let’s look at how to prevent mould in your rental.
A bit about mould
As Better Health explains mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and poorly ventilated environments.
Found on both indoor and outdoor areas, it reproduces by making spores, and when those spores land on a damp area indoors, they may grow and spread.
In properties, mould can grow on materials such as wood and plasterboard, along with soft furnishings like cushions, carpet, curtains, and also clothing and footwear.
This mould can then have an array of negative health impacts, ranging from nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing and wheezing through to respiratory infections, asthma and allergic conditions.
Mould causes
As mould tends to grow in damp areas with little ventilation, prevention is all about eliminating these conditions.
Generally there are three causes of mould within a property
Leaking roofs and walls
Whether it’s a roof leak during a storm or wet weather that causes damp inside a property’s walls, sometimes leaks just happen and occasionally the first clue there even is a leak is the presence of mould.
Leaking walls and roofs are the property owner’s responsibility, so if you notice damp areas or mould patches building on your ceiling or walls, notify your property manager.
Faulty plumbing, including blocked gutters and downpipes
Like leaking roofs and walls, faulty plumbing is generally the property owner’s responsibility.
It’s important to have any leaking taps or plumbing issues dealt with promptly and if a patch if mould suddenly springs up, notify your property manager there’s a problem in need if investigation.
Condensation
Daily activities such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes can all create condensation that leads to mould.
Avoiding this is all about adequate ventilation. In areas like the bathroom that might involve the use of an extraction fan, but more often than not it’s about opening a window to ensure air is circulating through an area.
Who’s responsible?
A rental property should be well ventilated, have sufficient natural light and be free from leaks or damp areas.
And when it comes to ensuring that’s the case, it’s a shared responsibility.
For example, the property owner is responsible for fixing any leaks and faulty plumbing, and if the renter finds a leak or notices the appearance of mould, they should notify their property manager as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the renter should use any available extraction fans at the property and ensure the home is opened up and aired properly to avoid the build-up of condensation.
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
