That means, if you’re the kind of tenant that prefers to simply keep all the windows closed for ~cosy vibes~, or you relish a hot shower with zero ventilation, so you can experience a DIY steam room, then you could be the cause of a build-up of mould — and therefore responsible for cleaning it. “However, if mould is caused by a leak in the roof, a faulty pipe or gutters or other structural faults, a landlord is responsible for fixing it and remediating the damage.” However, in an ongoing situation, tenants would ideally discuss with landlords or their property manager what both parties would consider ‘reasonable steps’ being taken to control environmental conditions that might exacerbate the growth of mould." If you experienced an issue with mould last summer, then now is the time to start proactively taking steps to mitigate its return — and communicate to your landlord exactly how you’re doing that. Taking photos (with metadata that you can use to reference dates and times) is incredibly valuable in tracking an outbreak and make sure to keep a hold of any receipts for expenses you’ve incurred trying to clean it up. Again, over-communication is key. Don’t leave it too late to flag with your property owner that you’re battling an increase of mould growth. “No. It would not be appropriate to require a tenant to bear financial responsibility for structural problems or inadequate ventilation contributing to mould in the property – that’s the landlord’s responsibility to fix.” So if you keep getting vague advice from your landlord or property manager to simply “get a dehumidifier” — call them out on it. Lord knows that no one can afford the electricity bill of running a dehumidifier all summer long. “It’s not a requirement for a property to be fitted with fly screens, but property managers encourage landlords to do everything reasonable to make it convenient and easy for their tenant to open windows and adequately ventilate the property,” says Ray. “Fitting fly screens in areas with high humidity or tropical insects would certainly be in both the interests of the landlord and tenant — plus it makes the landlord’s property more desirable to tenants.” If you’re not opening your windows for fear of being mauled by mozzies during the night and you’re starting to see an increase of mould — reach out to your property manager and raise the request. They might not agree to pay in full for the installation, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. “Disputes over damage to belongings as a result of mould are determined by the appropriate authorities in each state and territory,” says Ray. “In situations where there’s evidence of a home’s structural problems not having been adequately addressed by a landlord — and this has been the primary cause of damaging mould — then financial compensation may be awarded.”
