Mould comes in all forms and areas within a house or unit. It can be more serious depending on the season and where the property is located. Deciding who is responsible for cleaning mould in a rental property, depends on how it appeared in the first place. The tenant should notify the property manager/owner as soon as they are aware of a mould issue.
Generally, if the mould is a result of problems with the property (e.g. a leaking roof) it is the property manager/owner's responsibility to clean the mould and make any necessary repairs. Some buildings may be more prone to mould due to factors such as the age of the building, structural issues, location, or the absence of adequate ventilation or extractor fans. The property manager/owner is more likely to be responsible for mould in these circumstances. Like wise, if the tenant causes the mould they are responsible for cleaning it and paying for any possible damage caused.
Areas to be conscious of, that may be at risk of mould, are the damp, dark or steamy areas of the home - the wet rooms such as laundry's, bathrooms or kitchens, cluttered storage areas, recently flooded or wet areas, and areas with poor ventilation. Mould in a regularly used shower recess may be the result of a persistent leak, while mould on the living room ceiling might indicate a structural problem or lack of ventilation.
In the aftermath of severe weather events, mould can quickly become an issue in water-damaged properties.
If mould occurs, it should be dealt with quickly and thoroughly. In serious cases, a mould specialist may need to attend the property and determine the cause. When mould spores are present in large quantities, it can be a health hazard, potentially triggering allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 does not make specific reference to mould, but there are rules about the general standard of the property at the start and end of the tenancy, and how it should be maintained throughout.
Therefore, if mould is a problem at a rental property, all parties should be willing to communicate and find a mutually agreeable way to deal with the issue in a timely manner.