Mould in rental homes is a prevalent issue largely due to lack of education and misinformation.

There have been reports of tenants falling gravely ill in Melbourne due to mould infestations, and real estate agents allegedly not taking the issue seriously.

If mould is intentionally left untreated the issue can be taken to court, often with the property manager and real estate agent held responsible.

Malcolm Gunning, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) told WILLIAMS MEDIA there is an inspection report carried out when a tenant rents a property and it is imperative for the agent to note any mould and point it out, and alert the landlord to treat it.  

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Afterwards, once the tenant has occupied the property it is their responsibility to take reasonable care to avoid any infestation.

“If you’re showering make sure to ventilate, open windows in the bedroom, cooking and not ventilating is an absolute classic, and if you dry clothes indoors with sunlight streaming in, open the doors and windows,” said Mr Gunning.

“Mould grows from lack of care, and it is a duty of care by the tenant to understand why it grows and how to stop it.

“The agent should also conduct periodic inspections and instruct the tenant on how to avoid mould when they move in.”

Mr Gunning said that if a tenant finds mould in the property upon moving in and the agent and landlord don’t eradicate it, they can take further action.

“Tenants can and do take the issue to court and both the property owner and agent are held responsible.

“The court sees the property manager as the expert in that area who is taking a fee to manage the property, so the court views being naive or ignorant very dimly.

“The courts take mould infestation if it's challenged very seriously, and ignorance is not an excuse.”

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Carmel D'Aspromonte, director property management at Fletchers said she has experienced issues with mould particularly when working in the inner city.

“St Kilda has many art deco apartments which are badly infested,” Ms D’Aspromonte told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

“People aren’t using the exhaust fan in the bathroom and are opening the window which makes it worse.

“Colder air makes the mould grow, so you are meant to have the window shut with the vent going."

Ms D’Aspromonte said she has undergone training around mould and believes people should be educated more about the issue.

“There should be more training for property managers, who can then educate the home owners.”

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