When it comes to Rental Minimum Standards, the category of mould and dampness can often rear its head in winter months - fewer daylight hours, ramped up heating and firmly shut windows provide the perfect environment for mould to thrive.
In fact when we reviewed all of our Rental Minimum Standards inspection reports we found that mould and dampness was the most common category of non-compliance to date, with 32% of inspected properties falling short of the specified standards.
Mould can be caused in a variety of ways - from maintenance or structural issues to the action (or maybe inaction) of renters. The spores released from disturbed or dried mould can pose serious health risks for renters, especially for those with existing health issues such as asthma and respiratory infections. So when you combine this with the fact that almost one-third of rental properties inspected by us are found to be non-compliant, it’s really important for Residential Rental Providers (Owners), Property Managers and Renters to be aware of the different causes of mould, and who is responsible for it.
Owners are responsible for mould and dampness in a rental property caused by structural issues and it is the Property Manager’s responsibility to bring any issues to the attention of the owner. Some examples of where structural issues can cause mould and dampness include:
Surface water leaking into the building
Lack of ventilation under floors or in roof cavities
Faulty pipes
Allowing build up of leaves or debris in gutters causing water to overflow into the property
Cracked roof tiles, or a leak in the roof
Rising damp or structural issues with building foundations
Leaks in the property’s internal plumbing
If mould and dampness damages the personal property of a renter, and reasonable steps to prevent it has not been taken by the owner, then they may be able to seek compensation.
Given that the mould caused by structural issues can often be hidden, only becoming visible to the casual observer once it is at an advanced stage, it’s important for owners to take any early indications of structural instability very seriously. Keeping an eye out for windows that don’t close properly, sagging roof lines or cracks in brick work can help in addressing these issues before they get out of hand.
Renters are responsible for addressing mould and dampness which has been caused by their actions. Examples include:
Not cleaning up pools of water or indoor spills on tiles in a kitchen, bathroom or laundry
Using the shower without allowing steam to escape either via the exhaust fan or an open window
Using the stove top without ventilation via extractor fan or rangehood
Using a tumble dryer without proper ventilation
Not wiping condensation from windows or from walls
Not cleaning the property properly
Not drying out carpet properly when it has become wet
Allowing rain to come in through open doors or windows
Renters are required to keep the rental property they are living in reasonably clean and free from damage, and are required to inform the Owner or Property Manager of any damage as soon as possible. If a Renter does not inform their Owner or Property Manager of an issue, and their actions have caused the underlying problem that led to the mould developing, they are at risk of being held responsible for the damage caused and potentially having to compensate the owner.
Property Managers are responsible for bringing any issues with mould and dampness in a rental property to the attention of the Owner and for ensuring that they understand their obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Understanding the causes of mould is crucial for Property Managers due to its broader health implications, its potential to trigger other property-related problems, and its indication of more serious structural issues in certain situations.
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