How to deal with mould issues in your property

After months of rain and very little sunshine, chances are you’ve already experienced mould over the past few months. It can affect clothing, shoes, furniture, walls, and many other parts of the home.

Mould only grows when there is sufficient moisture on a surface or humidity in the air. Common causes include: leaky roofs and walls, blocked gutters and downpipes, leaky plumbing and excessive rainfall.

Mould is found both indoors and outdoors and can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mould in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets which can and be carried indoors. When mould spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture they will grow.

WHAT CAUSES MOULD?

Mould is part of the fungi group that also includes mushrooms and yeast. It often grows in poorly ventilated spaces including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. Dust and dirt can also encourage mould growth. It can range in colour from green, white and brown and is attracted to surfaces including roofs, windows, or areas where there has been flooding or rising dampness levels. Mould can grow on paper, cardboard, and wood, as well as wallpaper, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Large infestations of mould can be identified by a smell, which is often described as a “musty” smell.

Mould in the home is caused by wet or dampness, lack of ventilation, and humidity. Due to the wet weather, we’re seeing more and more properties that are being flood affected or water damaged.  We’re seeing a lot of properties that have got water ingress through them. Sometimes it’s because the gutters are filling up so quickly with water, they just can’t get the water away from the home. They then go back over into the eaves and then that water can flow into the house.’

HOW DO YOU STOP MOULD FROM GROWING?

Removing the dampness and humidity is the key to stopping mould, as it needs moisture and nutrients to grow. When it’s a sunny day, allow as much sunlight as possible into the area. When it’s wet and humid, try the following:

• If you have an air conditioner, put it on a dry cycle or use a dehumidifier if you do not have an air conditioner.
• Don’t pack your furniture too close to the wall — leave room for airflow.
• Use absorbent beads to soak up extra moisture in wardrobes and other areas. – Plant lovers should know that reducing the number of indoor plants in your home can stop mould forming.

HOW DO YOU REMOVE MOULD?

There are a number of products you can use to remove mould.

• A mix of three parts vinegar to two parts water – A few drops of Oil of Clove in vinegar (10 drops to 1L) is often recommended but can cause surfaces to discolour or cause allergies (please use a test patch first)
• Methylated spirits at a ratio of 70 per cent and 30 per cent water
• Tea tree oil with water – Half cut lemon, bi-carb soda and vinegar
• Fungicide mould spray

Any cloths used with mould removal should be discarded to avoid the spread of spores. Using a broom or brush to remove the mould is not recommended as it can have the same effect.

Please ensure when you’re tackling any type of mould, that you wear the correct PPE, including gloves and facemask.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING MOULD IN A LEASEHOLD PROPERTY?

Deciding who is responsible for cleaning mould and repairing any resultant damage depends on how the mould appeared in the first place.

The responsibility for removing mould in a leasehold property typically depends on the terms outlined in the lease and local laws and regulations.

In leasehold properties, landlords are usually responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building. If mould is a result of structural issues such as a leaky roof or faulty plumbing, it is often the landlord’s responsibility to address and rectify the problem, including mould removal.

Leaseholders or their tenants are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary living environment. If mould is caused by the occupants’ actions, such as failing to ventilate the property properly or not cleaning up spills promptly, the occupant will be responsible for mould removal.  If the tenant has caused the mould to appear (for example, by allowing steam to build up in a bathroom without proper ventilation and/or regular cleaning), they are responsible for cleaning it and paying for any damages that the mould has caused.

Sometimes, the responsibility might be shared between the landlord and the leaseholder or occupant. For instance, if the property has a history of leaks, and the tenant fails to report a new leak promptly, resulting in mould growth, both parties might share the responsibility for remediation. Regardless of where responsibility falls, it is in your best interest to address mould issues promptly to avoid long term damage to your property. We also recommend having extractor fans in bathrooms to prevent mouldy ceilings.