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Mould Prevention Information For Tenants
Attention Tenants: How can I arrange a FREE mould inspection of my rental property?
Ask you property manager to email through a work order to info@themoulddoctor.com.au so we can organise a suitable inspection time. If you rent privately ask your landlord to contact our office directly.
General
Keep windows and walls dry inside the home by:
- Ventilating rooms with open windows and doors on dry weather days or using mechanical ventilation such as extraction fans, dehumidifiers and air conditioning units.
- Wiping away condensation.
- Heating rooms with dry heat that provides air movement.
- Ensure good ventilation at all times especially areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.
- Furniture should not be pushed up against walls. This creates dark airless areas.
LOUNGE ROOMS
- Floor coverings such as carpets and rugs should be regularly aired and cleaned to prevent food sources that mould infestation can feed on.
- Introduce sunlight into your home by opening curtains and blinds during daylight hours.
- Open windows and doors to help ventilated on dry days, close windows and doors on wet days as the external moisture can add to internal humidity levels.
- Do not use indoor plants.
- Avoid clutter and ensure that regular cleaning is conducted, dirt and dust are a contributing factor to mould growth.
- Use dehumidifiers when humidity levels exceed 60% RH and when there is visible condensation.
- Do not dry clothes internal on clothes horses as this contributes to increased humidity levels.
BATHROOM
- When taking a hot bath or shower, run exhaust fans for extended periods to prevent build of of moisture and increased humidity levels.
- Humidity sensor fans that have been installed will automatically keep running until the room humidity has been lowered to below 60% Relative Humidity.
- Ensure that fans are clean and free from fluff at all times.
- Clean and dry surfaces that are wet regularly such as the shower, bath and vanity.
- Using cold water first will reduce the steam being produced.
LAUNDRY
- Dry your clothes and shoes thoroughly before you put them away.
- Ensure that clothes dryers have appropriate ventilation to external areas.
- Front vented clothes dryer will contribute to increased humidity levels, the use of condenser style dryers will assist in reduced humidity levels.
- Use mechanical ventilation or humidity sensor fans for extended periods.
- Dry clothes in external areas that allow for air movement.
KITCHEN
- Some types of cooking generate a large amount of steam. Make sure there is a working range hood that is preferable vented to the external area.
- Run the exhaust or range hood fan for extended periods to avoid steam and increased humidity levels, also open windows where possible.
- Try using lids on pots and saucepans to avoid steam build up.
- Ensure exhaust fan or range hood is cleaned regularly to avoid blockages.
BEDROOMS AND WARDROBES
- Open blinds and curtains to warm rooms with sunlight.
- Keep wardrobes and bedrooms uncluttered and well ventilated.
- Keep beds and draws away from walls.
- Clean windows regularly to remove food source for mould.
- Use dehumidifiers to control condensation in the cooler months.
BUILDING DEFECTS
- Report any leaks or defect building work that contributes to internal moisture to your Property Manager or Owner.
- If you see any sign of visible mould immediately report it to your Property Manager.
PREVENTION
- Download the tenants guide to preventing mould.
- Most importantly, it’s critical to keep the lines of communication between property managers and tenants open in relation to mould and maintenance more generally.
As a tenant take all the steps to minimise the likelihood of mould appearing by employing our suggestions in all zones of your home: but don’t forget to tell your property manager there’s a mouldy issue to deal with, too
