Who is responsible for cleaning mould in a rental property in Queensland?

We have had a lot of rain across the southeast over the past year or two.

The wet weather has been a blessing and a curse for our farmers, and it can also create more mould in our homes.

Sometimes there can be confusion about whose responsibility to prevent and take care of mould in rental properties.

The answer is that it depends on how and when the mould appeared.

Who is responsible for cleaning mould in a rental property?

As a tenant, if you become aware of mould in your rental property, you should notify your property manager as soon as possible so they can take the necessary steps to address the issue.

Depending on how the mould appeared in the first place, the responsibility for cleaning the mould could be the tenants’ or the owners’.

If the mould has appeared because of a problem with the rental property, such as water damage from a leaking roof, then it is the owners’ responsibility to fix the issue, including the roof leak. This is usually organised by the property manager on the owner’s behalf.

However, if the mould has been caused by a tenant, perhaps by not properly ventilating or cleaning the property or allowing steam to build up in a bathroom, then the tenant is responsible for cleaning the mould as well as paying for any damages the mould may have caused to the property.

Depending on the age, location, or the absence of appropriate ventilation or extractor fans of a rental property, it could be more susceptible to mould. In such a situation, the owner is likely responsible for any mould that appears because of these factors.

What happens if the responsible party does not clean the mould?

While it does seem quite clear who is responsible for mould in rental properties when considering the points above, the issue can sometimes cause disagreements between owners and tenants.

However, according to the Residential Tenancies Authority, if the person who is responsible for removing the mould doesn’t do it in a reasonable timeframe, the other party in the tenancy can issue them with a Notice to remedy the breach (Form 11 or Form R11), giving them a set time (minimum of seven days) to fix the problem.

The ideal scenario is that both parties agree on the best course of action to remove the mould promptly and appropriately.

As professional property managers, we are always responsive to mould issues because we understand the potential ramifications for tenants and owners if they aren’t addressed in a reasonable time.

The Queensland Government has provided information on how to prevent, identify and treat mould.