Prevention

Evicting Mould From Your Rental Property

Mould might be small, but it can cause big headaches for landlords and tenants. And because mould damage is generally not covered by landlord insurance, prevention is always better than cure.

Whether it’s a humid summer, a wet winter, or simply poor ventilation, mould can appear in any rental property when moisture builds up. Left unchecked, it can spread quickly, damage surfaces and belongings, create unpleasant odours, and even lead to health concerns for those living at the property. 

Mould thrives in damp, warm, poorly ventilated spaces. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, wardrobes and areas hidden behind furniture are common trouble spots. The key to stopping mould is controlling moisture before it becomes a problem. 

But who is responsible? Responsibility for mould depends on what caused it. 

Landlords are generally responsible if mould is caused by maintenance or structural issues, such as: 

• Roof or plumbing leaks 

• Rising damp 

• Faulty gutters 

• Water ingress 

• Broken exhaust fans or ventilation systems 

Prompt repairs and regular property inspections can help prevent mould from taking hold. 

Tenants may be responsible if their actions contribute to mould growth, including: 

• Not using exhaust fans when showering or cooking 

• Drying clothes indoors without ventilation 

• Failing to clean up spills or excess moisture 

• Not reporting leaks or dampness promptly 

• Neglecting general cleaning and ventilation 

Good communication between landlords, property managers and tenants is essential to identifying issues early. 

If small areas of surface mould is found, it can often be cleaned safely, provided the source of moisture is also addressed. However, if mould covers a large area, keeps returning, or has spread into walls, ceilings or flooring, it’s best to engage a professional mould remediation specialist. The most important step is not just removing the mould you can see, but fixing the cause of the moisture that’s allowing it to grow. 

Now, why is a landlord insurance provider sharing all this information? Well, a common question we get asked is whether mould is covered by landlord insurance. In most cases, no. Damage caused by mould, mildew, fungus or algae is typically excluded from landlord insurance policies because it is generally considered preventable through maintenance and timely action. However, if mould develops as a direct result of an insured event, such as storm or flood damage, coverage may apply depending on the policy. Always check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy for specific coverage details. 

The bottom line is that mould is easier and cheaper to prevent than it is to remove. Staying on top of maintenance, ensuring good ventilation, fixing leaks quickly and encouraging tenants to report issues early can help protect both your property and your investment.

Got a question about mould, cover or claims? The EBM RentCover team can help. Contact us on 1800 661 662.  

*While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you need us we are here, contact 1800 661 662 if you have any questions.