Mould in Rental Properties: What Tenants & Landlords Should Know in SEQ
Introduction
If you live in South East Queensland (SEQ), you’ll know that mould isn’t just a seasonal nuisance — it’s a year-round challenge. With our humid subtropical climate, high rainfall, and sticky summers, rental properties across Brisbane, Logan, and the Gold Coast are particularly vulnerable.
But when mould shows up in a rental property, who is responsible? Is it the tenant for failing to ventilate properly, or the landlord for not maintaining the building? The answer isn’t always simple — and misunderstandings can lead to disputes, health risks, and expensive repairs.
This guide breaks down everything tenants and landlords need to know about mould in rental properties in SEQ — including the legal side, prevention strategies, health risks, and how professional remediation can resolve conflicts before they spiral.
1. Why SEQ Rental Properties Are a Hotspot for Mould
Mould thrives where moisture and poor ventilation meet — which makes SEQ’s climate the perfect breeding ground.
Common environmental factors in Brisbane, Logan & Gold Coast rentals
High humidity: Indoor humidity often sits above 60% in summer, which is enough for mould spores to start colonising surfaces.
Wet season rainfall: Torrential storms and heavy rains often expose roof leaks, drainage failures, and rising damp.
Subtropical storms: Floods and wind-driven rain increase water intrusion risks.
Building-related factors
Older rentals with limited ventilation or outdated bathrooms.
Units or townhouses with poor airflow and sealed windows.
Insufficient roof insulation or blocked gutters that encourage leaks.
👉 In short: Mould in SEQ rentals is rarely “just bad luck.” It usually comes down to a mix of climate + building condition + lifestyle habits.
2. Tenant vs Landlord: Who Is Responsible for Mould?
This is the question that sparks most disputes. Responsibility depends entirely on what caused the mould in the first place.
Landlord responsibilities (structural or maintenance issues):
Leaking roof, gutters, or plumbing.
Rising damp from poor drainage.
Broken or ineffective exhaust fans.
Storm or flood-related damage.
Landlords are legally required to provide a safe and habitable property. If mould is caused by issues outside a tenant’s control, the landlord must arrange remediation.
Tenant responsibilities (lifestyle issues):
Not ventilating properly (e.g., keeping windows shut).
Drying clothes inside without airflow.
Ignoring working exhaust fans.
Blocking ventilation by pressing furniture tightly against walls.
If mould results from tenant behaviour, they may be responsible for cleaning it and covering damage costs.
💡 Pro tip: Tenants should report leaks immediately. If delays make the problem worse, landlords may argue it became the tenant’s responsibility.
3. Health Risks of Mould in Rental Homes
Mould isn’t just cosmetic — it can seriously affect health, especially in Brisbane’s humid climate where mould can spread quickly.
Short-term effects:
Sneezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation.
Itchy eyes, skin irritation, and sore throats.
Worsened asthma symptoms.
Long-term risks:
Chronic respiratory problems.
Increased risk for children, elderly, and immune-compromised individuals.
Persistent fatigue, headaches, and poor sleep.
For property managers and landlords, ignoring mould can expose you to legal and insurance risks if tenants claim health impacts.
4. What Tenants Should Do If They Find Mould
If you’re renting and mould appears, act fast.
Step-by-step tenant checklist:
Document everything – Take photos, videos, and notes.
Notify your landlord or property manager immediately – Always do it in writing.
Keep ventilating – Open windows, run fans, and wipe condensation.
Clean small patches safely – If it’s light surface mould, use mild cleaners.
Don’t attempt major remediation – Leave anything significant to professionals.
⚠️ Tenants should never attempt to clean widespread or toxic mould themselves — it’s a health risk and may spread the problem further.
5. What Landlords Should Do If Tenants Report Mould
Landlords who respond quickly avoid bigger issues down the track.
Essential steps for landlords:
Acknowledge the complaint immediately – Show tenants you’re taking it seriously.
Inspect promptly – Or hire a professional mould inspection service.
Identify the cause – Distinguish between structural issues and tenant lifestyle factors.
Fix the problem at its source – Repair leaks, improve ventilation, or service HVAC systems.
Organise professional remediation – Don’t just paint over the issue.
👉 Ignoring mould complaints can lead to QCAT disputes, compensation claims, or forced repairs — far more expensive than dealing with the problem early.
6. Mould Prevention Tips for Tenants
Small daily habits make a big difference.
Open windows daily for airflow.
Use bathroom & kitchen exhaust fans every time you cook or shower.
Wipe down condensation from windows and walls.
Don’t push furniture directly against walls.
Dry clothes outside whenever possible.
Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier in wet season.
7. Mould Prevention Tips for Landlords
Proactive maintenance protects your property and keeps tenants safe.
Regularly clean and maintain gutters and downpipes.
Inspect roofing and plumbing before wet season.
Provide working exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Consider mould-resistant paint in high-risk rooms.
Schedule professional property inspections annually.
8. Professional Mould Remediation in Rental Properties
When DIY isn’t enough, Ever Ready Solutions provides:
Detailed inspections using thermal imaging & moisture meters.
Air treatment to remove airborne spores.
Safe surface cleaning with antimicrobial treatments.
Reports for property managers — clear documentation for compliance and insurance.
This ensures disputes are minimised, tenants stay safe, and properties remain protected long-term.
9. Case Studies: Real Rental Property Mould Scenarios
Logan home: Tenant reported mould in the bedroom. Inspection showed water ingress from a leaking gutter → landlord responsibility.
Gold Coast unit: Tenant dried clothes inside without airflow. Working exhaust fans were ignored → tenant responsibility.
In both cases, our team provided inspection reports that resolved disputes quickly with clear evidence.
10. Final Thoughts
Mould in rental properties is a shared responsibility.
Tenants must ventilate and report issues early.
Landlords must maintain safe, habitable homes and respond promptly.
With Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s climate, mould prevention and fast remediation are essential.
At Ever Ready Solutions, we work with tenants, landlords, and property managers to resolve mould issues quickly, safely, and professionally.
