Mould in rental properties – Who is responsible?

Queensland’s humidity invites mould into our homes, making moisture management a shared priority under the RTRA Act. Tackling it proactively protects both the financial value of the property and the everyday health of the people living inside it.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Provide and maintain the premises in a condition that actively prevents mould growth, ensuring the property is always fit for habitation.
• Address underlying structural or maintenance issues that invite moisture, including roof leaks, plumbing failures, poor built-in ventilation, and rising damp.
• Conduct necessary repairs swiftly and efficiently the moment a tenant issues a notification, staying fully compliant with all RTRA Act requirements.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Keep the property consistently clean and thoroughly ventilated to strip mould of the humid environment it needs to survive.
• Run exhaust fans during high-moisture activities in bathrooms and kitchens, and keep windows open whenever the weather permits.
• Report any signs of water damage, minor leaks, or early mould spots to your property manager without delay.
• Avoid daily habits that trap excess moisture indoors, such as hanging wet laundry inside without adequate cross-ventilation.

Who Covers the Bill?

Who covers the bill? Financial responsibility always comes down to the root cause of the moisture. If the mould results from a building defect or a maintenance failure (like a cracked roof tile or a leaking shower cavity) the landlord must rectify the structural problem and pay for the mould eradication. 

Conversely, if the growth is directly tied to tenant negligence, such as failing to wipe down heavy window condensation or refusing to ventilate the bathroom, the tenant may be legally required to cover the professional cleaning costs.

Dealing with mould requires honesty about the source of the dampness and a rapid response to fix it. Our Ray White Toowoomba investment and property management team actively guides both parties through this process, arranging trusted local tradespeople and providing sensible prevention advice. By communicating openly and acting fast, we ensure your property remains a safe, habitable, and valuable asset long into the future.