As temperatures drop across Australia, many tenants notice an unwelcome guest appearing in their homes: mould. While mould is common during winter, especially in cooler or coastal areas, it can often be prevented with a few simple habits and regular ventilation.
At PMC Property Management, we want to help tenants maintain a healthy, comfortable home throughout the colder months. Here’s what causes mould, how to prevent it, and what to do if you notice it starting to appear.
Why does mould appear in Winter?
Mould thrives in damp, humid and poorly ventilated environments. During winter, homes are more likely to trap moisture because windows stay closed, heaters are running, and wet weather reduces airflow.
Everyday activities can also create excess moisture indoors, including:
- Showering
- Cooking
- Drying clothes inside
- Putting shoes and coats away in wardrobes while still damp
- Using heaters without ventilation
- Lack of sunlight or airflow
When moisture builds up on walls, ceilings, windows or furniture, mould can begin to grow.
Tips to prevent mould in your rental property
1. Keep Your Home Ventilated
Fresh airflow is one of the best ways to reduce moisture indoors.
- Open windows regularly, even for short periods
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries
- Leave internal doors open where possible to encourage airflow
- Use ceiling fans if available
Even during colder days, allowing fresh air into the home can make a big difference.
2. Wipe Away Condensation
Condensation on windows and walls is common in winter and can quickly lead to mould if left untreated.
- Use a cloth or towel to wipe condensation from windows each morning
- Pay close attention to bedrooms and bathrooms
- Keep curtains and blinds open during the day to allow sunlight in
3. Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors
Drying clothes inside without ventilation creates significant moisture in the air.
If possible:
- Use an outdoor clothesline
- Dry clothes in a well-ventilated area
- Open windows while drying indoors
- Use a dryer with proper ventilation if available
4. Use Heaters Correctly
Heating your home can help reduce dampness, but some heaters create additional condensation.
- Avoid unflued gas heaters where possible
- Keep rooms ventilated while heating
- Maintain a consistent temperature rather than extreme fluctuations
5. Keep Furniture Slightly Away from Walls
Large furniture placed directly against walls can restrict airflow and trap moisture.
Try leaving a small gap between:
- Beds and walls
- Lounges and external walls
- Wardrobes and corners
This is especially important in cooler rooms or south-facing areas.
6. Clean Small Areas of Mould Early
If you notice a small patch of mould beginning to appear, it’s important to clean it promptly before it spreads.
You can:
- Use a mould-specific cleaning product
- Wear gloves and ensure the area is ventilated
- Dry the surface thoroughly afterwards
When should you report mould?
While many mould issues can be prevented through ventilation and moisture control, some cases may be caused by maintenance issues such as leaks, rising damp, or faulty ventilation systems.
Please contact your property manager if you notice:
- Persistent mould returning after cleaning
- Water leaks or damp patches
- Mould caused by structural issues
- Strong musty smells
- Damage to walls, ceilings or flooring
Early reporting helps prevent further damage and ensures any maintenance concerns can be addressed promptly.
Who is responsible for mould?
Responsibility for mould in a rental property depends on what caused it.
In general, tenants are responsible for preventing mould caused by everyday living conditions, such as inadequate ventilation, excess condensation, or drying clothes indoors without proper airflow. This includes taking reasonable steps to ventilate the property, reduce moisture build-up, and clean small areas of mould as they appear.
Landlords are generally responsible where mould is caused by structural or maintenance-related issues, including:
- Roof or plumbing leaks
- Rising damp
- Faulty exhaust fans
- Poor waterproofing
- Structural defects or inadequate ventilation systems
If mould continues to return despite proper ventilation and cleaning, tenants should report the issue to their property manager as soon as possible so the cause can be investigated.
Working together for a healthy home
Preventing mould is a shared responsibility between tenants and property managers. By maintaining good airflow, reducing indoor moisture, and reporting maintenance concerns early, tenants can help keep their homes healthy and comfortable throughout winter.
If you have any concerns about mould or maintenance at your property, the PMC Property Management team is here to help.