How To Get Rid Of Damp & Mould In Your Rental Property?

Proper maintenance of a rental property is crucial in order to get the full bond back at the end of your tenancy. Landlords and property managers in Canberra thoroughly inspect the premises before releasing the deposited money. While removing accumulated dust, stubborn stains, and built-up grease is a part of a regular cleaning routine, most people overlook treating damp, mould and mildew due to lack of right tools and techniques. It is one of the major concerns when you are living in a rental house or apartment because it can cause some serious health issues. Since landlords have to keep their rental properties free of health hazardous, they will check all the rooms and important areas for damp and mould before handing over your bond money and representing the property to the new renter.

Signs Your Rental Property May Have a Damp & Mould Problem

It is important to identify the damp and mould in your house as soon as possible. However, finding such problematic areas can be a tricky task. Since mould needs dampness and moisture to harbour, make sure you keep your rental property properly ventilated. Apart from this, checking all the damp areas around the house on a regular basis should be your topmost priority. That’s why it is ideal to hire experts for a detailed end of lease cleaning in Canberra. They will clean up the premises, such as all the important and germ-laden areas to help you get the bond back. However, if you are searching for the areas where mould may grow, then have a look below:

• Check your floors, ceiling walls, carpets and fabrics. If you see dark-coloured spots on porous and moisture-exposed areas, clean them as soon as possible.
• Check for musty smell: Always remember that mould has a musty and pungent smell. If you see something like a black spore with a pungent smell, then this is a sign of a mould.
• If you or someone in your family is facing skin-related problems, runny nose, rashes, red eyes and shortness of breath, then look for mould and damp areas, especially in your bathroom and kitchen.
• It is also good to inspect the areas that have the maximum exposure to moisture, such as the basement and area beneath the sink. The moisture and dampness could create a friendly environment for mould and mildew.
• Check for water damage, leaks and other dampness.

Make sure you detect the signs of damp and mould issues and prepare your rental property before the final inspection.

The Types and Causes of Damp Areas

There are three types of damp along with their causes to help you treat them as soon as you identify them: Condensation It is caused by daily domestic activities which can occur due to the build of moist, warm air and the premises then begins to cool down. The dampness then condenses on cold areas, such as windows. Causes:

• The moisture releases into the air via sweating, respiration.
• Cooking, showering, water-releasing and drying clothes inside are some day-to-day activities causing condensation dampness.

Penetrating Damp When moisture starts developing horizontally in the walls is called penetrating dampness. It is one of the dangerous types of damp problems that can ruin the condition of the rental property. Causes:

• Poor Property Maintenance
• External Defect, such as blocked guttering
• Leaking of taps and overflowing of water.

Rising Damp The moisture rises up through the outer parts of the wall. It is one of the common issues that can be found in older properties where no damp proof coatings have been used. Causes:

• No use of damp proof course on the property
• Poor maintenance

Tips to Get Rid of Damp & Mould in a Rental Property As a tenant, you are responsible for the condition of the property. So, follow these tips and control moisture and dampness as soon as possible.

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Make sure you properly ventilate and heat the property to reduce the risk of dampness and moisture on the dark areas. It is essential to leave windows and doors for a few minutes to an hour daily to let the fresh air come in and minimise the chances of dampness. This is one of the most basic things to do if you want a mould-free place to live.

2. Controlling Moisture

As you know, day-to-day activities like showering, cooking and drying clothes cause damp and moisture problems in a property, it is good to make a few changes in your habit to control condensation. It will be helpful if you:

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
• Cover pans while cooking
• Leave space between heavy furniture and external walls
• Close doors while showering or preparing a meal
• Open all the windows for 10-15 minutes every day
• Dry clothes outdoors

These small things can make a huge difference and protect your home from unwanted mould spores and damp problems like condensation.

3. Repair Water Damage

Do not forget to fix the water problem to control the moisture in a home. It is good to repair the leaky taps, pipes and seal the crack as quickly as possible. Make sure you install a vent and use a dehumidifier in the basement. If you overlook the water leakage problem at the start, mould and mildew will harbour and cause serious damage to the entire property.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

Mould and other bacteria love to grow on dirty and contaminated areas. So, make sure you keep your property clean from every nook and cranny to stop the spread of dust mites, built-up grime and airborne spores. Hire the certified end of lease cleaners in Canberra if you want attention-to-detail service for a messy and grimy rental property before the final inspection by your landlord.

5. Vacuuming Carpets and Rugs

Regular vacuuming can protect your carpets from dust particles, loose debris, grime and bacteria. Apart from this, immediately treating spills and splatters can minimise the risk of mould spores on the surface of your plush floor coverings. So, maintain the look of your carpets and area rugs throughout your lease to keep them look shiny during the inspection as well- this will help you get the bond back with ease.

Conclusion

These are some of the effective ways that can help you control damp, moisture and mould in your rental property. Make sure you keep the windows open for a few minutes daily, bring a few changes in your everyday habits and treat mouldy areas as soon as possible. For a professional result, contact an experienced company which can offer a meticulous end of lease cleaning in Canberra and help you pass the rental inspection with ease.