Mould, Mildew & Dampness. Who's responsible & how to fix it!

When it comes to managing mould, mildew, & dampness in your rental property both landlords & tenants have responsibilities. 

Many New Zealanders battle with moisture problems in their homes, and to help raise the raise the standards for rental properties the Healthy Homes legislation was introduced. This puts the onus on landlord property owners to ensure they are complying with legislation which goes a long way to preventing moisture and dampness problems.

All private rentals in New Zealand must comply with Healthy Homes regulations by the 1^{st of} July 2025. The Healthy Homes standards are based around 5 key areas: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress & drainage, & draft stopping, which all help to keep the home warmer and dryer.

Before a tenancy begins a rental home should be free of mould and dampness, & this should be easy to show with a pre-tenancy inspection that documents the condition of the property before a tenant moves in.  During a tenancy, tenants need to keep the house well-aired and remove any mould straight away to prevent this from spreading.  Mould grows in places of high humidity, but humidity can be decreased by ensuring the property has adequate ventilation and heating. As human beings there are many things we do in our homes that create moisture, and this gets trapped inside the home unless we are vigilant at preventing this.

Consumer NZ list the following examples of moisture that we create in the home which may surprise:

• Cooking: 3.0L per day
• Clothes washing: 0.5L per day
• Showers and baths: 1.5L per day (per person)
• Dishes: 1.0L per day
• Clothes drying (unvented): 5.0L per load
• Gas heater (unflued): up to 1.0L per hour
• Breathing, active: 0.2L per hour (per person)
• Breathing, asleep: 0.02L per hour (per person)
• Perspiration: 0.03L per hour

As the tenant you have responsibilities to look after your own environment, and with a bit of effort you can help to reduce and prevent issues in your home. There is certainly no quick fix but here are some of the things you can do to minimise problems:

• Air the home once or twice a day. Opening a door or window at both ends of the house creates a cross-draught that pushes air through more effectively.
• Airing the home out after you’ve turned off the heating can reduce condensation.
• Use extractor fans in bathrooms. Leave them on for a few minutes after you’ve finished showering or bathing to remove as much steam as possible (if there isn’t one, open the window).
• Use extractor fans and rangehoods when cooking. Having a window open while cooking can also help.
• keep lids on pots when cooking
• wipe condensation off walls, windowsills, and windows; Condensation on the inside of windows occurs when warm air comes into contact with a cool windowpane. As the warm air cools, it releases its moisture in the form of water droplets or fog on the glass
• hang washing outside, and make sure everything’s dry before putting it away
• If using a clothes dryer, ensure it is vented to the house exterior.
• leave wardrobes open from time to time, and pull beds and furniture away from walls
• Keep window curtains open during the day which allows the rooms to warm with sunlight.
• keep the shower curtain hanging inside the shower or bath so water doesn’t drip on the floor, and wash the curtain every few weeks.
• Do not use non-flued gas heaters
• keep only a few plants inside.
• Use a dehumidifier
• Some rentals have ventilation systems installed. Find the instructions online – usually the settings can be adjusted for different seasons and conditions. Your landlord is responsible for maintenance, such as changing air filters when needed.
• Clean any mould spots as soon as possible with a solution of white vinegar & water which will kill the mould at its roots. The solution should have some dwell time on the surface before wiping it away. Always test in a small inconspicuous area first to ensure the solution doesn't damage the surface. There is lots of helpful information online in regard to this cleaning method.

In conclusion, staying on top of mould, mildew, and dampness in your rental home is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords. By following the simple steps above, you can make a big difference in preventing moisture issues, keeping your home healthier, and avoiding the growth of mould. If you’re ever unsure or continue to face dampness problems despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out to your landlord or property manager. At Pukeko Rentals, Paul McKenzie and his owners are dedicated to ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable.

His experience and proactive approach means he will address any concerns quickly and effectively, giving you peace of mind and helping to create a better living environment for you and your family.