"I'm a tenant"

To protect the health of everyone in your home, remove mould as soon as it appears. White vinegar is a cheap and effective way to clean mould. On painted surfaces, dilute the vinegar with water (half and half) to avoid damaging the paint. Leave it for a few days then wipe off the dead mould with soap and water using a clean cloth. You can also use diluted household bleach. Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a bucket of water. Use a clean sponge or cloth when washing off mould and rinse it often. This reduces the risk of the mould spreading. Wear gloves, eye protection and a safety mask when dealing with cleaning products and mould.

If you’re doing all the right things, and the house is still damp and mouldy, talk to the landlord. If hidden sources of dampness are left long enough they can cause expensive damage to a home. A qualified building surveyor may need to check the property. They can check to see if there is a hidden issue causing the dampness.

Once you move in, you need to keep the house clean and tidy. This includes keeping it in a condition that doesn’t encourage mould and damp. A well-aired, ventilated house is crucial to prevent mould. You’re most likely to have problems with damp and mould in autumn and winter. A dry, well-aired home is easier to heat and healthier for you and your family. Open windows and doors whenever you can and open the curtains during the day. Activities like cooking, bathing or drying clothes create moisture. To remove this from the house, open windows and use any extractor fans. Other things you can do to prevent mould and damp are: keep lids on pots when cooking wipe condensation off walls and windows hang washing outside, and make sure everything’s dry before putting it away leave wardrobes a bit open and pull beds and furniture away from walls 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 use an electric heater rather than portable gas heaters (these release water as the gas burns) keep only a few plants inside if you have a mattress on the floor, air the mattress every day by removing the covers and lifting the mattress onto its side.

New Zealand’s damp climate and older housing stock create ideal conditions for mould - but even brand-new, well-insulated homes can be affected. The key culprit? Moisture. Mould needs sustained moisture to grow. That can come from: Condensation on cold windows and walls Leaks in roofing, plumbing or gutters Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and drying laundry indoors A 2021 study found that bedroom humidity in NZ homes exceeded 65% - the danger zone for mould - nearly half the time. Mould was most common on windowsills, ceilings, and in corners with poor airflow. Good news is that it’s manageable While mould is common, it’s not inevitable. With regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and clear communication, landlords can proactively address the issue. At Property Brokers, we support over 8,000 landlords across New Zealand with regular inspections, prompt repairs, and practical advice that helps tenants reduce moisture - before mould becomes a problem.