Rental providers in Victoria can now face fines or be forced to carry out urgent repairs if their property has mould. A recent change to Victorian rental laws requires that all rental properties be free from mould and damp caused by or related to the building structure (Consumer Affairs Victoria). For property owners, this means proactive prevention is no longer optional, it is a legal requirement.

Mould is not just an aesthetic issue, it can cause serious health problems for tenants and long-term structural damage to properties. Rental providers who fail to act risk costly repairs, legal disputes, and even liability for tenant health problems. Fortunately, the right paint can help prevent mould before it becomes a problem, saving time, money, and potential legal issues. 

With nearly 90 years of expertise, Haymes Paint is Australia’s largest family-owned and Australian-made paint brand. Our mould-resistant paint solutions provide rental providers with a long-term, effective way to protect their properties and stay compliant with the law.

Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities as a Rental Provider

Under Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Victorian Legislation), rental providers must ensure their properties meet minimum standards, including:

• No mould or damp caused by building structure issues
• Adequate ventilation in all habitable rooms (as per the Building Code of Australia, Australian Building Codes Board)
• Full disclosure of any previous mould or damp issues before a tenant signs a lease

Failure to comply can result in:

• Fines from Consumer Affairs Victoria
• Urgent repair orders, which must be rectified immediately
• VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) disputes, where tenants can take legal action to demand compliance

For rental providers, prevention is far more cost-effective than dealing with consequences later.

The Hidden Risks of Mould in Rental Properties

Mould is more than an inconvenience, it can cause serious health risks for tenants and costly structural damage for owners.

Health Risks for Tenants

Long-term exposure to mould has been linked to (NSW Health):

• Respiratory problems, including asthma and persistent coughing
• Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and eye irritation
• Mental health effects, including increased stress and anxiety

Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable, making it crucial for rental providers to eliminate the problem before it affects tenant health.

Structural & Financial Risks for Owners

If left untreated, mould can (Victorian Building Authority):

• Spread rapidly, making it harder and more expensive to remove
• Damage walls, ceilings, and insulation, leading to significant repair costs
• Lower property value, making it harder to lease or sell

Ignoring mould issues will only increase long-term costs. What starts as a minor patch of mould can quickly escalate into a major issue, one that an owner is legally responsible for fixing.

Preventing Mould in Rental Properties

Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated environments, making proactive prevention essential. 

Improve Ventilation

• Install exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries
• Ensure proper airflow by keeping windows open where possible
• Confirm all rooms meet ventilation standards set by the Building Code of Australia (Australian Building Codes Board)

Conduct Regular Maintenance Checks

• Fix leaks quickly before moisture builds up
• Inspect ceilings, walls, and flooring for early signs of dampness
• Check air conditioning units and plumbing for hidden water accumulation

Educate Tenants on Moisture Control

• Use dehumidifiers in humid areas
• Avoid drying clothes indoors without adequate ventilation
• Regularly wipe down condensation-prone areas, such as bathroom tiles

Why Standard Paint is Not Enough

Many rental providers assume that a fresh coat of regular paint will cover mould issues, but standard paint can trap moisture, creating an environment where mould can thrive unseen. To truly prevent mould growth, specialist mould-resistant paint is required.

Mould-Resistant Paint from Haymes

For long-term protection, rental providers should use high-performance, mould-resistant paint that prevents moisture absorption and inhibits mould growth before it starts. 

Haymes Paint Kitchen & Bathroom

• Formulated for high-humidity areas, including bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries
• Mould and mildew-resistant technology with a 10-year protection guarantee
• Durable, washable finish, making it easy to clean and maintain

This paint is essential for meeting legal ventilation standards, particularly in moisture-prone areas. Investing in mould-resistant paint reduces the risk of costly repairs and legal disputes, making it one of the smartest investments a rental provider can make. 

Protect Your Rental Property with Haymes Paint

Mould is more than a maintenance issue, it is a legal, financial, and health risk for rental providers. With Victoria’s new rental laws in place, owners who fail to prevent mould could face fines, urgent repair orders, and legal action.

However, prevention does not need to be complicated. By improving ventilation, maintaining the property properly, and using high-quality mould-resistant paint, rental providers can stay compliant and protect their investments.

The most effective way to prevent mould? Choose Haymes Paint’s mould-resistant solutions. Find your nearest Haymes Paint stockist today and protect your rental property for the long term.