Being a tenant in Australia is no easy feat. On top of the rising rental prices and the lack of rental security, there are also reports of landlords taking months or even years to fix major issues inside rental properties.

And these are issues that can affect your health and safety severely if left unchecked.

This was exactly the troubling case a humble tenant found themself facing recently – and trust us, their nerve-racking story is one worth paying attention to.

Social media users across the country shouted back a resounding ‘NO’ to a tenant who was asking if they were ‘overreacting’ over what they found inside their air conditioning unit.

The renter posted a photo of the air conditioner to Facebook and showed the unit covered with dense mould inside its vents.

The tenant then went on to explain they had only recently moved into the rental property. They also shared they emailed their real estate agent to bring the issue to their attention after having no luck with a ‘repair man’. The tenant also admitted they stopped using their air conditioner out of fear that the mould would spread.

The renter said they stopped using the unit out of fear that the mould would spread. Credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels

However, not using an air conditioner in the summer is dangerous, as temperatures soar as hot as 40°C inside homes. The World Health Organisation’s recommended safe limit is no higher than 25°C for more than nine hours daily.

Tenant advocacy organisation Better Renting tracked the temperature in 77 rentals across Australia between December 2022 and February this year. They found that for nine hours a day, people were above a safe temperature level on average.

People took to the comments to reassure the renter that they weren’t being unreasonable and that their air conditioner unit’s current state ‘should not be tolerated’.

One stated that the ‘real estate agency [should] organise to get the unit professionally cleaned’.

Another warned that leaving the unit in its current state could foster more mould to grow and spread around the house.

‘As someone who has their own business doing this, this is bad,’ one added before saying that professional cleaners need to remember why removing mould is so important.

‘It's people's health that is impacted here,’ they continued.

The tenant's air conditioner unit was filled with mould. Credit: Facebook

​

Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that despite it not being ‘uncommon’ to have mould growth in a house, ‘allergic-type responses’ can occur if mould is not removed properly. This can make people feel ill if left untreated.

‘Any amount of visible mould is not a good thing. Try to ensure there’s no visible mould in the house,’ Professor Carter said.

Mould growth was found on many houses along the east coast of Australia after the area was subjected to intense rainfall and flooding last year, which was caused by consecutive La Nina weather events.

Professor Carter shared that she herself was not immune to fungal growth in her property.

‘I got mould in my home during the severe weather in Sydney a year and a half ago,’ she said before adding that she had to combat mould growing on her books, table and inside her wardrobe.

Water exposure, alongside dust and improper ventilation, encourages mould to grow and removing it is critical for good health, Professor Carter revealed.

‘As you live with mould, it can start to become an issue, and if you’re not remedying it, it will only continue to grow.’

When mould grows indoors, it can cause a range of health issues and various adverse effects on the human body, ranging from mild to severe in intensity. These risks include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; breathing difficulties such as asthma attacks; chest tightness; headaches; skin irritation; fatigue; and similar flu-like symptoms.

It is highly important for those living in damp indoor environments to be aware of the health risks and potential effects of prolonged mould exposure. People with compromised immune systems, such as infants, children, the elderly, and anyone with known allergies, are most susceptible to the side effects of mould and may experience more severe reactions than healthy individuals.

Key Takeaways

• A tenant posted a photo of dense mould inside their rental property’s air conditioning unit to social media, asking if they were ‘overreacting’.
• People responded to assure the tenant that the AC unit’s condition was unreasonable and should not be tolerated.
• Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that any amount of visible mould is not good and can cause health issues.
• Factors such as water exposure, dust, and improper ventilation can all contribute to mould growth.

Members, do you have any mould removal/protection tips you would like to share with us? Do you have a rental horror story to tell us? Feel free to comment below!

 

[Wandiwa]

All air conditioners have a filter that should be checked at least annually, more often in dusty or humid conditions or if it's used a lot. Filter is usually sponge foam and rinsed in soapy water. 2 minute job, instructions if reqd can be found by googling the make & model.

 

[OperaticZeus]

When using an air con before just turning it off run the fan only cycle for an hour to dry out the unit. I had mould and after getting it professionally cleaned I was advised to do this and so far so good.

 

[Carole_Peggy]

Being a tenant in Australia is no easy feat. On top of the rising rental prices and the lack of rental security, there are also reports of landlords taking months or even years to fix major issues inside rental properties.

And these are issues that can affect your health and safety severely if left unchecked.

This was exactly the troubling case a humble tenant found themself facing recently – and trust us, their nerve-racking story is one worth paying attention to.

Social media users across the country shouted back a resounding ‘NO’ to a tenant who was asking if they were ‘overreacting’ over what they found inside their air conditioning unit.

The renter posted a photo of the air conditioner to Facebook and showed the unit covered with dense mould inside its vents.

The tenant then went on to explain they had only recently moved into the rental property. They also shared they emailed their real estate agent to bring the issue to their attention after having no luck with a ‘repair man’. The tenant also admitted they stopped using their air conditioner out of fear that the mould would spread.

View attachment 15803

The renter said they stopped using the unit out of fear that the mould would spread. Credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels

However, not using an air conditioner in the summer is dangerous, as temperatures soar as hot as 40°C inside homes. The World Health Organisation’s recommended safe limit is no higher than 25°C for more than nine hours daily.

Tenant advocacy organisation Better Renting tracked the temperature in 77 rentals across Australia between December 2022 and February this year. They found that for nine hours a day, people were above a safe temperature level on average.

People took to the comments to reassure the renter that they weren’t being unreasonable and that their air conditioner unit’s current state ‘should not be tolerated’.

One stated that the ‘real estate agency [should] organise to get the unit professionally cleaned’.

Another warned that leaving the unit in its current state could foster more mould to grow and spread around the house.

‘As someone who has their own business doing this, this is bad,’ one added before saying that professional cleaners need to remember why removing mould is so important.

‘It's people's health that is impacted here,’ they continued.

View attachment 15804

The tenant's air conditioner unit was filled with mould. Credit: Facebook

​

Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that despite it not being ‘uncommon’ to have mould growth in a house, ‘allergic-type responses’ can occur if mould is not removed properly. This can make people feel ill if left untreated.

‘Any amount of visible mould is not a good thing. Try to ensure there’s no visible mould in the house,’ Professor Carter said.

Mould growth was found on many houses along the east coast of Australia after the area was subjected to intense rainfall and flooding last year, which was caused by consecutive La Nina weather events.

Professor Carter shared that she herself was not immune to fungal growth in her property.

‘I got mould in my home during the severe weather in Sydney a year and a half ago,’ she said before adding that she had to combat mould growing on her books, table and inside her wardrobe.

Water exposure, alongside dust and improper ventilation, encourages mould to grow and removing it is critical for good health, Professor Carter revealed.

‘As you live with mould, it can start to become an issue, and if you’re not remedying it, it will only continue to grow.’

When mould grows indoors, it can cause a range of health issues and various adverse effects on the human body, ranging from mild to severe in intensity. These risks include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; breathing difficulties such as asthma attacks; chest tightness; headaches; skin irritation; fatigue; and similar flu-like symptoms.

It is highly important for those living in damp indoor environments to be aware of the health risks and potential effects of prolonged mould exposure. People with compromised immune systems, such as infants, children, the elderly, and anyone with known allergies, are most susceptible to the side effects of mould and may experience more severe reactions than healthy individuals.

Key Takeaways

• A tenant posted a photo of dense mould inside their rental property’s air conditioning unit to social media, asking if they were ‘overreacting’.
• People responded to assure the tenant that the AC unit’s condition was unreasonable and should not be tolerated.
• Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that any amount of visible mould is not good and can cause health issues.
• Factors such as water exposure, dust, and improper ventilation can all contribute to mould growth.

Members, do you have any mould removal/protection tips you would like to share with us? Do you have a rental horror story to tell us? Feel free to comment below!

 

[Carole_Peggy]

You are supposed to clean the ac every month if not few weeks, it’s not hard, new ac’s will have a self clean button on the remote too, (still need to clean out the filters) you clean your oven why not clean your ac .

 

[POG]

Being a tenant in Australia is no easy feat. On top of the rising rental prices and the lack of rental security, there are also reports of landlords taking months or even years to fix major issues inside rental properties.

And these are issues that can affect your health and safety severely if left unchecked.

This was exactly the troubling case a humble tenant found themself facing recently – and trust us, their nerve-racking story is one worth paying attention to.

Social media users across the country shouted back a resounding ‘NO’ to a tenant who was asking if they were ‘overreacting’ over what they found inside their air conditioning unit.

The renter posted a photo of the air conditioner to Facebook and showed the unit covered with dense mould inside its vents.

The tenant then went on to explain they had only recently moved into the rental property. They also shared they emailed their real estate agent to bring the issue to their attention after having no luck with a ‘repair man’. The tenant also admitted they stopped using their air conditioner out of fear that the mould would spread.

View attachment 15803

The renter said they stopped using the unit out of fear that the mould would spread. Credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels

However, not using an air conditioner in the summer is dangerous, as temperatures soar as hot as 40°C inside homes. The World Health Organisation’s recommended safe limit is no higher than 25°C for more than nine hours daily.

Tenant advocacy organisation Better Renting tracked the temperature in 77 rentals across Australia between December 2022 and February this year. They found that for nine hours a day, people were above a safe temperature level on average.

People took to the comments to reassure the renter that they weren’t being unreasonable and that their air conditioner unit’s current state ‘should not be tolerated’.

One stated that the ‘real estate agency [should] organise to get the unit professionally cleaned’.

Another warned that leaving the unit in its current state could foster more mould to grow and spread around the house.

‘As someone who has their own business doing this, this is bad,’ one added before saying that professional cleaners need to remember why removing mould is so important.

‘It's people's health that is impacted here,’ they continued.

View attachment 15804

The tenant's air conditioner unit was filled with mould. Credit: Facebook

​

Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that despite it not being ‘uncommon’ to have mould growth in a house, ‘allergic-type responses’ can occur if mould is not removed properly. This can make people feel ill if left untreated.

‘Any amount of visible mould is not a good thing. Try to ensure there’s no visible mould in the house,’ Professor Carter said.

Mould growth was found on many houses along the east coast of Australia after the area was subjected to intense rainfall and flooding last year, which was caused by consecutive La Nina weather events.

Professor Carter shared that she herself was not immune to fungal growth in her property.

‘I got mould in my home during the severe weather in Sydney a year and a half ago,’ she said before adding that she had to combat mould growing on her books, table and inside her wardrobe.

Water exposure, alongside dust and improper ventilation, encourages mould to grow and removing it is critical for good health, Professor Carter revealed.

‘As you live with mould, it can start to become an issue, and if you’re not remedying it, it will only continue to grow.’

When mould grows indoors, it can cause a range of health issues and various adverse effects on the human body, ranging from mild to severe in intensity. These risks include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; breathing difficulties such as asthma attacks; chest tightness; headaches; skin irritation; fatigue; and similar flu-like symptoms.

It is highly important for those living in damp indoor environments to be aware of the health risks and potential effects of prolonged mould exposure. People with compromised immune systems, such as infants, children, the elderly, and anyone with known allergies, are most susceptible to the side effects of mould and may experience more severe reactions than healthy individuals.

Key Takeaways

• A tenant posted a photo of dense mould inside their rental property’s air conditioning unit to social media, asking if they were ‘overreacting’.
• People responded to assure the tenant that the AC unit’s condition was unreasonable and should not be tolerated.
• Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that any amount of visible mould is not good and can cause health issues.
• Factors such as water exposure, dust, and improper ventilation can all contribute to mould growth.

Members, do you have any mould removal/protection tips you would like to share with us? Do you have a rental horror story to tell us? Feel free to comment below!

If the air conditioner had mold before the tenant moved in, it is the responsibility of the real estate agent or landlord to get it serviced, after that it becomes the responsibility of the tenant. Same for the oven or any other appliance maintenance. Landlords make tax claims on these services against their income.

 

[Duka]

I get all my air conditions cleaned and serviced every year. Living in North Queensland it is a must. Mine get used 24/7 throughout the hot humid summer months.

 

[Penny4]

Air-cons need professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Just cleaning the filter doesn't get inside the machine to get a deep clean.

 

[MaggieAmalia]

Being a tenant in Australia is no easy feat. On top of the rising rental prices and the lack of rental security, there are also reports of landlords taking months or even years to fix major issues inside rental properties.

And these are issues that can affect your health and safety severely if left unchecked.

This was exactly the troubling case a humble tenant found themself facing recently – and trust us, their nerve-racking story is one worth paying attention to.

Social media users across the country shouted back a resounding ‘NO’ to a tenant who was asking if they were ‘overreacting’ over what they found inside their air conditioning unit.

The renter posted a photo of the air conditioner to Facebook and showed the unit covered with dense mould inside its vents.

The tenant then went on to explain they had only recently moved into the rental property. They also shared they emailed their real estate agent to bring the issue to their attention after having no luck with a ‘repair man’. The tenant also admitted they stopped using their air conditioner out of fear that the mould would spread.

View attachment 15803

The renter said they stopped using the unit out of fear that the mould would spread. Credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels

However, not using an air conditioner in the summer is dangerous, as temperatures soar as hot as 40°C inside homes. The World Health Organisation’s recommended safe limit is no higher than 25°C for more than nine hours daily.

Tenant advocacy organisation Better Renting tracked the temperature in 77 rentals across Australia between December 2022 and February this year. They found that for nine hours a day, people were above a safe temperature level on average.

People took to the comments to reassure the renter that they weren’t being unreasonable and that their air conditioner unit’s current state ‘should not be tolerated’.

One stated that the ‘real estate agency [should] organise to get the unit professionally cleaned’.

Another warned that leaving the unit in its current state could foster more mould to grow and spread around the house.

‘As someone who has their own business doing this, this is bad,’ one added before saying that professional cleaners need to remember why removing mould is so important.

‘It's people's health that is impacted here,’ they continued.

View attachment 15804

The tenant's air conditioner unit was filled with mould. Credit: Facebook

​

Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that despite it not being ‘uncommon’ to have mould growth in a house, ‘allergic-type responses’ can occur if mould is not removed properly. This can make people feel ill if left untreated.

‘Any amount of visible mould is not a good thing. Try to ensure there’s no visible mould in the house,’ Professor Carter said.

Mould growth was found on many houses along the east coast of Australia after the area was subjected to intense rainfall and flooding last year, which was caused by consecutive La Nina weather events.

Professor Carter shared that she herself was not immune to fungal growth in her property.

‘I got mould in my home during the severe weather in Sydney a year and a half ago,’ she said before adding that she had to combat mould growing on her books, table and inside her wardrobe.

Water exposure, alongside dust and improper ventilation, encourages mould to grow and removing it is critical for good health, Professor Carter revealed.

‘As you live with mould, it can start to become an issue, and if you’re not remedying it, it will only continue to grow.’

When mould grows indoors, it can cause a range of health issues and various adverse effects on the human body, ranging from mild to severe in intensity. These risks include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; breathing difficulties such as asthma attacks; chest tightness; headaches; skin irritation; fatigue; and similar flu-like symptoms.

It is highly important for those living in damp indoor environments to be aware of the health risks and potential effects of prolonged mould exposure. People with compromised immune systems, such as infants, children, the elderly, and anyone with known allergies, are most susceptible to the side effects of mould and may experience more severe reactions than healthy individuals.

Key Takeaways

• A tenant posted a photo of dense mould inside their rental property’s air conditioning unit to social media, asking if they were ‘overreacting’.
• People responded to assure the tenant that the AC unit’s condition was unreasonable and should not be tolerated.
• Professor of Microbiology Dee Carter said that any amount of visible mould is not good and can cause health issues.
• Factors such as water exposure, dust, and improper ventilation can all contribute to mould growth.

Members, do you have any mould removal/protection tips you would like to share with us? Do you have a rental horror story to tell us? Feel free to comment below!

The landlord/owner of the property is responsible i believe for the maintenance of the airconditioner, not the tenant. My airconditioner started to have water overflowing from the Fugitsu inverter aircon in my rental property from a wall unit. When i spoke to the agent i was told it was my responsibility and i stated no as it was part off the rental property not mine and hence was the llords responsibility.
So they arranged a service man who attended and lifted up a flap that wad at the base of the unit and asked for a bucket so that the hidden water tray was refreshed as overflowing with water. I was very surprised as i had no idea that overflow tract existed.. maybe an idea it other folks asked their agents or llords to get the unit serviced if its not been done in the past.
It was suggested to me that it be attended to at the end of a season, bi annually...
i was surprised to see the volume of water he showed me and that it was starting to get dirty and would have become mouldy and become a health hazard . i advised the agent that the health dept had called in to inspect the unit as apparently it was a branch requirement and requested that i let the llord know of the condition of the unit and that there world be a return visit to inspect that it had been attended to and so there would not be any penalties for neglecting this important health requirement... Its all in the terminology used and the all important health and safety issues that must be attended to.. end result no health issues as no mould is developing in the property. I saw once a documentary about the suffering and health issues of a family who lived in a dreadful house full of mould including the ceiling and wall cavities.. non compliance by owners is not wise and at the end of the day their investment needs to be maintained for entities mutual benefit imo.