Mould in Strata: Liability and Remediation

Understanding Mould in Strata: Navigating Responsibilities and Remediation Mould growth in strata-titled properties is a common challenge that can cause significant friction between tenants, landlords, and Owners Corporations. Because multi-unit buildings involve shared structural elements and private living spaces, determining liability requires a clear understanding of the relevant strata legislation and maintenance responsibilities. When mould appears, it is essential to act quickly to prevent structural damage and protect the health of residents. At Clean Dry Restore, we specialise in professional mould remediation across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Hunter Valley, the Central Coast, Forster, and Taree, helping stakeholders restore healthy living environments. ## Identifying the Source of Mould Liability In New South Wales, the responsibility for mould remediation typically depends on the source of the moisture. Strata schemes are governed by the Strata Schemes Management Act, which generally dictates that the Owners Corporation is responsible for maintaining the common property. If mould is caused by a failure in common property—such as a leaking roof, rising damp, a burst pipe behind a common wall, or inadequate ventilation in a building design—the repair and subsequent mould remediation are usually the responsibility of the Owners Corporation. Conversely, if the mould is the result of a tenant's lifestyle, such as drying clothes inside without ventilation or failing to clean wet areas, the responsibility often falls on the owner or the tenant. It is vital to conduct a professional assessment to determine the root cause before attempting to fix the issue, as treating the visible mould without addressing the moisture source will only lead to recurring growth. ## Steps to Address Mould in Your Strata Property If you discover mould in your apartment or townhouse, following a structured process is the best way to ensure the problem is resolved permanently. 1. Notify the Strata Manager: Immediately submit a written report to your strata manager regarding the mould and any suspected sources of moisture. 2. Document the Damage: Take clear photographs of the affected areas and document when you first noticed the issue. 3. Request a Professional Inspection: Ask the Owners Corporation to commission a specialist mould assessment. Clean Dry Restore can provide professional site inspections to identify moisture pathways and extent of contamination. 4. Authorise Remediation: Once the liability is established, ensure a professional remediation team is engaged. DIY removal is often insufficient for deep-seated mould spores. 5. Implement Long-term Prevention: Once remediated, address ventilation issues or repair leaks to ensure the mould does not return. ## Why Professional Remediation is Essential Mould is not merely a surface cleaning issue. In many cases, mould spores penetrate porous materials like drywall, carpet, and timber framing. Standard household cleaners often fail to kill the root structure of the mould, and aggressive scrubbing can release thousands of spores into the air, potentially causing respiratory distress to residents. Our team at Clean Dry Restore uses high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration and professional-grade antimicrobial treatments to safely encapsulate and remove mould colonies. We ensure that your property is restored to a hygienically clean standard, adhering to all health and safety regulations for Australian residential environments. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Who pays for mould removal in a strata complex? Responsibility depends on the source. If the mould is caused by a building defect or failure in common property, the Owners Corporation is generally liable. If the issue stems from owner or tenant actions, the cost typically falls on the individual. ### Can I paint over mould to hide it? Painting over mould is never recommended. It seals in the fungus, which will continue to grow and feed on the underlying material, eventually causing the paint to bubble or peel and creating a significant indoor air quality hazard. ### How long does professional remediation take? The timeline depends on the extent of the infestation. A minor surface clean might take a few hours, while significant remediation requiring the removal of contaminated materials may take several days. ### Is mould dangerous to my health? Yes, prolonged exposure to mould spores can trigger asthma, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues, especially in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. If you are dealing with a mould issue in your strata property, don't wait for the damage to escalate. Contact the experts at Clean Dry Restore on 1300 REVIVE today to schedule a professional assessment and start your journey back to a healthy home.