Mould and damp in a Clyde North rental
What the mould and damp standard asks of a landlord, and how we tell condensation from a building defect.
In short: Mould or damp that the building itself causes has no place in a Victorian rental. The skill in an inspection is telling building causes from day to day living.
What the standard covers
The standard requires the rental to be free from mould and damp caused by or related to the building structure. Condensation from drying washing indoors is not the landlord's building problem; a leaking shower is.
What we look for
Mouldy sealant, failing grout, stained ceilings, damp skirtings and crumbling mortar outside. In May 2026 we recorded all of those on one Dandenong North property, from blackened bath sealant to brick mortar breaking down from long term damp.
How we judge the cause
Moisture readings and the pattern of staining show whether water is coming from a leak, from the ground, or from the air in the room. The report states the likely cause and the fix.
Common fixes
Re-sealing and re-grouting wet areas, extending exhaust ducts outside, repairing roof leaks and improving drainage against walls. Most are small jobs that fix the standard and protect the building.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Clyde North. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
