Tenants' Union of Tasmania

Mould

The basics:

Mould needs moisture to grow. Good heating and extractor fans, regular airing and gloss paint can minimise indoor moisture and therefore mould.  If the mould is caused by you, the best way to get rid of it is a vinegar or alcohol solution (1 part vinegar/alcohol to 4 parts water).  If the mould keeps coming back despite your best efforts, it is likely that it is a structural problem and is a landlord/agent responsibility.  You can seek general repairs that would fix the problem such as extractor fans, efficient heating or window locks to allow airing.  Alternatively, you can contact your local council for an inspection from an Environmental Health Officer.  They can compel landlords/agents to fix problems under the Public Health Act even if it was a problem prior to you moving in.

Links:

The Tasmanian Office of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading have made a factsheet about Residential Tenacies and Mould in Tasmania.  It explains what the landlord/agent and tenant can do minimise the problem and the possible steps to remedy the situation.

The Victorian Department of Health website has a page on mould that focusses on health issues, actions to minimise it and cleaning up after a flood.