Why slow repairs cost more
Tribunals around Australia are taking water damage and mould in rentals seriously. Two recent decisions show why a quick assessment and good records matter. Tenancy rules differ between states, so treat these as examples, not advice.
A New South Wales landlord was ordered to pay her tenants after severe mould followed heavy rain. The property manager reported the problem promptly, but the repair work only took place months later, and the tenants had to move out temporarily without a rent reduction.
The water came from strata common property. The tribunal still found the landlord was responsible to her tenants, and that they had paid excessive rent for a full year.
Source: Elite Agent →A Brisbane rental flooded in 2024, and a carpeted room stayed mouldy and unusable for 22 weeks before it flooded again. The tenants reported the problem in writing and went to the tribunal, which ordered the agency to pay six weeks' rent back plus compensation for ruined belongings.
The agency's appeal was refused in August 2026. The decision found that the tenants having no contents insurance did not protect the landlord, and that agents are held to a professional standard.
Source: realestate.com.au →When water damage or mould is reported, get it assessed, repaired and documented quickly. We provide moisture readings, photos and written reports you can pass straight to the owner or insurer.
Summaries are in our own words, based on published reports. General information only, not legal advice. For your rights and obligations, contact your state or territory tenancy authority.
Spot it early. Dry it properly.
Short, plain-English guides on hidden leaks, mould and drying. We don't repair leaks, so if you find one, call a plumber first. Then call us to make sure everything is dried properly.
5 signs of hidden mould
- A musty smell in one room that won't go away
- Spots or patches on walls, ceilings or behind furniture
- Paint or wallpaper that bubbles, peels or stains
- Condensation or damp patches that keep returning
- Warped skirting boards or soft, lifting flooring
Mould needs moisture. Finding where the moisture is coming from matters as much as removing the mould itself.
5 signs of a hidden water leak
- Your water bill jumps for no reason
- Damp patches or stains that keep spreading
- Floors that lift, bubble or feel soft
- A musty or damp smell in one room
- The water meter moves when every tap is off
Quick test: turn off all taps and appliances, note your meter reading, and check it again after 30 minutes. If it has moved, call a plumber.
Why bathroom mould keeps coming back
Bathrooms make moisture every day. If it can't escape, mould keeps returning. These habits help:
- Run the exhaust fan every shower, until the mirror clears
- Open a window if you can
- Squeegee or wipe walls and the shower screen
- Check the fan works: a tissue held up to it should be pulled in
- Fix cracked grout and silicone so water can't get behind the tiles
Still coming back? There may be moisture trapped behind the tiles or in the wall.
"It looks dry, so it's fine."
Myth: if the carpet and walls feel dry, the job's done.
Fact: surfaces can feel dry within a day or two, while wall cavities, the space under flooring and the area behind skirting boards stay wet for days or even weeks.
That trapped moisture is where mould starts. Moisture readings show where the water has actually gone, so it can be dried properly and nothing is missed.
A leak in one unit rarely stays in one unit
- Water travels to neighbouring units through ceilings, walls and shared floors
- Small leaks become bigger claims the longer they sit
- Mould brings tenant complaints and more pressure on you and the owner
- Insurers want documentation: photos, moisture readings and drying records
- One contact makes it simpler for everyone
Once the leak is fixed, we take care of what's left: moisture readings, drying, mould remediation and repairs, with one point of contact from start to finish.
The 5-minute weekend leak check
Grab a torch and look at:
- Under the kitchen and bathroom sinks: drips, swollen cupboard bases or stains
- Behind and around the toilet: the base and the water connection
- Washing machine hoses: bulges, cracks or damp spots
- Around the hot water system: rust, pooling water or a damp floor
- The wall on the other side of the shower: stains or lifting paint
Catching a small leak early can save a lot of damage later.
Common questions
Do you fix the leak?
No. A plumber or roofer needs to fix the source first. Once that's done, we take moisture readings to see where the water has spread, dry the area and deal with any mould.
How do you know where the water has gone?
We use moisture readings and photos to map the affected areas, including places you can't see, like wall cavities and under flooring. That shows what needs drying.
What documentation can I give my insurer or the owner?
We can provide photos, moisture readings and drying records. Insurers commonly ask for these, so it helps to keep them from the start. Check your policy or ask your insurer what they need for your claim.
Why does mould keep coming back after I clean it?
Cleaning removes what you can see, but mould returns if the moisture is still there. Poor ventilation, a slow leak or water trapped behind tiles or walls are common reasons. Fixing the cause matters as much as the clean.
Do you work with property and strata managers?
Yes. We give managers one point of contact for the whole job, from moisture readings and drying through to mould remediation and repairs.