The Health Risks of Mould in Your Home
Mould is not merely a cosmetic problem. Airborne mould spores are a recognised health hazard, particularly for children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory conditions, allergies, or a compromised immune system. The most commonly encountered health effects of mould exposure include:
Respiratory symptoms
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and aggravation of asthma.
Allergic reactions
Sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, and skin rashes.
Sinus infections
Chronic sinus infections and recurring upper respiratory illness.
Neurological effects
In cases of prolonged exposure to mycotoxin-producing species such as Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould), headaches, fatigue, and cognitive difficulty have been reported.
If you or family members have unexplained recurring health problems that improve when you leave the property, mould contamination should be investigated. Professional air quality testing can identify spore counts and species that are not visible to the naked eye.
Signs You Have a Mould Problem
Mould is not always visible. By the time you can see it, contamination is typically well-established. Watch for these indicators:
1
Visible
Black, green, grey, or white patches on walls, ceilings, grout, window frames, or timber surfaces. Visible mould on bathroom silicon, under sinks, or inside wardrobes on exterior walls.
2
Smell
A persistent musty or earthy odour that doesn't resolve with ventilation — particularly in bathrooms, basements, under-floor spaces, and rooms on the south or east side of the property.
3
Structural
Peeling or bubbling paint, damp or discoloured plasterboard, condensation inside double-glazed windows, or soft spots in timber flooring or skirting boards.
4
Health indicators
Family members experiencing recurring respiratory issues, morning headaches, or worsening allergy symptoms that improve when away from the property.
5
Melbourne-specific
Sub-floor mould is a significant issue in Melbourne's older housing stock. Victorian and Edwardian homes with raised timber floors over unventilated sub-floor spaces are highly susceptible. Rising damp from the sub-floor can migrate into wall structures without any visible surface indication.
Our Mould Remediation Process
Inspection and Moisture Mapping
We inspect all accessible and hidden areas using moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and visual assessment. We identify not just where mould is growing, but why — the moisture source driving the growth.
Air Quality Testing (if required)
Where contamination extent is unclear, we conduct air sampling and surface swab testing. Samples are sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory and results are provided in a written report.
Containment Setup
Before any disturbance of mould-affected material, we establish a containment barrier using negative air pressure and plastic sheeting to prevent spore dispersal to clean areas. Occupants may be required to vacate during this phase.
HEPA Vacuuming and Removal
All mould-affected materials that cannot be cleaned are removed — including plasterboard, insulation, timber, and flooring. Salvageable materials are HEPA-vacuumed to remove loose spore colonies.
Anti-Fungal Treatment
All affected surfaces receive anti-fungal chemical treatment to eliminate residual spores and prevent regrowth. We use EPA-registered products appropriate to the species and surface type.
Moisture Source Correction
Mould remediation without addressing the moisture source will always recur. We identify and document the source — whether it is a plumbing leak, inadequate ventilation, rising damp, or condensation — and provide recommendations or direct repair coordination.
Post-Remediation Verification
We conduct a clearance inspection with air testing to confirm spore counts have returned to background levels before reinstating the area.
Mould in Rental Properties — Victoria
Mould resulting from tenant behaviour — such as failing to ventilate a bathroom, drying washing indoors without ventilation, or not reporting a leak promptly — may be the tenant’s responsibility. In practice, many mould disputes involve both contributing factors.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a reasonably good state of repair. Mould resulting from structural issues — leaking roofs, poor ventilation, rising damp, or inadequate waterproofing — is generally the landlord’s responsibility to remediate.
Alliance Remediation provides written inspection reports suitable for VCAT proceedings, insurance claims, and property management documentation. We work with property managers, landlords, and tenants across Melbourne to assess, document, and remediate mould to a standard that satisfies all parties.
FAQs – Mould Remediation
How much does mould remediation cost in Melbourne?
Mould remediation costs range from approximately $500 for a minor bathroom treatment to $5,000–$15,000+ for extensive structural contamination involving multiple rooms or sub-floor remediation. The key variables are the size of the affected area, whether structural materials need to be removed, and whether post-remediation testing is required. We provide a written quote after inspection.
Is black mould dangerous?
Yes. Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) produces mycotoxins that have been associated with respiratory problems, neurological effects, and immune suppression with prolonged exposure. However, many dark-coloured moulds are not Stachybotrys — laboratory testing is required to identify species with certainty. Any visible mould should be treated as a health concern regardless of colour.
Can I remove mould myself?
Small surface mould on tiles, silicon, or non-porous surfaces can be treated with appropriate anti-fungal products. However, mould inside walls, under floors, in insulation, or covering areas larger than approximately 1 square metre should be professionally remediated. Disturbing mould without containment procedures disperses spores throughout the property, dramatically worsening contamination.
Is mould the landlord's responsibility in Victoria?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), mould arising from structural issues — leaking roofs, rising damp, inadequate ventilation built into the property — is generally the landlord's responsibility. Mould from tenant behaviour may be the tenant's responsibility. We provide inspection reports suitable for VCAT disputes.
Will mould come back after remediation?
Mould will not recur if the moisture source is correctly identified and resolved. Remediation without moisture source correction will always result in regrowth, often within weeks. Our process always includes moisture source identification and recommendations. We offer a post-remediation verification inspection to confirm clearance levels.