Preventing & treating mould in your rental properties

With mould season in full swing from early spring until late summer, it's time for property managers to put mould prevention and management at the top of their to-do lists.

While no Canadian law specifically addresses mould, Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act requires a “safe” and “habitable” living environment for tenants, meaning housing providers are on the hook for getting rid of it.

Prevention is key

Prevention is always the first line of defense against mould.

Regular property inspections can catch potential issues early on, and fixing water leaks promptly, keeping humidity levels low, and encouraging tenants to practice good housekeeping habits (using exhaust fans when cooking, opening windows regularly, etc.) can help keep mould at bay.

Recognizing the signs

Known as a “silent killer”, mould loves to hide in dark and tucked away areas, but there are telltale signs of its presence to watch out for:

• Stale, damp, earthy odors
• Unexplained allergies, coughs, or headaches among tenants
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Fuzzy, discolored patches on surfaces

Trust your gut – if something smells fishy (or musty, in this case), it's time to investigate.

Testing and inspection

If you suspect mould in your rental property but can’t see it, at-home mould testing kits can give you a clue, but for a comprehensive and thorough evaluation it's best to call in a professional. They’ll be able to identify hidden mould colonies and assess the extent of the problem more accurately.

Act fast, act smart

If mould is identified, DIY removal can be a good first step for removing small patches and stopping them turning into bigger problems. However, Health Canada recommends expert assessment for any patch bigger than 1 square metre, and says that anything over 3 square metres will require professional remediation.

Professionals know how to handle mould properly, tackling both the visible spores and the sneaky bits lurking in unexpected places. Their expert services will prevent further damage and health risks.

Streamlining maintenance with technology

Throughout the mould remediation process, property managers should keep detailed records of all communication, inspections, and actions taken to resolve the issue.

PayProp's integrated maintenance hub will do the heavy lifting for you, automatically tracking maintenance tickets, invoices, and payments for easy reference and compliance purposes. Tenants can submit and monitor tickets that property managers can then handle directly from their PayProp dashboard.

Bottom line

As Ontario gears up for mould season, remember these tips to keep your rental properties safe and habitable for your tenants: stay vigilant, act fast, trust the pros.