Depending on how big the issue is, but generally I would advise my tenants that it is entirely their responsibility (obviously there should have been no mould when they moved in, and it is up to them to maintain it that way). If there was mould when they moved in I would offer to have it cleaned off once, then it is up to the tenant to keep it that way.

However, there may be an underlying issue - lack of ventilation - in which case I would recommend the owner to install an extraction fan. Mould may still appear, and again would be a responsibility of the tenant to remove.  (or several other reasons eg moisture in ceiling from leak in roof?)

I agree with Amber’s comments.

Also it could also be that the tenants don’t know how to remove it.  This was the case recently at a property where I was there before the plumber and owner were coming to investigate a burst water pipe. These tenants were refugees and eventhough they had been through a tenant induction with the muticultural support group they had no idea about cleaning products. I went and bought some and showed them what to do. They were amazed at how easily domestos takes mould off bathroom walls.

One word of warning—when at a property showing tenants what to do be careful for yourself.  I was more concerned about having the property clean before the owner turned up than anything (self preservation was what I was thinking). I slept and hurt myself. I’m still in pain nearly 3 weeks later.

Most tenants understand what to do though its just that we need to be clear of what our expectations are up front and also as soon as we notice a problem before the matter gets out of hand.

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au

Perhaps a cleaning sheet upon signing up a new tenant which shows how to keep the shower clean and suggestions on what products can be used..Being careful regarding risk management, of course!

We have a very comprehensive tenant handbook that goes into fine detail about what is expected. It has heaps on cleaning. It is not so useful with people who can’t read English. They only way with these people is to get in there and show them.

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au

I can see where you are coming from Margaret..But where do we draw the line.  I, for one certainly do not have the time to clean a tenants shower. 

Earlier, you said that you went out and got some domestos..what about risk management?  Domestos is a dangerous cleaning product and one that I cannot use.  I think that perhaps a cleaner is the best person to show tenants how to clean the shower.

What about a dvd on cleaning..that would certainly show them how to do it?

Great ideas Kassandra—but who is going to pay for that? I can’t see owners wanting to pay anything extra than they have to. They will just expect the tenants to know how to do it or for us to sort it out for them.

I choose domestos as it is something that can be used in a variety of places. I suppose if you were going to help out you would have to use something else.

There has been a discussion earlier about the things that property managers do that are beyond the call of duty. Showing a tenant how to clean I don’t think is totally over the top. I just started the process and then gave them the broom to keep scrubbing. I left them to it. There would be no way I would have done the whole lot and had them just watching me.

Maybe apmasphere may do some clips that may be able to be used. You guys at apmasphere have already made some very useful clip to help pm in their jobs already. Maybe one that we can use with tenants could be useful

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au

Glad to hear that you don’t do it all Margaret!! I too agree that Apmasphere is useful and I will send every PM I know to it!

Thanks guys, we’re feeling very special over at apmasphere headquarters! Emily – are you up for the challenge, we know how you love to get stuck in and get your hands dirty!

mmm Maybe we need to make a list of things she can do.

I can think of a few—-pulling a stove apart to clean under the rings, cleaning the rangehood and oven, cleaning light fittings and window tracks, mowing and keeping garden beds clean, dealing with a pool, where you should park your car (not on lawns), putting something under the car if it spills oil. What things they should report on for maintenance eg leaking taps & toilets. How to reset a safety switch and find which tenant appliance is tripping the safety switch. Responsibilites with smoke alarms.

This job maybe too big for Emily alone. Maybe she will need some help.

I’m not trying to be mean trying to get Emily to get into this huge challenge. I think it maybe a great idea for tenants to visually see what is expected. I find most tenants try hard but sometimes they just seem to have no idea. A visual may help.

Maybe if apmasphere produced a DVD from imput from everyone we could purchase the DVD and distributed to tenants at sign up and when vacating. It may help resolve disputes.

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au