Appliance Spares
Victoria’s rules now make mould from the building the landlord’s problem. Moisture from your dryer is usually yours. Here’s how to tell the difference, and what to fix.
Quick answer: In Victoria, rental minimum standards require every room to be free from mould and damp caused by, or related to, the building structure. Laundries must have ventilation. Mould from moisture you create, like a dryer venting into the room, is usually yours to manage: run the fan, clean the lint filter, vent the dryer outside, and fix a leaking condenser dryer.
What the rules say
| State | Rule | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| VIC | Free from mould and damp caused by the building. Laundries must be ventilated. Applies to tenancies from 29 March 2021. From 25 Nov 2025 it’s an offence to advertise a rental that doesn’t meet the standards. | Tenants Victoria |
| NSW | Repairs process through NSW Fair Trading and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal | Tenants’ Union of NSW |
| Other states | Check your state’s tenancy authority | Your state tenants’ service |
Is your dryer the problem?
A load of wet washing holds a lot of water, and a dryer has to put it somewhere. The Australian Government’s Your Home guide recommends laundry exhaust fans that vent outdoors.
| Dryer type | Where the water goes | What fails |
|---|---|---|
| Vented (incl. wall-mounted) | Out the vent. Into the room if there’s no duct. | Blocked lint filter, missing duct |
| Condenser | Into a water container or a drain hose | Full or misfitted container, blocked condenser, worn door seal |
| Heat pump | Into a container or a drain hose | Filters, container, drain hose |
Why is my condenser dryer leaving water on the floor?
- The water container is full or not pushed fully home.
- The condenser or filter is blocked with lint, so steam escapes.
- The drain hose (if plumbed) is kinked or disconnected.
- The door seal is worn and steam leaks round it.
Fixes a renter can do without drilling
- Clean the lint filter every load. Replace it if the mesh is torn.
- Run the exhaust fan and keep the laundry door open while the dryer runs.
- Empty the condenser container every cycle.
- Report building leaks, broken fans and rising damp to your agent in writing.
Lint filter torn? Seal worn?
Find dryer parts by model number. Shop dryer parts →
Frequently asked questions
Is my landlord responsible for mould in Victoria?
For mould and damp caused by, or related to, the building structure, the minimum standards apply. Ask Tenants Victoria about your case.
Can I use a vented dryer in a laundry with no window?
It will push moisture into the room. Use the exhaust fan, keep the door open, or ask about a vent.
Who pays to fix a dryer that came with the rental?
Usually the landlord, as it’s their appliance. Check your lease and your state’s rules.
Sources
- Tenants Victoria. Minimum standards for private rentals. tenantsvic.org.au
- Australian Government, Your Home. Indoor air quality. yourhome.gov.au
More on washing machine smells and mould
- Washing cold saves up to 80% of the energy: do this once a month so your machine doesn't pay for it
- Why your front loader stinks: five culprits, from a 2-minute fix to a new pump
- Bleach and vinegar in the washer? The cleaning hack that makes chlorine gas
- How to remove mould from a washing machine door seal
Oz Appliance Spares ships from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Australian-owned since 2009. Last reviewed 30 October 2026.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
