Mould problem in bedrooms

[xanh]

I have a mould problem in two (south facing) bedrooms in an IP.
Some mould 'specialists' have been out there and recommend that high wall vents be installed. 2 in each bedroom that will be vented externally. They have quoted 1.4K to do this work. The internal vents will be through plaster and externally, through brick. The mould isn't bad and is probably just caused by condensation as the rooms don't have any heating and can get quite cold.

I'm prepared to pay this if it means getting rid of the mould problem. However, I feel like I'm not getting much for the money.
I think my options are:

1. Suck it up and get the vents. mould issue hopefully solved but not much value added. Perhaps a handyman would do it for less.
2. Install ducted heating. Consistent warmth should solve problem and will be an improvement. Perhaps $4-5K
3. Install a dual cycle split system in each bedroom. Not as good in terms of consistent warmth as ducted but still ok. A/C also provides cooling (big plus) and some have a 'dry' setting (removes moisture?). $3K

The tenants have been pretty good and don't generally cause a fuss. About a month ago I requested the rent increase by $5/week. If I go with option 2 or 3, should I try to negotiate a bigger increase?

 

[Propertunity]

Have a good read of this thread: http://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81259

....and then maybe buy a dehumidifer

 

[moridog]

Put some sticks of school kid white chalk in the runners of the windows, then dry them out in the sun and keep using them, worth a go before before you spend big bucks, the chalk will absorb the condensation.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Second a dehumidifier, it will sole the problem for a few hundred bucks all up.

 

[xanh]

I think one of the children there uses a humidifier. I'm not sure which room, though (3 b/rooms - only 2 have mould issues).
I don't know how keen they would be to run the de-humidifier. I can't force them. I can't force them to open the windows and air out the place either. The same goes for the A/C and ducted heating, I guess.

 

[vaughan]

... I can't force them to open the windows and air out the place either.

I think that most mould problems are due to tenants NOT opening windows and getting good ventilation. Most, as-in 90%.

About the only good thing about ducted heating and air-con is that the tenant pays the running costs, but you'll need to pay repairs, maintenance and replacement.

Regarding the option to put fixed vents to external walls, how long before the tenant blocks it off?

 

[starter]

We also had mould issues with an apartment where the tenants didn't open windows to air the place out. We ended up repainting it with mould resistant paint after the tenancy and it's much better.

 

[datto]

Place several moisture absorbing crystals in the room. After several weeks you'll see a big difference. Show tenants all the water that's been collected and get them to open the flamin window!