Responding to the backlash over the now-deleted Instagram<\/a> video, Joel told Yahoo News he chose to do the right thing and invest $30,000 into the \u2018neglected\u2019 property<\/a>.<\/p>\n Joel said the video showed just a portion of the project, after viewers questioned his actions.<\/p>\n He said if, at the time of doing the work, he had the information people shared in the comments about treating the mould with chlorine or sugar soap, he would have done that.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I bought the property last month, a neglected 1960s home, the agent said I could rent it out as is,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, I chose to do the right thing and invest $30k on repairs and renovations, carried out by a qualified tradesman.\u201d<\/p>\n Joel was renovating his Sydney investment property by appearing to paint over mould on the roof eaves of the home. Source: Instagram\/joelvasila<\/p>\n Tenants\u2019 rep says traces of mould need to be taken seriously<\/p>\n CEO of the NSW Tenants\u2019 Union, Leo Patterson Ross, told Yahoo matters such as mould \u201cshould be taken seriously\u201d and called on greater powers to hold landlords accountable for such repairs.<\/p>\n \u201cThis shows a misunderstanding of how mould spreads, which can be through the wall if it is not removed fully,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cMould appearing under an awning may indicate that the roof is holding moisture and may have repair issues.<\/p>\n \u201cDepending on the type and severity, exposure to mould can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues and should be taken seriously as part of ensuring a safe and healthy home.\u201d<\/p>\n Has your home been subjected to bad cases of mould? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n Vasila clarified in the Instagram comments that \u2018fortunately\u2019 there was only mould on the exterior of the house.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the only section with mould, and as I\u2019m a good landlord, I\u2019ll come back and paint it again next year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso hosed down prior with a pressure cleaner. 2nd coat will look better.\u00a0\u201c<\/p>\n Leo Patterson Ross said he wants to see habitability standards apply to properties before they can be leased out across the state. Source: LinkedIn<\/p>\n Several people in the comments didn\u2019t think his treatment of the mouldy surface was adequate.<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t want to give it a hose down first champ? Or would you rather make your tenants sick?\u201d one said.<\/p>\n \u201cMould indicates trapped moisture, not enough ventilation, or maybe clean the guttering, but to paint over the mould and not deal with the cause is stupidity,\u201d another added.<\/p>\n \u201cThat mould will show itself again in 6-12 months, I know this firsthand,\u201d a third said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe classic landlord special,\u201d another responded.<\/p>\n RELATED<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Ross told Yahoo News he wants to see habitability standards apply to properties before they can be leased out across the state.<\/p>\n \u201cMore powers (are needed) for Fair Trading to hold landlords or agents who put unsafe or poorly repaired properties on the market held accountable with a pathway to fixing the property properly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n NSW Fair Trading<\/a> states that landlords must provide rental properties that are in a reasonable state of cleanliness and fit for the tenant to live in.<\/p>\n Tenants facing lengthy waits for repairs, survey finds<\/p>\n According to research from Finder<\/a>, Aussie renters increasingly having to wait for long periods of time for their landlord to make repairs.<\/p>\n The survey revealed that 1,014 respondents, 333 who have rented in the last year, found that 44 per cent have had to wait too long for their landlord to fix something in their home.<\/p>\n A report by CoreLogic revealed that rent has risen by 36 per cent nationally since Covid. Source: Source: Getty \/ SteveLuker<\/p>\n Water leaks were the most common issue at 23 per cent, followed by broken appliances (17 per cent), mould<\/a> (16 per cent) and structural defects like broken doors or windows (13 per cent).<\/p>\n Of those who faced delays, 17 per cent waited more than a year.<\/p>\n Wait times can arguably affect the relationship between tenants<\/a> and landlords<\/a>, with some reluctant to complain about conditions<\/a> because they fear eviction or an increase in rent.<\/p>\n A report<\/a> by CoreLogic revealed that rent has risen by 36 per cent nationally since Covid.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paint-job_6682.jpg\"\/)
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