A tenant in Sydney’s public housing system has raised serious concerns about the impact of mould on his health. Justin Flemming, a 45-year-old man living with disabilities, claims that mould has been infiltrating his home in Redfern since May, causing significant anxiety and health issues. The persistent dampness in his unit has not only damaged his belongings but has also exacerbated his existing respiratory and skin conditions.
Flemming describes the situation in his home as dire. “Every downfall of rain we get, I’m getting it inside the bedroom. You can see it seeping in through the wall and it’s completely saturating the carpet,” he said. His health is particularly at risk due to his immunocompromised state, which includes asthma and autoimmune conditions such as myositis and psoriasis. According to NSW Health, individuals like Flemming are at the “greatest risk of health problems from contact with mould,” which can lead to serious lung infections.
Despite numerous requests to Homes NSW for repairs, Flemming reported that he received little action until recently. A spokesperson for Homes NSW stated that an inspection in early October found “no significant mould” present, yet they have since initiated steps to address the issue. This includes removing the damp carpet, cleaning mould underneath, and establishing a work order to repair the brickwork, clean gutters, check the roof, install a weather strip, and lay new carpet once the source of the leak is fixed. All repairs are anticipated to be completed by September 6, 2025.
Eloise Parrab, acting policy and advocacy manager at the Tenants’ Union of NSW, emphasized the importance of safe living conditions. “All renters should be safe in their homes. No one should have to worry about health hazards in their homes,” she stated. Flemming’s current health challenges include a persistent chest infection that he attributes to prolonged exposure to mould, raising concerns about the long-term effects of his living conditions.
Flemming has faced multiple health challenges throughout his life, including a traumatic brain injury sustained during a robbery in 2007 and a bout of spinal meningitis in 2010. He has worked hard to manage his conditions but now finds it increasingly difficult due to the mould problem. “These are health conditions I’ve had in the past, but they’ve been exacerbated due to the mould and living conditions,” he explained.
Despite the ongoing health issues, Flemming remains determined to advocate for better living conditions. He has received written support from his doctors, emphasizing his need for a bath to continue his treatment, which has not yet been addressed by Homes NSW. “It’s important when looking at helping a person to move forward,” he said, highlighting the need for individualized care.
Flemming’s experience is not unique; many public housing tenants report prolonged waits for repairs and insufficient responses to urgent health-related issues. Parrab noted that “safe, secure housing is a human right, and poor housing affects all aspects of a person’s life.” She urged tenants facing similar issues to reach out to local Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Services for support.
As Flemming navigates the complexities of his health and housing situation, he reflects on how his life has changed since entering the public housing system. “I see this as exactly how people get caught up in a system and never get ahead,” he said. His frustrations are compounded by the trauma of past assaults and the ongoing challenges posed by his health conditions.
While Homes NSW has indicated a commitment to resolving the issues at Flemming’s residence, he remains cautious. “I just want to get out,” he expressed, underscoring the emotional and physical toll of his current living circumstances. As he awaits repairs, Flemming continues to advocate for himself and others in similar situations, emphasizing the urgent need for a housing system that prioritizes health and safety.
