A tenant in Sydney’s public housing has raised alarming concerns about the impact of mould on his health. **Justin Flemming**, a 45-year-old with multiple health conditions, has been living in a unit in Redfern where mould has infiltrated his living space, causing significant distress since May. He describes the situation as deteriorating, with damp carpets and a persistent foul smell permeating his home, suggesting severe mould infestation.
Mould exposure poses serious health risks, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. Flemming, who suffers from respiratory issues and skin conditions such as asthma, myositis, and psoriasis, reports that the ongoing exposure has heightened his anxiety and worsened his health. “Every downfall of rain we get, I’m getting it inside the bedroom,” Flemming stated. “You can see it seeping in through the wall and it’s completely saturating the carpet.”
According to **NSW Health**, individuals like Flemming are among those at the greatest risk of health complications from mould exposure, which can lead to lung infections and other serious illnesses. The department advises residents to mitigate dampness in their homes to avoid such health issues. Despite numerous requests for assistance regarding the damp conditions, Flemming alleges he received no clear timeline for repairs until recently.
In response to media inquiries, a spokesperson from **Homes NSW** stated that an inspection conducted earlier this month found no significant mould at Flemming’s property. However, following the outreach from news outlets, Homes NSW took action to remove the damp carpet, clean the mould, and initiate repairs to the building’s infrastructure, including checking the roof and installing a weather strip. The agency has committed to completing all repairs by **September 6, 2025**, emphasizing their dedication to addressing maintenance concerns.
Eloise Parrab, acting policy and advocacy manager for the **Tenants’ Union of NSW**, expressed her concern about the safety of tenants living in such conditions. “All renters should be safe in their homes. No one should have to worry about health hazards in their homes,” she remarked. The situation is particularly alarming for vulnerable populations, like those with existing health issues, living in mould-infested environments.
Flemming is currently on antibiotics for a persistent chest infection, which he links to the mould in his home. He highlights the precarious nature of his health, stating that even a common infection can escalate into a serious concern due to his compromised immune system. Despite recommendations from his healthcare providers for a bath to aid in his treatment, he still lacks access to one in his current housing situation.
His journey has been marked by significant challenges. In **2007**, a violent robbery left him with a traumatic brain injury, leading to debilitating migraines and other health complications. This episode forced him to withdraw from a home purchase on the **Central Coast** and severely impacted his ability to work. In **2010**, he contracted spinal meningitis, further complicating his health.
Despite these setbacks, Flemming has pursued personal success, studying design and working in various capacities until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his employment. Returning to Australia exacerbated his health issues, leading him to seek assistance from public housing services. He now reflects on the difficult decision to accept a public housing unit that did not meet his needs, driven by the fear of homelessness.
“I see this as exactly how people get caught up in a system and never get ahead,” Flemming commented. His experience illustrates the struggles faced by many in public housing, where delays in repairs and inadequate living conditions can create a cycle of health deterioration.
While Flemming acknowledges other safety concerns in his housing unit, he emphasizes the need for immediate action regarding the mould issue. He described a recent assault by another tenant that reignited his PTSD, making the need for a safe and healthy living environment even more critical. “I’ve had to chase everything over the phone… I kept pleading with them, saying that my health is getting worse,” he lamented.
The plight of tenants like Flemming underscores a broader issue within public housing systems in New South Wales, where many residents face prolonged waits for essential repairs and inadequate responses to urgent health concerns. Parrab stresses that safe and secure housing is a fundamental human right, urging tenants experiencing similar issues to reach out for support.
As Flemming continues to navigate his health challenges amidst a frustrating housing situation, he remains hopeful for improvements. “It’s about living with, and maintaining, those injuries,” he stated, reflecting on his desire for a better quality of life, free from the burdens of mould and inadequate housing conditions.
