LOOMING PROBLEM: Anthony Walters has tried everything to get rid of mould. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0610houso4
DISABILITY pensioner Anthony Walters says he’s tried everything to get rid of the blanket of mould that covers his lounge room ceiling and is desperate for Housing NSW to answer his calls for help.
Mr Walters, who has lived in the Housing NSW property in Trinity Place for five years, said his roof had deteriorated thanks to moisture caused by possum urine and faeces.
“At one time the possums were using the roof for a racetrack,” he said.
Despite the possums relocating some time ago, the moisture remains.
In the past three years Mr Walters has scrubbed the ceiling numerous times and treated it with heavy-duty mould remover, only to see the mould return.
“I can’t have good curtains or a good lounge in here, it’s shocking,” he said.
“All that’s holding the ceiling together is basically paint.”
Mr Walters said he’d complained to Housing NSW several times but is yet to hear back from anyone.
He’s even thought about moving out, despite having nowhere else to go.
“I’ve had bowel cancer so I’m trying to stay healthy, this is not helping,” he said.
Housing NSW has agreed to inspect Mr Walters’ property within the month.
Fellow tenant Bob McGuire said he too has problems with mould and water leaks through his kitchen ceiling.
“When it rains I’m too frightened to turn on the light in case it’s electrified,” he said.
A Housing NSW spokesperson said eradicating mould was the responsibility of tenants.
“Cockroaches, mice and other vermin as well as the problem of mould are issues which are the responsibility of tenants, as is the case in the private rental market,” he said.
“Mould is generally caused by not airing out a property adequately.”
tracey.prisk@ruralpress.com
