Tilly, 26, recalls moving into a charming but deteriorating mansion in Sydney. “We knew the house had character, but it soon became uninhabitable,” she explained. Their landlord promised repairs before they moved in, but those assurances were empty.
Ignored Complaints and Deteriorating Conditions
“Water damage appeared quickly, starting as a discolouration and escalating rapidly,” Tilly shared. Their complaints were met with indifference. “We were told, ‘Everyone’s houses are mouldy right now,’ which was frustrating,” she recalled.
Despite their persistent requests, nothing improved. “A repairman cleared the gutters but failed to address the leaks,” she lamented. Eventually, the mould grew so extensive it took over entire walls.
In June 2022, they were told repairs would finally happen. “When the repairman just painted over the mould, I was sceptical,” Tilly said. “The next day, the damage showed through again.” Frustrated, they contacted their real estate agent, but their calls went unanswered.
Taking my Landlord to Court over Mould
The situation escalated when the landlords decided to sell the property. “They gave us minimal notice for inspections, which felt illegal,” she stated. “We asked for a rental reduction due to the mould, and they flatly refused.”
After the sale, the new landlords attempted to raise their rent. Tilly declared “That was the last straw,”. They left and filed a case with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), ultimately winning a $5,000 AUD (Roughly £2,600 GBP) compensation order.
Yet, the victory felt hollow as the landlords ghosted them after the ruling. “They ignored our attempts to collect the money,” she lamented, highlighting the ongoing struggle for tenants facing negligence.
Tenancy Lawyer: Understanding Tenants’ Rights
Christopher Carr, a tenancy lawyer, acknowledged that mould issues are widespread. “Landlords must ensure properties are habitable and in good repair,” he stated. He emphasised that if mould results from building defects, it is the landlord’s responsibility.
“Tenants should document their efforts to manage mould,” Carr advised. “If mould appears, notifying the landlord is crucial. They must act swiftly.” He urged that taking a landlord to a tribunal could result in monetary compensation, although enforcement of these orders often proves challenging.
“Many tenants hesitate to take action due to fear of retaliation,” Carr noted. He emphasised the need for improved regulations to protect renters effectively. “Currently, landlords can face fines for failing to maintain minimum housing standards, but enforcement remains lacking.”
Landlords Refuse to Fix Mould
Tilly’s story highlights the challenges many tenants face, underscoring the need for stronger protections and clearer regulations. “The struggle against neglect is exhausting, but we must stand up for our rights,” she concluded.
