Hello everyone,

My name is Aimee, my fiancée is Chloe and our dogs are Teddy (retired service dog) and Eclipse. I did have a third dog (Phoenix) who was training to take Teddys place but I had to rehome her due to this rental crisis. Our rental home hasn’t been safe for 11 months now. It’s been one problem after another, and the main issues are severe structural damage, dangerous levels of mould due to ongoing water leaks, a huge tree dangerously close to the house, and a severely damaged footpath at our front door that’s become a serious hazard.

Timeline of Events:

• 20th June 2024: We first reported small spots of mould, the unsafe footpath, and the overgrown tree to the real estate. They sent out their handyman, who did a quick wipe of the mould. This did nothing.

* 18th July 2024: second time reporting mould as it’s now all through house not just one room. Also reported footpath again.

* 1st November 2024: Real estate reported that roofer needs to repair roof and fix the leak in order to stop water damage and mould growth

• Second Report: The handyman returned, but this time he went up into the roof and found that it was damp and freezing cold despite the hot weather. He couldn’t locate the source of the leak but noted its severity.

• 19th February 2025: We issued a Form 11 RTA breach, listing the ongoing issues – the mould, the broken back door, the erupted footpath, and the leaking roof.

• 22nd February 2025: The handyman attempted to “fix” the footpath by removing four large roots and applying sand to the bricks. It didn’t resolve the issue, and the footpath is still dangerously unstable. Even paramedics struggled to get me out of my own house safely because of it.He also tried to fix the back sliding door but couldn’t. A proper door specialist was required. They also had him attempt to clean the mould again, but this time he used an eraser sponge and Woolworths spray – totally inadequate for the level of mould present. He didn’t even recognise most of the mould.

• 24th February 2025: They finally began replacing the roof, installing new corrugated sheets.

• 25th February 2025: A worker fell through the roof while repairing it. He was dangling inside our house, nearly hitting me. I was only two tiles away.

How It’s Affected Us:

We pay $490 a week – nearly $1,000 per fortnight – for a home that is unsafe and unhealthy. Despite paying so much, we’re left with a roof that leaks, walls and ceilings covered in mould, and structural issues that keep getting worse.

We’ve lost essential belongings, including:

• Our couch, which is now covered in mould and unsafe to sit on.

• Mellow Mat sensory rug

• Medical bag to carry with me daily

• Clothes, shoes, and personal items that were ruined by mould.

• Bedding, doonas, and pillows that have become contaminated.

• Towels and linens that are now unusable.

• Dog beds and pet supplies (such as blankets, jumpers, material harnesses, bandanas) that had to be thrown away.

Due to severe and ongoing mould contamination in our rental home, we are now facing the urgent need to replace essential household items that have been damaged beyond repair. Based on my specific needs and current estimates, the costs for replacing these items are as follows:

• Couch: $1,500 – $3,000

* Mellow mar sensory rug

• Bedding (comfort blanket, pillows, doona): $1,000 – $2,000

• Clothing and Shoes: A couple thousand at least per adult to replace our wardrobe

• Towels and Linens: $1,000 – $2,000

• Dog Beds and Pet Supplies: $500 – $1,000

* Medical bag replacement $100

These items are vital for our daily living, health, comfort, and well-being as we work to rebuild what we’ve lost. Any support to help us replace these essentials would be deeply appreciated.