A hidden horror can fester behind closed doors—one that’s far more than just an eyesore.

When silence surrounds a mould-infested home, the toll on its occupant can be chilling.

Keep reading to see how one 73-year-old man’s living nightmare finally came to light…

In 2016 a 73-year-old retiree moved into a public housing unit in Coogee after suffering a stroke.

Within a year, black mould began to spread across the walls, carpets, kitchen, bathroom and even the front door—turning his once-safe haven into a haunting scene.

His friend and carer, Grace Thomas, repeatedly alerted Homes NSW, but their efforts amounted to little more than temporary fixes.

Retiree's public housing plagued by black mould. Image source: Pexels/Marina Leonova

In 2018 he was moved out temporarily for mould treatment—but when he returned, the infestation had worsened.

By 2019 through to 2024, repeated complaints were met with inaction; the problem only escalated.

‘He actually placed tarps on the floor and then little rugs on the top, so that he could step out without feeling the squelch underneath his feet whenever he went to get out of bed.’

Electricity was cut off again due to ‘water in the walls,’ prompting Ms Thomas to demand action.
Independent tests from BlueBay Group in October last year confirmed: ‘the current environment is not safe for human living.’

Only then did Homes NSW move him into temporary accommodation, promising a ground-floor replacement in the area.

Remaining units in the complex are now being inspected for mould.

Homes NSW issued a statement acknowledging the unacceptable standards and explained that a safer, permanent home will be arranged.

Amid the horror, experts advise fighting mould by cutting moisture—using exhaust fans when bathing or cooking, fixing leaks promptly and reducing humidity indoors.

We previously featured similar struggles dealing with household mould—so here’s a practical follow‑up that could help you avoid the same nightmare.

Read more: Can you banish mould forever with this simple chalk trick?

Key Takeaways

• A retiree lived in a mould‑infested home for years before being re‑housed.
• Multiple reports to Homes NSW were ignored or met with short‑term fixes.
• Independent specialists declared the unit unsafe for human living.
• He was eventually moved into temporary housing and will get a new unit.

Homes should shelter, not sicken—but this man’s ordeal shows what happens when they don’t.

Have you ever faced mould in your home, and how did you handle it?

 

[mylittletibbies]

Bleach, Exit Mould, etc only covers up mould, it quickly comes back again. To kill mould spores use 1/4 of a teaspoon of oil of cloves to a litre of water in a spray bottle, mist the walls and leave for 24 hours then wipe down with a 2 by 3 mixture of white vinegar and water.
I've used this in the past, the mould never came back.
There are many products around that profess to remove mould. Most of them don't work even after a lot of scrubbing.

 

[gentlejack]

Bleach, Exit Mould, etc only covers up mould, it quickly comes back again. To kill mould spores use 1/4 of a teaspoon of oil of cloves to a litre of water in a spray bottle, mist the walls and leave for 24 hours then wipe down with a 2 by 3 mixture of white vinegar and water.
I've used this in the past, the mould never came back.
There are many products around that profess to remove mould. Most of them don't work even after a lot of scrubbing.

True. I also use the vinegar water mixture as weed killer. Cheap as chips

 

[Still Ebby]

Bleach, Exit Mould, etc only covers up mould, it quickly comes back again. To kill mould spores use 1/4 of a teaspoon of oil of cloves to a litre of water in a spray bottle, mist the walls and leave for 24 hours then wipe down with a 2 by 3 mixture of white vinegar and water.
I've used this in the past, the mould never came back.
There are many products around that profess to remove mould. Most of them don't work even after a lot of scrubbing.

Good to know thankyou

 

[Ivory]

Excellent to know that strategy however housing needs to doubt unsstanable in ttthe interin

 

[7777]

I don't believe that the question and issue here is about how to get rid of mould. The point of this story is about an elderly man who has serious health issues, was been placed into a mould infested house. There are people who need to be held accountable for this wreckless decision. How would the Minister for Housing like it, if he and his family were asked to live in this mould infested house. This is serious, sad and inhumane, and the details of the story should go straight to our prime Minister Anthony Albanese and to Current Affair ASAP. All government available housing for people who need emergency accommodation, should be thoughly cleaned and checked, that it is a safe and healthy environment to live in, without mould, without water leaks and without faulty electrical wiring. It should also have air conditioning and heater in proper working order. If a housing maintenance issue should arise, the appropriate department should ASAP come and repair the problem.