The extent of the flooding and subsequent mould infestations across eastern New South Wales has been well documented, but a new article from Sydney University’s internal newspaper, Hon Soit, has outlined that university students across Sydney are particularly affected.
The combination of inflation and increased living costs, coupled with the rise in mould outbreaks, has affected those living in student housing more frequently in recent months.
The paper spoke to several students living in Sydney’s inner west, including one who was renting in Annandale, who had an entire room of their rental rendered unlivable. When reported to the landlord, they told the tenant to close the door to the room for the remainder of the tenancy.
A number of students reported to the paper that the mould epidemic had affected their physical wellbeing. One student noted that she had to continue to maintain the cleaning of recurring patches of mould while isolating with COvid-19, which she claimed further irritated her lungs.
The stress of paying for mould remediation or even cleaning supplies in such a tight budgetary climate was also a significant concern for students. One noted the financial pressure of having to buy a dehumidifier to prevent further mould outbreaks, while another said they had had to throw out hundreds of dollars of personal effects that were mould infested.
The difficulties faced by university students highlight what many structural engineers and city planners have been speaking about for some time – that those on limited budgets in rental tenancies are likely to be the most affected by mould outbreaks.