The South Australian Ombudsman has found the Housing Trust failed to ensure a property met "reasonable standards of health and safety" despite multiple reports of black mould from the tenant.
Four recommendations have been issued to the Housing Trust, including that it change its complaints handling procedure.
In a report published in July but not made public until Wednesday, Ombudsman Emily Strickland also found the SA Housing Trust (SAHT) "erred in its handling" of multiple reports made by the tenant about the mould dating back to February 2021.
The ombudsman noted that ongoing exposure to mould could cause serious health issues, but the trust did not get the property tested until April this year.
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The South Australian Ombudsman has found the Housing Trust failed to ensure a property met "reasonable standards of health and safety" despite multiple reports of black mould from the tenant.
In years following the first complaint, the problem worsened, and the ombudsman found the contamination would not meet minimum housing standards.
Four recommendations have been issued to the Housing Trust, including that it change its complaints handling procedure.
The SA Housing Trust has apologised to one of its tenants, after it took four years to remove black mould from her home.
In a report published in July but not made public until Wednesday, Ombudsman Emily Strickland also found the SA Housing Trust (SAHT) "erred in its handling" of multiple reports made by the tenant about the mould dating back to February 2021.
According to Ms Strickland, in the years since the tenant first reported the mould, the contamination had "worsened significantly".
The ombudsman noted that ongoing exposure to mould could cause serious health issues, but the trust did not get the property tested until April this year.
According to Ms Strickland's report, the testing found active mould contamination on the bathroom ceiling and in the hallway carpet.
An SA Housing Trust spokesperson said they acknowledged the ombudsman's findings and had apologised to the tenant.
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