MUM’S PLEA FOR NEW HOME
City’s housing crisis continues to deepen
A PREGNANT Toowoomba mother is desperate to protect her four young children from illness as the region’s rental crisis highlights the dire situation residents are living in.
Wilsonton mum Hayley Ebborn feels like she is “trapped in a prison with no escape”, as a growing mould infestation threatens the health of her young family, while more than 100 rental applications go unanswered.
The rental vacancy rate across the Toowoomba region currently sits at 0.3 per cent.
A PREGNANT Toowoomba mother is desperate to protect her four young children from illness as the region’s rental crisis highlights the dire situation residents are living in.
Wilsonton mum Hayley Ebborn feels like she is “trapped in a prison with no escape”, as a growing mould infestation threatens the health of her young family, while more than 100 rental applications go unanswered. “I am petrified,” she said. “I honestly don’t know what to do anymore … I have been trying for months to get out, and I have nowhere to go.”
After moving to the district in July last year, Ms Ebborn said her six-month-old daughter quickly became ill, with doctors stumped for a diagnosis.
“I had her tested for everything, and there were no answers,” she said.
“It wasn’t until I saw the mouldy bed slates in my two youngest’s room and the two drawer sets covered in mould that something clicked.
“I’m in panic mode now that every little sickness we are getting is in connection to this house.
“Since moving here, I have even developed thyroid issues, which I have never had before. I am terrified.”
Suspected to have grown worse from the region’s recent rainfall, Ms Ebborn said her house, with no insulation, failed to release built-up moisture in the air and dampened her furniture.
“With no security screens or locks on the windows, we’re not able to properly air out the house, so my couch is constantly damp and cold,” she said.
“Within the year, I have already had my car and wallet stolen … I don’t feel safe in this house.”
With the vacancy rate across the Toowoomba region at 0.3 per cent and 0.5 in the Lockyer Valley, Ms Ebborn said she was at her wits’ end.
Ms Ebborn said, despite repeated requests to her property manager, the real estate agency was unable to repair the growing issues.
“They said straight out, ‘The owner can’t afford it, it’s not going to be getting fixed. We can break the lease with no penalties and off you go’. But that’s easier said than done,” she said.
“I just want to get out of here, but it’s impossible to find somewhere to live.”
Ms Ebborn said her fourbedroom house was down to three, with her unwilling to use a mould-ridden room that had destroyed toys, bedding, towels and furniture.
“They tried to tell me (the smell) was dog urine, but there’s no way,” she said.
“I don’t know what’s under the carpet or in the roof, and I am terrified of bringing a new baby back here in August.”
While Ms Ebborn has searched for new accommodation, anywhere from Toowoomba to Plainlands, she has rented a storage unit to save any furniture and toys.
Ms Ebborn has asked if anyone is aware of upcoming houses to rent to contact her on 0412 534 290.