Tenants Complain Overgrown Mold is Making Them Sick
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 3, 2012
A group of families in Pulaski County claim overgrown toxic mold is making them and their children sick.
Families from the homes at Granite Mountain apartment complex say they've reported mold spores growing in multiple apartments and that they're sick of suffering in silence.
Wednesday afternoon, the apartment manager pleaded guilty in environmental court on five counts of failing to meet sanitation requirements.
For tenants, it's a bittersweet step in right direction. They don't want to fight about mold in court but they want something done.
Many say they moved in because the Homes at Granite Mountain appear new and inviting.
"I thought it was a nice apartment," said tenant Sheena Jones.
Jones says it's not until you get inside some of the units and are greeted by the scent of mildew that a different picture emerges.
"I never would have guessed in a million years it was this infested with mold," she said.
Jones showed us where black mold is creeping up her walls and under the sinks, and she says it's also making it's way into her children's bodies.
"Asthma, reoccurring problems with nosebleeds, headaches and sinus problems," she said.
An inspection by microbiologists confirmed her suspicions, finding excessive toxic mold growth in multiple areas. Jones says she discovered she and at least 4 sets of neighbors share the same problem.
Two other families opened their closets and sinks, revealing the familiar black dew. Tenant Iva Buie told the group she alerted management to the reoccurring mold growing under her sink back in May.
Jones says when she first asked for help, management sent a handyman, but he only changed the surface.
"Paint over it, lay flooring down over the mold to cover it up," she described.
Last month Jones relocated to another apartment in the complex, but says she found the same old problems.
"I want my kids' health, I want them to be able to breathe freely without me thinking about, is this going to hurt their lungs," said Jones.
Now, with the complaints in court, they're hoping their apartments will soon be cleaned and their health problems, cured
We tried to contact the local management office and their corporate office, LEDIC Management and have not heard back from them.
The property manager is due back in environmental court to deal with the mold issues, October 15th.
Families from the homes at Granite Mountain apartment complex say they've reported mold spores growing in multiple apartments and that they're sick of suffering in silence.
Wednesday afternoon, the apartment manager pleaded guilty in environmental court on five counts of failing to meet sanitation requirements.
For tenants, it's a bittersweet step in right direction. They don't want to fight about mold in court but they want something done.
Many say they moved in because the Homes at Granite Mountain appear new and inviting.
"I thought it was a nice apartment," said tenant Sheena Jones.
Jones says it's not until you get inside some of the units and are greeted by the scent of mildew that a different picture emerges.
"I never would have guessed in a million years it was this infested with mold," she said.
Jones showed us where black mold is creeping up her walls and under the sinks, and she says it's also making it's way into her children's bodies.
"Asthma, reoccurring problems with nosebleeds, headaches and sinus problems," she said.
An inspection by microbiologists confirmed her suspicions, finding excessive toxic mold growth in multiple areas. Jones says she discovered she and at least 4 sets of neighbors share the same problem.
Two other families opened their closets and sinks, revealing the familiar black dew. Tenant Iva Buie told the group she alerted management to the reoccurring mold growing under her sink back in May.
Jones says when she first asked for help, management sent a handyman, but he only changed the surface.
"Paint over it, lay flooring down over the mold to cover it up," she described.
Last month Jones relocated to another apartment in the complex, but says she found the same old problems.
"I want my kids' health, I want them to be able to breathe freely without me thinking about, is this going to hurt their lungs," said Jones.
Now, with the complaints in court, they're hoping their apartments will soon be cleaned and their health problems, cured
We tried to contact the local management office and their corporate office, LEDIC Management and have not heard back from them.
The property manager is due back in environmental court to deal with the mold issues, October 15th.
