Black mold at an Akron rental unit causes a family to battle with health issues

AKRON, Ohio - Black mold growing at a rental unit is the responsibility of the landlord, just as long as the moisture problem wasn't caused by the tenant.

The vast majority of landlords are responsive, and are genuinely concerned about their tenants. On the other hand, the majority of tenants respect their rental properties, and keep their units maintained and clean.

In either case, landlord-tenant communication is key in promoting a safe, healthily living environment.

But according to Archie King of Akron, a lack of communication has his family dealing with a black mold problem he believes is a health risk. King insisted his landlord has not responded.

"I want something done about it, I'm tired of living like this," said King. "I've told them time and time again we have black mold, he keeps saying no we don't."

King and his wife, Charmaine Finegan, showed 5 On Your Side the black mold that is growing in all parts of  their daughter's bedroom.

"I won't let my daughter sleep in that room anymore," said Finegan. "I'm concerned about her health."

The unit is subsidized by the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, along with more than 5,000 other units in Summit County.

5 On Your Side contacted the landlord by telephone, and the landlord explained many of the problems were caused by the King family.

"They just don't maintain the place or keep it clean," said the landlord. "I'm tired of talking to them, they just won't listen."

NewsChannel5 took this case to Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority Supervising Inspector Terry Foster. Foster responded immedately, and assured 5 On Your Side the housing authority will work toward quickly improving the environmental problems at the King's unit, or find them another place to live.

Black mold can cause serious health issues and for people who have asthma, it can be lethal.

In almost all cases, black mold is the responsibility of the landlord, unless the moisture problem was caused by the tenant.

Tenants should take pictures of the mold growing in their units and notify their landlords in writing. If the landlord doesn't respond quickly, tenants should report the problem to housing inspectors.

If the landlord is cited for a health code violation, the case can then be taken to housing court where the tenant's rent can be held in an escrow account until the property owner makes the needed repairs.

Tenants also have a responsibility to treat the rental unit like it was their own. In nearly all leases, tenants are contractually obligated to keep their rental units maintained and clean at all times.

Information on how to deal with black mold can be found at this link: http://blackmoldremovalguide.com/