Mold Causing Problems In South Charlotte Condo

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Mold Causing Problems In South Charlotte Condo

POSTED: 9:40 am EDT May 1, 2006

UPDATED: 5:55 pm EDT May 1, 2006

Video: Mold Causing Problems In South Charlotte Condo

http://www.wsoctv.com/specialreports/9137085/detail.html

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A property management company said it is waiting

on bids to overhaul a vacant condo in south Charlotte that was

overtaken by mold.

That comes after a neighbor called Whistleblower 9 about the problem.

led the way into the empty condo next to his. The

problem could be seen, and smelled, right away.

" Mold is in every room, the ceiling... the kitchen is destroyed, "

said.

told Eyewitness News the mold moved in after the owner of

the condo defaulted on his loan and moved out of the Quail Run

Condominiums six months ago.

Then came the first of three bad leaks, with water ankle-deep at

times. The water brought the mold that's been steadily growing for

months. The situation got so bad that 's sister, who was

living in the unit next door, moved out.

" My sister was complaining about smells. It bothered her health. I

cannot rent it out and put somebody in there with a health problem, "

said.

The Health Department said it does not have the authority to make

anyone clean up the mess.

" There are no standards for mold because it's ubiquitous. It's

everywhere, " explained Steve Wood with the Mecklenburg County Health

Department.

Wood said that since every home has some mold, states and counties

can not police it. That's why went to the condominium's

homeowners' association and asked them to fix it.

But that was six months ago, and he is still waiting.

" I'd like them to come in and clean this mold up because it's

definitely a health problem " said.

Cheryl , the president of the homeowners' association said they

went in after the first leak, took up the carpet and ripped out the

wallboard along the floor. But two other leaks since then, one in

the ceiling and one in the kitchen, have left the unit in the shape

it is in now. said the problem now is that the Bank of America

has foreclosed on the condo and changed the locks.

" They have been notified that they have to provide us with a key to

go in and take care of it, or they need to take care of it

immediately, " explained.

Eyewitness News was told the bank has hired a management company to

get rid of the mold once and for all.

Mecklenburg County's Environmental Health Department does not

inspect for mold.