What would you consider a holiday nightmare? Is it not being able to bring enough clothes? Or planning to go to the beach and then it suddenly rains?
We all don’t want to ruin our vacations, so we plan to make them seamless. But what if what ruins a good holiday is what you’ll find out when you get home?
Home Sweet Home – NOT!
LaToya Barnes, her husband Dante Gilmer, and their three young children went on a three-week vacation in California, but they were not prepared for what was waiting for them at home.
The family came home to their unit in University Gardens Apartments with the horror of their lives. They found their unit was covered in black mold and infested with roaches.
The Dangers of Black Mold
Black mold is toxic and could cause allergic reactions, skin rash, and red eyes. For worse cases like inhaling or touching large amounts of mold over an extended period, it could cause brain fog, chronic fatigue, or you could produce and grow molds in your lungs.
Also known as Stachybotrys, black mold appears due to dampness or moisture in any place or surface in your home. Like any type of mold, it could spread throughout your home when left untreated and could make your place hazardous.
Ignored Maintenance Matter
LaToya called 8 News Now and shared her story and photos of her home. She said she had already told the building administration but was repeatedly dismissed.
The first time she reported the mold, the complex told her it was probably just mildew, and they promised to wipe it off. Nothing happened.
Before they went on their family vacation, she reported the incident again, saying that she saw molds all over their home – from the ceiling, in the bathroom, and even in her daughter’s room. She even said that there was a leak in the shower but was told there were more pressing concerns raised ahead of them, and they would have to wait.
What the Management has to Say
8 News Now reached out to Westland University Gardens, and spokeswoman Dena Lerner sent them a statement.
When LaToya informed them of the leak, they said she did not permit them to enter her home and wanted to be there when they did the maintenance work. They attempted to enter twice but failed.
Ms. Lerner also reiterated that LaToya never mentioned about the mold in her unit. They offered LaToya and her family a similar unit to stay in while they fix this issue, but she refused the offer.
“The resident returned the next day and became angry and belligerent when given the news that she could not enter her unit due to possible hazards. She then proceeded to verbally and physically assault the management staff,” Lerner continued in her statement.
More to the Story
8 News Now wanted to get a reaction from LaToya to Ms. Lerner’s statement and said she had a different version of that confrontation. She insisted that she was only “trying to keep office staff at a distance during a heated argument.”
She also said that she raised this complaint and would prefer to be represented by a lawyer.
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