Gen Z Tenant Finds Mold in Apartment, Fury Over Lease Company's Response

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A South Carolina resident has horrified the internet after revealing the state of her mold-infested apartment, which her leasing agency claims is her fault.
Reddit user Mary, 27, from Downtown Charleston, recently took to social media to share several images of the mold that's covering her home and her belongings. The images show handbags, UGG boots, wine bottles, and walls with patches of mold growing on them.
Mary has lived in the unit for three years, and although it wasn't so bad for the first two years, things have really taken a turn in 2025. Mary told Newsweek that she previously noticed mold on shoes, purses and jackets that she barely wore, so she didn't think too much of it. But now, it's "even worse" and so many of her possessions have been devastated by mold.
"My mattress is covered in mold spores, as well as 80 percent of my purses, shoes, and jackets," Mary said. "My cat tree is covered, and I had to throw it out. Pretty much cotton is the only thing that doesn't have it. All my wooden furniture, like bookshelves and storage shelves, have spots. I've had to throw out so many odds and ends."
Mary's Ugg boots and a handbag with spots of mold.
Mary's Ugg boots and a handbag with spots of mold.
Impossible_Yam4412 / Reddit
To make matters worse, Mary said that food items in her cupboards "feel damp" and start to grow mold within a few days.
While she isn't sure why it's become so much worse recently, Mary wonders if there might be a potential leak in the wall. She cleans and disinfects regularly, uses a dehumidifier, leaves the extractor fan running in the bathroom, and keeps doors open.
When it started to become a serious problem in early June, Mary contacted the leasing office and sent them photos of the mold, asking what they would do to help.
Mold spots on Mary's mattress and a wine bottle.
Mold spots on Mary's mattress and a wine bottle.
Impossible_Yam4412 / Reddit
"They responded six days later and said they'd sent maintenance to look, but that they haven't seen any indication of a leak. They said it was 'organic growth' and recommended getting a dehumidifier, keeping the AC on auto, and keeping my doors open, which I have always done," Mary said.
She continued: "They said it's mildew because it's not on any walls or ceilings. I responded and told them it is indeed on the walls and ceilings, and that I have already been doing their recommendations and it's only worsening. I formally requested to be let out of my lease due to uninhabitable conditions—they did not respond. I followed up nine days later stating how bad it is and that I cannot live there anymore."
When she called the office again, one of the leasing agents told Mary that they'd "brought in a third party professional" to inspect the property. At the time of writing, Mary hasn't received a report from the maintenance team or the third party.
Newsweek has contacted the building management company via email.
Mary told Newsweek: "She was blaming me, saying that the 'organic growth' and 'mildew' is not mold, and is caused by me sometimes opening my windows in my living room. She said it's my fault and my responsibility, but was also saying their team would help, which doesn't make sense."
Following the back and forth, Mary shared several images of the mold on Reddit (posting as user Impossible_Yam4412) to ask what internet users think it is. The post has horrified many, leading to over 240 comments from people who agreed with Mary that it is in fact mold.
Seeing the online support has been somewhat comforting for Mary, who has received plenty of suggestions about what she could do next.
The experience has left Mary fearing for her health, as she wonders what she and her cat have been inhaling. She also discovered that the previous tenant moved out after developing "severe health concerns" due to mold.
Although her lease doesn't end until December 2025, Mary is planning to move elsewhere as soon as possible. "Even if they make me pay the $3,000 to break my lease, I have no choice. This apartment is not habitable," she said.
She is still waiting for the leasing office and management company to help, but she believes they are delaying the inevitable as they keep ignoring her calls and emails.
"They don't care about me or my health, just my rent," Mary said.
Among the hundreds of comments on the Reddit post, one person responded: "Omg get out of there that is a health hazard!"
Another Reddit user wrote: "I'm not sure that they should blame it on you, especially if the previous tent moved because of mold. Your landlord might have painted over the mold instead of having the apartment cleaned. I've heard of some landlords doing this."
While another person added: "I'm just surprised you said you have stayed there for three years now. I would have definitely left!"
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