Residents Complain of Mold in Military Housing

Summary

Residents complain of mold in Military housing.

Just search Google and check out the list that appears. Actually, it’s astonishing that military families are often exposed to horrible living conditions.

The Army released a report in September 2019. It states that residents at 48 of 49 bases have issues. To clarify, top concerns are mold, lead-based paint, asbestos, poor water quality and sewage.

Who Is to Blame?

Today, approximately 207,000 military housing units are controlled by private corporations. But, the this program gets many complaints.

Issues include neglected repairs, unsafe conditions and mold. Does this program gives corporations too much wiggle room? Sadly, it appears that the Military is not holding them to construction and maintenance standards.

Thankfully, major news outlets across the country are asking these questions. Examples or headlines include:

• New York Times: Base Housing Reveals Mold and Neglect
• Washington Post: Military families report mold in housing at Fort Meade

Ruling in Biloxi, Mississippi

Recently, a federal judge dismissed a family’s lawsuit against the property manager at Keesler Air Force Base. The family claims they are sick because of toxic mold. However, the judge ruled against them. He said they did not prove the connection between mold and their sickness.

But, moisture and water damage are evident. In addition, the management company did not properly install air conditioning systems. How do contractors get by with mold in Military Bases?

The law firm representing the 14 families is appealing the ruling. But, the other 13 cases are awaiting the appeal’s outcome.

The Impact on the Families

As a result, the management companies promise to move quickly as health and safety issues are reported. But, many families are forced to leave their homes while the companies repair problems. And, who knows for how long?

Moreover, the National Military Family Association asks for an third-party arbiter. The association wants military families to have somewhere to go when during home repair. However, to date Mold-Help cannot determine any response.

Sadly, these problems are a low blow. Military families give up so much to protect our country. Mold-Help.org will continue to follow and publish developments in military housing.

Written by Carolyn Willbanks, Mold-Help.org

APNews.com – Judges nixes lawsuit about toxic mold at Mississippi airbase 

New York Times: Base Housing Reveals Mold and Neglect