Tenants Endure Mold and Water Damage Crisis at Willow Run Apartments in Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tenants Struggle with Mold and Water Issues at Willow Run Apartments

No one should have to call a moldy, damp apartment home, but for some residents at the Willow Run Apartments, that’s exactly the situation they’ve found themselves in for months now. Since June, several families have been battling water damage and alarming mold growth that has made life difficult, especially for those with young children.

The Struggle of Everyday Families

Take, for instance, Portia Mack, a resident who moved into Willow Run in September 2023. Describing her current living conditions, she said, “Me and my children are suffering. We’re living in this mold-infested apartment, with gnats and flies. And it’s just water everywhere.”

Mack’s troubles began back in June when her apartment, along with several others, was hit by significant water damage. She recalls, “You see how the floors are wet right now when you walk? That’s what we started to see.” Fast forward four months later, and each passing day seems to bring mounting challenges for Mack and her kids. Today, standing water still fills her apartment, and mold has crept up the walls almost three feet high. This is all right next to where her two-year-old daughter used to play with her toys.

Frustration with Reporting and Moving Forward

Sadly, the struggle doesn’t end with the problems inside their home. According to Mack, when her neighbor first reported the water issue, no one believed her. “They didn’t believe her until the property manager and maintenance came out and saw all the water,” Mack explained. Even when the maintenance staff finally took notice, the management only offered to relocate Mack’s neighbor, leaving Mack and her children in limbo with no available units to move into.

Feeling like options were running out, Mack decided to take charge. “I just had enough of it and I emailed the Chief of Code Enforcement last night. They came right out, in less than 24 hours,” she shared. Mack was relieved when officials arrived to assess the situation. However, it turned out to be a bittersweet moment. After seeing the conditions, she was told she had just 24 hours to vacate her apartment. “I was relieved, but then a sudden anxiety came over me because I’m like, ‘Where are they going to put us?’” she recalled, recognizing the uncertainty that lay ahead.

A City Response and Awaiting Solutions

The City of Columbia Code Enforcement was contacted for details on the next steps in addressing the tenant’s concerns. A spokesperson indicated that the apartment manager was in the process of making housing arrangements for those residents impacted by the conditions. However, many still wondered why it needed to take an official inspection for these problems to finally gain the necessary attention.

Inquiries regarding the management of Willow Run Apartments and their property management company, Beacon Property Services from Spartanburg, were made to understand the delays in addressing these crucial living conditions. Unfortunately, requests for comments went unanswered.

A Community Rallying Together

This ongoing situation at Willow Run Apartments raises important questions about tenant rights and the responsibilities of property management. For families like Mack’s, fighting against mold and safety concerns shouldn’t have to turn into a battle with the system. It’s a reminder for everyone about the need for safe, clean living conditions, especially for families with children.

As residents await further action from property management, one thing remains clear: no family should have to suffer through hazardous living conditions when they deserve a healthy and secure home.