Pregnant Hinesville mother gets help after apartment mold complaints; apartment provides solution

HINESVILLE, Ga (WTOC) - A pregnant Hinesville woman says she is thankful WTOC intervened after she claims she spent months living in a mold-filled apartment that made her sick.

Jaylin McGee, who is seven months pregnant and a mother of three, reached out for help after reporting ongoing mold issues at her Regency Park Apartments unit in Hinesville. She says the problem began in 2023 and worsened over time.

McGee said she first noticed mold growing in her closet in December, early in her pregnancy, including in an area where she stored her unborn child’s belongings.

“The apartment complex is fine, but this apartment is just a hazard,” McGee said.

She said she reported the issue multiple times, but no action was taken at first. McGee said the mold continued to spread into April.

“My pregnancy is going way harder than it should because I’m breathing in stuff I’m not supposed to,” she said.

McGee said she went to Liberty Regional Medical Center last week, where she was diagnosed with a respiratory illness she believes was caused by mold exposure.

“With me being pregnant, I feel like it should be a priority,” McGee said. “We’re not even thinking about me at this point—we’re thinking about somebody who doesn’t even have a chance to decide whether they’re exposed to black mold or not.”

McGee said management later confirmed they were in the process of addressing the issue when she contacted WTOC for help. She said an air quality test was performed Wednesday morning for the first time since she began reporting concerns, with results expected next week.

“When I reported the mold at first, you should have sent the air quality people,” she said.

Following meetings involving McGee and apartment management, both sides agreed to relocate her to another apartment complex. She will also receive a $544 check for food and other necessities, along with transportation assistance for medical appointments until air quality results are returned.

“If it wasn’t for WTOC, I would still be breathing in black mold, and I could possibly be dead within the four days that they want me to displace my home and my family,” McGee said.

McGee said her other children are currently staying with a family member as she prepares to relocate.

Regency Park Apartments management said their goal is to ensure tenants are safe and properly cared for.