Savannah couple charged thousands to move out of moldy apartment

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah couple says they’re trying to escape a moldy apartment, but they’re facing thousands of dollars in charges to get out.

Water damage and mold near can be seen at several vents in their apartment.

They told us once they started to notice this issue and brought it to management’s attention, maintenance came but didn’t provide a long-term solution.

Richard Stark says they lived at Verde Vue apartments for about three years and had a positive experience with management there.

But when they decided to leave and asked for accommodations because of the mold, is when things went left.

Stark’s wife is eight months pregnant.

They felt that this wasn’t safe for the health of their family.

While they had the opportunity to pack up and leave, it could be a major health and environmental issue for future tenants who cannot.

“I have the evidence that the mold is here and that it’s at very high levels,” said Stark. “I then reiterated that we want to terminate without penalty, told her that I will pursue this and I won’t let it go and that I’m not expecting to pay that money and she has not responded to me.”

A test showed there were high levels of fungal growth, or mold, present in three vents, one in the kitchen and two in bedrooms.

Stark says it’s something the apartment denies despite the documentation.

They told us their move out fees with penalties to leave are costing them about $3,500.

WTOC reached out to Verde Vue apartments and Highmark Residential Properties that owns the apartments for comment, we are waiting to hear back.