COLUMBIA, S.C. — Struggles of Tenants at Willow Run Apartments
In a situation no family should have to endure, residents at the Willow Run Apartments are grappling with living conditions that many would consider unacceptable. Since June, tenants have reported an alarming amount of mold and bacteria in their homes, creating a concerning and unhealthy environment for families.
The Harsh Reality
One resident, Portia Mack, has been living at Willow Run since September 2023. As she puts it, “Me and my children are suffering. We’re living in this mold-infested apartment, with gnats and flies. And it’s just water everywhere.”
Indeed, Mack’s experience has been anything but easy. She described how her apartment encountered severe water damage last June, which caused standing water and noticeable mold creeping three feet up her walls. “You see how the floors are wet right now when you walk? That’s what we started to see,” Mack explained. The situation has been distressing, especially for her two-year-old daughter, who used to play with her toys in what was once a safe space.
The Frustration of Tenants
Despite acknowledging the problem, responses from the management have fallen short. Mack noted that her neighbor attempted to report the issue but faced disbelief until the property management and maintenance team finally came to witness the situation first-hand. This led Mack to feel isolated, as her neighbor’s report went ignored for too long.
While the management offered to relocate Mack’s neighbor to another unit, they had no available units for Mack and her children. This lack of immediate action only added to Mack’s frustrations. “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 said.
A Turning Point
After the prompt visit from Columbia’s code enforcement team, a mix of relief and anxiety washed over Mack. “I was relieved, but then a sudden anxiety came over me, because I’m like, ‘Where are they going to put us?’” Mack recounted. The thought of being displaced, while necessary for her family’s health, opened up a new set of concerns regarding their future accommodations.
The City’s Response
In light of the unfolding situation and Mack’s proactive stance, News19 contacted the Columbia Code Enforcement to gather more information. A spokesperson stated that the apartment manager is currently making housing arrangements for the tenants who would be affected.
The Question of Management Accountability
Following this, attempts were made to reach out to Willow Run Apartments and their property management company, Beacon Property Services, based in Spartanburg. Questions arose as to why it took months, coupled with the intervention of code enforcement, to address the issues plaguing the tenants. However, no response was received from either party.
As this situation continues to unfold, the community is left wondering how many families might be facing similar hardships in silence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of swift action and accountability when it comes to safe housing conditions.
Every family deserves a home they can feel safe and content in, free from the worry of health hazards like mold and water damage.
