North Charlotte Today

When a person is renting an apartment, it is generally understood that the rent covers any maintenance issues.

A renter at a complex in Mint Hill is outraged that calls about leaks and mold have gone unheeded for two months.

“I’ve been calling (but) nobody has come out to check on my ceiling,” tenant Trenae Dickerson told WBTV after reaching out to the news station in hopes of getting some action. 

Dickerson, a single mother, told the reporter she has been dealing with the issue since February. Mold has appeared on her kitchen ceiling from what she contends is a water leak.

“It leaks not only when it rains outside, but it leaks when someone uses their bathroom, so I can’t tell you what type of water it is, but I can tell you it’s not sanitary,” Dickerson told WBTV. “When it really started raining, I noticed the bubbling in the wall.”

The tenant said she has called and visited the complex's office in person multiple times. With the leak unaddressed, the situation is deteriorating. Not only is mold visible on the ceiling, but there are water stains are on her cabinets, too.

“It’s turning different colors,” Dickerson told WBTV. “This is not an overnight issue; this has been going on.”

Most recently, Dickerson said the lights have started smoking, indicating that water is getting into the electrical wiring. The property manager and maintenance workers have stopped by recently to check the issue, but they have done nothing to resolve it.

“The water runs so bad, I think it was stuck in the ceiling somewhere near the wiring because I can’t use those outlets,” Dickerson said. “The  property manager, along with the maintenance guy, came in here while it  was smoking and tried to say it was me. I’m tired of complaining; there’s nothing being done. No one is coming out. I have children and I’m scared they’re going to get sick.”

WBTV called the leasing office at Stoney Trace Apartments, and Dickerson received an email indicating that someone would be coming out to paint and look at her ceiling. Other than the promise to visit Dickerson's apartment, the apartment's management didn’t comment about the matter.