Cincinnati tenants say leaks, water damage, and possible mold linger after July flooding

Residents at Cincinnati's A L'aise apartment building are still contending with leaks, water damage, and mold months after flash flooding swept through Hyde Park Square in July. 

Here's what to know

After complaints to management, residents have said nothing has been fixed and conditions are worsening inside their apartments. 

WCPO reported that resident Melissa Hoffheins uncovered damaged plaster and what she described as possible mold after taking artwork down from a bedroom wall after July's flash flooding.

"Now I'm overthinking: 'Is this affecting my day-to-day, my health, my sleep, what am I breathing in?'" Hoffheins said.

Resident Avery Collyer said a repaired pipe left a hole in her wall, and she later found a mushroom growing from the ceiling. 

"So far, nothing has been done about this and there's been nothing said to me about what's been done about this," she said.

Resident Josh Emery said he worries possible mold may be present in other parts of the building as well, adding, "That can seriously impact people's health."

Hoffheins added, "It's just the lack of assurance and the lack of honest communication that I'm worried about." 

More background

According to WCPO, PLK Communities owns the building and is also part of a redevelopment effort in Hyde Park Square, including renovations at A L'aise. Some residents said they hope their complaints are not being overshadowed by the larger plan.

Hoffheins said some problems in the building predated the July flooding, though she and Collyer said they understand the destruction caused by the severe weather.

Still, they said they want clearer answers and quicker follow-through.

"I moved here knowing that it's a very old building," said Hoffheins. "There's going to be issues. But this just seems over the top." 

What's being done?

In a statement quoted by WCPO, PLK Communities said residents remain its priority and that it acted soon after the flooding by bringing in outside vendors, beginning cleanup, and setting a recovery plan in motion.

PLK said it also increased management oversight and hired specialized third-party contractors. It noted that some repairs take more time because they require particular trades and coordination.

According to the statement, "Work remains underway, and we will continue carrying out the plan until the remaining repairs are complete."

For renters dealing with maintenance problems or restrictive housing rules, documentation can be important. Keeping photos, dated repair requests, and records of communication can help establish a timeline when issues drag on.

For residents who want to work with landlords or property associations to update outdated rules, including ones that block cost-saving home habits, there are ways to change HOA bylaws in an amicable and legal way.

Where can I learn more?

Flooding and storm damage can leave tenants in difficult situations while repair work continues. 

• In Fairfield County, Ohio, firefighters rescued dozens from flooded apartments after rain overwhelmed the complex.

• After a tropical storm, condo owners saw a leaking roof go unrepaired as losses climbed.

• Homeowners said hurricane damage sat unrepaired while an HOA's explanations raised questions.

• In Appalachia, families endured the aftershock of flooding from Hurricane Helene.

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