The Virginian-Pilot
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The Navy expects to receive the first results this week from mold inspections and testing at more than a dozen housing units where residents have complained of mold, and 184 more inspections have been requested, the service announced Tuesday.
Lincoln Military Housing, the company that operates the homes in a joint venture with the Navy, has said that none of its testing found unsafe levels of mold. But after an outcry from residents unhappy with the company's response, the Navy intervened.
A new inspection company was hired and a maintenance task force with Lincoln and Navy representatives is now visiting each of the company's nearly 4,400 military housing units in the region.
The flareup prompted the Navy to re-examine its business arrangement with Lincoln, said Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, the commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.
The Navy Housing Service Center can assist military families with housing issues. In Norfolk or Virginia Beach, call 445-2832 or (800) 628-7510. On the Peninsula, call 847-7806 or (800) 704-5488.
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Before anyone offers advice,
Before anyone offers advice, it might be best to determine if it's truly mold. As I read it, the tests are being conducted to determine IF it is mold. It might not be. This is only a few claims from some people. And, everyone has mold in their house, especially in Tidewater. Wait for the proof before rushing to people's rescue. They might not need it. And I think if a military member stops their direct payment to LMH, they can be evicted. No different than if you stop paying rent anywhere else.
It's very clear there is a
It's very clear there is a problem. Stopping and escrowing BAH/rent are 2 different things. Yes, not paying your rent will get your evicted. Escrowing your rent to either Norfolk, Virginia Beach court will not get you evicted. You are still paying rent but, giving it to the court until the landlord fixes the problems that they have not responded to. You are than getting in front of judge to have a judge deterime damages, fixing the problems etc. Judge's in the tidewater area are pro tenant for the most part. They have a excellent gave for escrowing. They have also have a excellent for and IG complaint and a Federal Fair Housing complaint. All it will take is 1 person to file either one of these complaints the game is on.
military mold
I really hope everyone affected by this mold/housing issue has contacted HUD and also has filed a Fair Housing Complaint. You can contact any housing authority in your area and they will help you file a complaint. Everyone needs to stop their BAH and ask for a judge to put it in escrow or better yet ask the Admiral to do this. You all deserve decent safe and sanitary housing people who live in public housing have better housing. Everyone needs to read the VA Tenant Landlord Act you can get it on line.
Careful
While I applaud your concern and advice, be a little careful about what advice you give. Granted, this military housing is managed by a private entity, many local laws/acts may not apply in this situation.
The VA Tenant Landlord Act
The VA Tenant Landlord Act does cover them and Fair Housing Violations is Federal and they are covered. Also escrowing their rent is covered. Please read your local and state housing laws. If a military family's rent is not paid LMH must take them to them through the local court civilian court system. Therefore, all local rules, laws and regulations apply to both parties.