TOLEDO, Ohio – Cierra Carr moved into a rental home less than a month ago with hopes of giving her two young boys a fresh start. Within days she discovered serious health hazards: sewage backing up in the bathroom and what appears to be black mold in the basement.
Conditions inside the home
“We got the vent taped off behind here to prevent the smell from coming in,” Carr told reporters, showing the taped air vent she installed to block an odor that seemed to permeate the house. She described the plumbing issue as “everything from the kitchen, bathroom—you flush the toilet, it’s coming up in the tub.”
In addition to the sewage problem, Carr pointed to discolored patches on the basement walls that she believes are black mold. Concerned for her children’s health, she said, “Cause where am I going to go? You know, like, I’m making a way out of no way.”
Landlord response
Carr paid $2,600 in rent but says she never received a formal lease. After texting her landlord that she would be moving out by the end of the month because of the conditions, the landlord read the message but did not reply.
Property records list Khanh Hong Pham, who goes by Ken, as a co‑owner of the house. When 13 Action News contacted Pham, he said he would send someone to assess the problems. He also offered to return Carr’s money if the story did not air and to refund her if she and her children moved out that night.
Health department involvement
13 Action News has reached out to the Toledo‑Lucas County Health Department for comment on the alleged sewage backup and mold. The department has not yet responded, but the outreach signals that the health agency may investigate potential violations of housing and public‑health codes.
What Carr needs
“I need—I need—I need my money back,” Carr said, emphasizing the urgency of finding a safe place for her family. She is currently packing her belongings and searching for alternative housing while awaiting a possible refund and any action from the health department.
Broader context
Rental‑housing issues like sewage backups and mold are not unique to Toledo, but they highlight the importance of proper landlord disclosures and timely health‑department inspections. Tenants who encounter similar problems are encouraged to document conditions, notify landlords in writing, and contact local health or housing authorities for assistance.
As this story develops, 13 Action News will continue to update readers on any response from the health department, the landlord’s actions, and whether Carr receives a refund.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
