TOLEDO, Ohio – Austin Ferrell and his family have been living in a rental home off Centennial Road for six months when black mold began spreading throughout the property. After attempting to clean mildew from the bathtub, Ferrell discovered the growth was actually toxic mold, prompting an at‑home test on Oct. 1. Thirty hours later the petri dishes confirmed his fears.
Health concerns force a hurried move
“As a man with a family, I’m kinda hurt. It bothers me. I have a four‑year‑old daughter that ain’t been here in almost two weeks,” Ferrell said, explaining that his daughter was staying with his parents for safety. He described the emotional toll of telling a young child that she must stay away from the home she loves because of health risks.
Landlord response and limited time to relocate
Ferrell reported the mold to landlord Jagdish Patel, who allegedly replied, “We have spoken with our investors. We have no intention of fixing it. You may break your lease and keep only your security deposit.” Patel then gave the family until Oct. 31 to vacate, leaving them less than two weeks to find new housing.
Ferrell said he has already spent more than $20,000 on rent and repairs over the past six months and is seeking a $6,000 reimbursement to help cover moving costs. He added that he has applied to over 1,000 housing listings, paying application fees for background and credit checks, yet each has resulted in a denial.
Legal and health‑department outreach
Ferrell indicated he may pursue a civil lawsuit for unsafe health conditions if an agreement cannot be reached. He also reached out to the Lucas County Health Department, Engage Toledo, and Springfield Township, but reports no response or action to date. 13 Action News contacted the health department for comment but has not received a reply.
Community perspective
Local advocates for tenant rights note that mold infestations can pose serious respiratory hazards, especially for children. They urge landlords to address environmental hazards promptly and remind renters of their right to a habitable dwelling under Ohio law.
For families facing similar situations, experts recommend documenting the issue with photos, retaining test results, and notifying landlords in writing. If a landlord refuses to remediate, tenants may seek assistance from local health departments or legal aid organizations.
What’s next for the Ferrell family?
Ferrell hopes to reach a settlement with Patel that includes a partial refund of the money spent on the rental. In the meantime, he plans to conduct thorough inspections of any future homes before signing a lease to avoid a repeat of this ordeal.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
