By Brittney Matejka

Tenants are frustrated after black mould found in multi-family housing units

Jan 29, 2018 | 3:54 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – Eight families in Medicine Hat are having to leave their homes after black mould was found in multi-family housing units on 1st Street Southwest.

Kevin Franz and his family are in the process of moving out of their rental home after struggling with a leaking roof since January 6th. He feels there has been a lack of communication with his property manager.

On Friday evening, Franz said he received some unsettling news about the current condition of his home.

“At about nine o’clock, our building manager showed up and said there was black mould in eight of us (and we) had to get out of here,” he said.

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Franz explained the area was perfect for his family and they have lived in the home for five years.

“I don’t want to leave here,” he said. “It’s a great community, great neighbours and location, but we gotta go.”

Cory Paxman is also being evicted from his unit due to black mould. He has lived in the home for two years and is desperately looking for a new house to rent.

“There are a few places available, but not much a person may want,” he said. “It’s a time not to be picky and get out of here as soon as I can.”

Franz expressed concern over the lack of communication the buildings residents have received.

“We get no phone calls, we had to find out (information) from our neighbours,” he said. “It’s very frustrating, I don’t want to move, but I gotta.”

Paxman said he hopes to have more open communication with his next lease.

“I just hope no body else has to go through this, it’s bull crap,” he said. “We are pretty much getting tossed out on the street, we’ve got no time for nothing.”

The Medicine Hat Community Housing Society and the Red Cross said they may be able to help displaced tenants on a case by case basis if they are forced to move due to a health concern.