My son and I are living in a dangerous apartment that is making us seriously sick, and the building manager refuses to take action.

For over a decade, tenants at Beloit Country Garden Apartments in Beloit, Ohio, have been living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Despite repeated complaints, the landlord and building manager continue to neglect serious hazards that put residents—adults and children alike—at risk.

I have lived in my unit since 2011, and the conditions are now causing severe health issues for both my son and me. Mold inside the walls, smoke damage, water damage, and rotted cabinets have made it unsafe to live here. A specialist confirmed this and even recommended hiring a mold lawyer. Unfortunately, I am unable to work due to these health problems, and my son also suffers chronic illnesses as a result.

I am a very clean and tidy tenant and maintain my apartment regularly, but these hazards persist. This is clearly a result of landlord neglect, not tenant behavior.

Unsafe conditions include:

Mold inside walls causing breathing problems

Stove burner disconnected and hanging (unsafe to use)

Smoke damage on walls/ceiling from a fire 14 years ago

Water damage on bedroom ceilings

Rotted kitchen sink cabinet, bathroom water damage, and visible mold

Carpet worn down to the backing, impossible to clean

AC unit not working properly and likely mold-infested

Foul-smelling water

Cosmetic spending like new wooden barriers around dumpsters instead of repairing serious hazards

Unsafe handyman visit:
When the landlord sent a handyman to inspect my unit, he told me painting over water damage on the ceiling “will kill the mold” and that I could paint over the rotted wood under the kitchen sink. When I explained I didn’t feel comfortable with these unsafe suggestions, he said he wasn’t dealing with it and left.

Since moving in, at least 5 people on my side of the building have either died or developed cancer. While a direct connection cannot be proven, this pattern is alarming—especially combined with the foul water and stench in the building.

Living here has taken a severe toll on our health. The mold, smoke, water damage, and rotted cabinets have caused chronic illnesses that could have been avoided if timely interventions had been made. Communicating with management has been futile, as complaints are ignored or dismissed, leaving us trapped in an unsafe environment.

We demand:

1. An immediate independent inspection by local health and housing authorities.

2. Professional testing of air quality and mold behind walls to ensure the living environment is safe.

3. Professional testing of water quality to ensure it is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

4. That these buildings be either professionally restored to safe, habitable conditions or condemned if beyond repair.

5. That current and former tenants be informed of potential health risks from mold, smoke residue, and unsafe water.

These apartments are not just buildings—they are homes. Tenants deserve to live without fear of health repercussions due to managerial neglect. Local authorities and housing regulators must step in, conduct thorough inspections, and implement strict oversight to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

No family should be forced to live in fear for their health. Please sign and share this petition to hold the landlord accountable and demand urgent action for the safety and wellbeing of all residents at Beloit Country Garden Apartments