BEAUMONT, Texas — A resident at the Kingsgate Apartments in Beaumont was able to get help after a leak in her air conditioner grew worse, causing water damage and mold. She is concerned about her daughter's health.
The resident, Virginia Combs, moved into the apartment complex located at 5750 North Major Dr. three years ago. She discovered a small water leak that grew worse.
On May 21, maintenance workers were able to make repairs to the air conditioning unit, but Combs later realized that the leak was still there.
"I mean it works good it's just all the water," she said. "I could fall, my daughter could fall."
Combs says that she has been reaching out to apartment managers and maintenance workers, but could not get a response. She has sent more than 20 emails about the issue to the leasing office.
"I've been emailing them almost every day, sending them pictures about how much water's going down, talking about how it's ruining the flooring, it's causing spiders," she said. "It's worrisome because of the mold and mildew."
She was able to get the issue resolved after reaching out to 12News.
"The reason I called you [is] because I cannot get them to come down here, and they aren't answering our emails or my calls," said Combs.
Combs says the issue has been difficult because her daughter has health concerns and lives with cerebral palsy.
"My daughter's been on medicine, allergy medicine prescription. I've had to take Claritin-D every day," said Combs. "I even give my dog a Benadryl."
Combs' emails went unanswered until 12News was able to get the property manager on the phone.
George Ann, the property manager says she is new on the job and did not know about the problem.
"Yes the issue will be resolved with you know, within a reasonable time frame," said George Ann.
Combs says the contractor who installed the unit fixed a leaky pipe in the AC within hours of speaking with 12News.
According to Texas law, a landlord must make a diligent effort to repair a problem if it materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant.
Combs has requested to break her lease, despite the repairs, due to the ongoing issues.
"I really don't want to move, I just you know, don't know what else to do."
She will be moving out soon, but is concerned that the water damage and mold will impact the next family who leases her unit.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.