Repeated flooding, mold issues raise concerns for Hanover resident

Repeated flooding, mold issues raise concerns for Hanover resident

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Repeated flooding and mold issues at a Hanover County townhome are raising health concerns for an Ashland woman.

Michelle Davis said her problems began in 2023 and worsened after a round of severe storms in July. She said she has lived at the Ashland Towne Square Apartments for nearly three years and flooding had been a persistent problem since she moved in.

“When my son and I moved here in November of 2023, our living room would continue to flood,” Davis said.

(Photo: Michelle Davis)

(Photo: Michelle Davis)

(Photo: Michelle Davis)

(Photo: Michelle Davis)

Davis said the flooding went on for nearly a year, causing mold to grow in her carpet, on clothing and on furniture.

"I don't live in a bad community," she said. "I live in a nice place, if it was just flood free, [and] mold free." 

She said new flooring was installed last summer and property management addressed the problem, so she thought it was fixed. That was until last month, when strong storms brought the issue back.

“My grandchildren are four and six, and I’m not comfortable bringing them here because of the possible mold that’s growing,” Davis said.

Davis said management placed tarp around her home to keep water from getting in and told her they were waiting for contractor quotes to make repairs. Nearly a month later, she said she still does not have a clear timeline.

“The people in the office, they try very hard to help you, but they’re kind of at a standstill with it," Davis said. "There’s nothing they can do until the people above them say they can do it."

With rainfall in the forecast, Davis fears the flooding will return and says she plans to take precautions to protect her home.

“I’m going to roll the rugs up before I leave to go to work,” she said. “It’s like I have to rearrange my furniture every time it rains. That’s all I can do. I can hope for the best, because the worst has already been here.”

8News reached out to the property management company, Acento Real Estate Partners, for answers on when repairs would be made and are waiting to hear back.