A Denver mother says mold inside her apartment complex has made both her and her child sick, and the family is now scared to stay in their own unit. She points to repeated leaks and visible mold growth as the tipping point that pushed her to call city investigators, after reporters say at least six complaints have been filed about the same property.
Tenant's account and city confirmation
In a recent interview and video shared with CBS News Colorado, the tenant describes headaches, a lingering cough, and a musty odor she says never really goes away inside the unit. She also shared photos she says show mold spreading in her home. According to CBS News Colorado, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed six complaints tied to the complex and says investigators have started looking into those reports.
How the city handles complaints
The City and County of Denver's Residential Health program is responsible for investigating health-related housing complaints. The city offers a public search tool that lets residents look up complaint and inspection records by address, and renters can file a new complaint by calling 3-1-1. When inspectors document unsafe or unsanitary conditions, they can issue notices of violation or formal orders to repair, and those enforcement records are added to the public file for that property.
Health risks and cleanup
Health officials warn that mold exposure can cause allergy-like symptoms and make asthma worse, especially for children and people with chronic lung disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The EPA notes that "the key to mold control is moisture control" and advises fixing leaks, drying wet materials quickly, and bringing in professional cleanup help when infestations are large or keep coming back.
What renters can do
Tenants facing mold problems are urged to document everything, including photographs of affected areas and copies of maintenance requests, and to notify the landlord in writing. If management does not respond or fix the problem, renters can then escalate to city investigators or a statewide tenant helpline. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says it does not directly regulate mold, but it directs renters toward Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) and information about the state's implied warranty of habitability for potential assistance and legal remedies.
Next steps and resources
Denver residents who believe their housing conditions are affecting their health can file a Residential Health complaint by calling 3-1-1, and can review existing complaint records for a building through the city's online search tool. Anyone experiencing severe or ongoing symptoms is urged to seek medical care, and for questions about environmental health concerns in the home, state health officials point residents to Colorado's public health toxicology line, referenced in their guidance.
