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Resident tells Rockville council family has endured nearly a year of toxic mold and slow response
Summary
A Rockville resident said she has documented nearly a year of toxic black mold in her apartment, disputed the landlord's and city's handling, and urged the city to enforce Maryland’s mold protections; city staff offered follow-up inspections.
At the community‑forum portion of the Rockville Mayor and Council meeting on May 4, Libby Adams recounted an extended housing-health dispute, saying her family found toxic black mold in their apartment and that city and landlord actions have been insufficient.
"It's been 332 days since I found toxic black mold in my apartment," Adams said, giving a detailed timeline of inspections, tests and follow‑ups. She said a city inspection occurred 308 days earlier, an industrial hygienist recommended cleaning belongings, and her family spent 72 additional days in a unit she says was not properly remediated.
Adams told the council she had submitted test results showing active mold growth within the building’s HVAC system and that she had been pushed to sign a release that would relieve the landlord of responsibility. "I don't feel like my family should have to sign anything in order for the apartment complex to be held responsible," she said, and shared contact information to mobilize other affected tenants.
City Manager Michalek responded during the meeting: city staff have inspected the building multiple times, the city is willing to conduct additional inspections if needed, and staff will help schedule follow-up meetings with Ms. Adams and department representatives.
What was said: Adams listed specific intervals since discovery and emphasized ongoing health risks; the city acknowledged inspections and offered additional follow-up but did not announce specific enforcement outcomes at the meeting.
Next steps: City staff invited Ms. Adams to meet after the meeting with Assistant Deputy City Manager Barack Matite and other staff to arrange inspections and follow-up; residents can contact the city’s inspection services for complaints. The council did not take a formal vote or issue an enforcement directive in the public session.
