Mar 20, 2025
Ashley Frazier of La Marque, Texas, purchased her first home less than two years ago. At the time, she thought she'd gotten a great deal.
"I was 25 years old getting my dual doctorate, I had been a critical care nurse for five years, I was just ready to move out of my parents' house and get a home of my own," Frazier told Houston’s KHOU 11 News.
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"I thought it was a good price, but looking back, maybe it was a good price for a reason."
After moving in, strange things began to happen. Her ceiling light fixtures started filling up with water, and her microwave fogged up everyday. Confused, she decided to check out the attic and see if she could locate the problem. She says nearly everything up there was wet. The home, which was less than three years old, had a major humidity problem.
"This house was supposed to be my dream home, my starter home; it was supposed to not have any problems," she said. "Now I just feel like I'm living in a nightmare."
Frazier has since moved out of the home after she says a mold inspector she hired said the house is uninhabitable.
What caused the mold issue?
The home was still quite new and under warranty with the builder, so Frazier gave them a call. Lennar, the building company, sent an HVAC company out first, and then a mold inspector.
"And so I asked, 'Are you all going to check behind the walls, because it seems like the condensation is coming down the walls and the mold is growing out of the cabinets,'" Frazier told KHOU 11. "And he said, 'Oh no, that's not part of the protocol.' And that's when the red flags started going off."
Frazier says this was around the same time she started having respiratory issues. She said a chest X-ray showed a nodule of scar tissue had started to form. That's when Frazier decided to hire her own mold inspector.
"The highest mold counts my company got was 2.2 million per cubic meter and my house was deemed uninhabitable and unsafe to live in," she told KHOU 11. "I moved out immediately."
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She also hired a lawyer.
"To put it simply, her house was not sealed well enough and that's caused high humidity and mold growth," attorney Ernest Freeman told the news channel.
Lennar, the building company, sent this statement to KHOU 11:
“Lennar is committed to safety, quality construction and homeowner satisfaction. We work hard to promptly correct issues that are our responsibility. Unfortunately, despite our repeated efforts, this homeowner has not allowed us to inspect the home since last summer or to perform any proposed remediation.”
In response, Frazier’s lawyer sent KHOU 11 this statement:
"In order to pursue a legal claim for construction defects Texas law requires each homeowner to conduct an exhaustive investigation of the various problems on the front end and present all (required) expert reports to the builder. Due to the severity of the issues at miss Frazier‘s home, there are a variety of consultants we have had to involve so the process is time-consuming. We are close to completion of this process and once it has been accomplished, Lennar will have an opportunity to do the right thing and resolve this matter to everyone’s satisfaction. Time will tell on that."
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How to navigate issues with your home — whether you rent or own
Discovering issues like mold growth in your home can be overwhelming, but quick action can help protect both yourself and your finances. Whether you rent or own your home, here is how to handle deteriorating property conditions.
Document the problem immediately
Start by keeping detailed records of the issue. Note the date, time and description of any visible mold, water, damage or structural issues. Take clear photos or videos of any problem areas. If you have health issues you think might be related to the issue, keep copies of medical records and any expenses.
Notify the builder or landlord in writing
If you're a homeowner and your home is under warranty, notify the builder, and your insurance company, as quickly as possible. Request inspections and a written report about the issues. If you rent, submit a formal complaint to your landlord, ideally by certified mail or email so you have a record of the communications.
Consider getting an independent evaluation
If the builder or landlord dismisses your concerns, consider hiring an independent home inspector, mold specialist or contractor to assess the damage. This report may serve as evidence in the event you choose to pursue legal action.
Understand your rights
Whether you rent or own, there are protections in place. Homeowners should review their warranty, homeowners insurance and state laws related to construction defects. Renters should research tenant rights in their state and city.
Explore financial assistance options
Mold remediation and major home repairs can be costly. Look into what your home or renter's insurance will cover. If the issue is caused by contractor or builder error, their insurance may cover your losses. Research government programs, such as those with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to see if you qualify for assistance.
Mold and structural problems can make a home unlivable, but knowing your rights and taking proactive steps can help protect you financially. Whether you’re dealing with a negligent landlord or builder defects, documenting everything and seeking expert advice can help you in resolving the issue.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
