Military Housing Mold Dispute
Navy Family Blames Mold for Illness in Virginia Beach Military Housing
A Navy family says their military-provided home in Virginia Beach made them sick — and their landlord still hasn't tested it for mold. Laura and Matt Campbell moved into a four-bedroom townhouse on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in 2023. Since then, they say their health, finances, and safety have all been put at risk, according to Pottstown Mercury.
An independent investigator hired by the Campbells found chronic water intrusion, multiple strains of mold, microbial growth, and excessive humidity inside the home. Their landlord, Balfour Beatty, has not conducted its own mold test — despite repeated requests from the family, San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
Mold Found, But Landlord Calls Home Habitable
As of August 31, Balfour Beatty had not tested the townhouse for mold. The company told the family the home is still habitable. Balfour Beatty also said the testing methods used by the Campbells' independent inspector are not backed by the Environmental Protection Agency or major scientific organizations, according to Boston Herald.
The independent inspector's findings told a different story. The report identified several mold strains, active water intrusion, and humidity levels that experts consider dangerous. The Campbells say the company's refusal to test the home has left them with no safe options, Twin Cities reported.
A Family's Health and Finances Pushed to the Brink
The Campbells say they began noticing health problems shortly after moving in. Mold exposure can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue — especially in children and people with existing conditions. The family says the ongoing situation has cost them money on top of the physical toll, according to Sun Sentinel.
Military families living in base housing give up a portion of their housing allowance to private landlords like Balfour Beatty. That means the Campbells are paying for a home they believe is unsafe — with few easy ways to leave, Press Democrat reported.
Balfour Beatty's Long Record of Housing Complaints
Balfour Beatty is one of the largest private military housing companies in the United States. The company has faced lawsuits and federal scrutiny over poor living conditions, maintenance failures, and health hazards at bases across the country, according to OC Register.
In 2021, Balfour Beatty Communities pleaded guilty to a fraud scheme involving military housing and paid $65 million in fines. The company was accused of falsifying maintenance records at bases nationwide. Advocates say the Campbell case shows that problems persist despite that settlement, Greeley Tribune reported.
Military Families Have Limited Recourse Against Housing Contractors
Service members and their families often have little power when disputes arise with private housing contractors. They cannot simply break a lease the way a civilian renter might. Moving off base means paying rent twice — once through their lost housing allowance and again out of pocket, according to Daily News.
Congress passed housing reform legislation in 2020 giving military tenants more rights, including a tenant bill of rights. But families like the Campbells say enforcement remains weak. The Campbells are continuing to push for testing and remediation, Morning Journal reported.
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