TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Representative Kathy Castor is criticizing a military housing contractor for failing to property upkeep houses on the MacDill Air Force Base. Since 2019, 8 On Your Side has reported on the mold issues in the base housing units.

170 military personnel and their families are taking legal action against The Michaels Organization, alleging they created and hid hazardous living conditions.

“This private contractor tasked with maintaining the housing for families at MacDill Air Force Base has completely failed,” Castor commented.

According to Castor, part of their evasion is due to families’ short stays, coupled with no obligation to disclose past issues to new occupants.

Lawyers in the lawsuit claim that the defendants maintain a “cartel-like” grip on the housing monopoly, preventing military members and their leadership from having an effective grievance system, thereby taking focus away from their primary military duties.

Leah Mullins was in a home base unit that had mold. She’s now a plaintiff in the suit.

“I hope this lawsuit prompts some improvements. I also believe it should serve as a deterrent against poor conduct and the mistreatment of tenants,” Mullins said.

In a statement, a Michaels Organization Spokesperson said, “While we cannot comment on the specifics of ongoing litigation, we take all residents’ concerns very seriously and our priority has always been and continues to be the well-being of our Harbor Bay residents, staff, and community.”

Castor said the situation has tied the hands of the Air Force, but hopefully not for long.

“It’s outrageous,” Castor said. “I think what will happen now is the base commander now will have additional responses clearly to bring in their own independent contractor to fix the problems and to make these families whole.”