I strongly advise residents here to have their AC/heat unit inspected for mold. Details and a long frustrating story aside, the county health inspector found mold spores and actively growing mycelium in our air handler (blowing through the entire apartment). We felt we had to call in the inspector in the first place, due to the poor past response we have received on this and other matters, since the current property manager took over.

Mold related illness can be extremely serious. This is only one of many sites with information:
http://www.cleanwaterpartners.org/mold/related-illnesse you suspect you may have a mold related illness such as respiratory problems, fatigue, severe cold or allergy symptoms that do not go away etc, then for the sake of your health and that of your family, roommates and/or pets, call the Pinellas County Health Department (727) 507-4336 ext 1336.

There are procedures for the safe and complete removal of mold. Spraying the coils and "fogging" the vents is probably not enough. DO NOT take the office's word for anything regarding mold. Have it inspected, and MAKE SURE that the inspector's instructions for removal are followed. I cannot stress this last point enough.

I would also advise any potential tenants to have staff open up the air handler for your inspection prior to renting. All they have to do is remove a few screws on one side of the door above the filter (and turn the thermostat/power off). It is very easy to do and only takes a few extra minutes. Look at the vent covers and the louvered slats inside. Black growth is visible on parts of ALL my vent covers. You can even see where they painted over old growth in the past.

The $75 fee for the complete inspection (mold, toxins, moisture etc) is money well spent (especially when compared to medical bills). Home Depot and similar places also sell mold test kits for about $10, in the AC/furnace filter section. For safetys sake, I do not recommend people opening up their air-handler on their own.


Updated to add:

Over one month later and the problem has not yet been completely fixed. This is despite about two dozen phone calls, written letters, county inspection, outside consultation, public notices and leaving a very detailed message with the regional manager for Equity Apartments. The kicker is, they claim to have a staff member certified in mold remediation, so they should be well aware of the health risks related to mold.

The regional manager has not returned my attempt to contact her, although I have been told that she is aware of the situation.

I have also learned that The Promenade has an "unsatisfactory" record with the BBB. Somehow, this does not surprise me.

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