Overview
- The Baltimore Office of Inspector General documented mold, visible fungal growth including mushrooms, water damage and pest problems at three former hotels used as shelters with the Sleep Inn showing the most severe issues.
- The probe began after a July 2025 complaint and used resident and staff interviews, photos and site visits to verify claims about unsanitary conditions and building failures.
- Investigators observed specific building defects such as nonworking bathroom fans, HVAC roof controls that appeared switched off, humid laundry rooms, exposed leak repairs and reports of untreated sewage and dirty linens.
- Former employees told the OIG that the maintenance contractor often painted over mold instead of performing proper remediation, and the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services says it was aware of complaints in June 2025 and has been working to address them.
- The OIG recommended comprehensive ventilation and moisture oversight, a maintenance contract tailored to shelter needs and increased on-site MOHS support, changes that could prompt new contracting and stronger city oversight to protect residents’ health.