Re: 9:02 p.m.: Renters say requests for repairs going unanswered

[Guest guest]

What bothers me is that renters are always portrayed, even often on this

list, as just being able to move out at the drop of a

hat, which isn't the case.

Renters mold issues also get ignored by lawyers, especially ones where the

people

tried to get their landlord to clean up the apartment instead of moving.

Maybe they didn't have any other options. Its as if there is some kind of

anti-renter bias,

even in the community of people who are supposed to be helping them.

Often, moving isn't an option to people. Like for example, if you are sick

and lost your job.

Apartments are tight, its not easy for poor people to move. Often, its not

even possible at all. Hotels cost a LOT of money, so staying in a hotel for

anything more than a very few days isnt an option for many poor people

either.

How can people not understand this?

On 7/25/07, Darlene <darlenesb2000@...> wrote:

>

> Published July 25, 2007 09:01 pm - Collapsed ceilings, unsafe electrical

> wiring, creeping mold and uncaring management are among the more serious

> housing issues identified by at least eight tenants in three apartment

> complexes in .

>

> 9:02 p.m.: Renters say requests for repairs going unanswered

> gabe.khouli@... <gabe.khouli%40heraldbulletin.com>

> http://www.heraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_206210122.html

>

> Collapsed ceilings, unsafe electrical wiring, creeping mold and uncaring

> management are among the more serious housing issues identified by at least

> eight tenants in three apartment complexes in .

>

> Autumn Ridge Apartments, 101 S. Rangeline Road; The Courtyard Apartments,

> 2725 W. 16th St.; and Tower Place Apartments, 1109 St., have been

> investigated by Building Commissioner Widing.

>

> Widing issued an order to repair the damaged roofs at Autumn Ridge last

> week after the apartment complex failed to fix the problem in the past five

> to six months. The order forces Autumn Ridge to hire two licensed

> contractors to do complete roof inspections in the next 30 days, followed by

> a 60-day time limit to have all of the roofing fixed.

>

> Widing said ceilings in Autumn Ridge collapsed as a result of the roof

> damage and missing shingles, which allowed water to leak into the rest of

> the buildings. Tarps were placed over the damaged roofs, but the tarps did

> not prevent more water damage from occurring, he said. Widing is also

> planning to write an order today to repair or take down an unsafe playground

> at Autumn Ridge. Playground equipment has loose bolts, nails and screws, he

> said.

>

> Widing has investigated Tower Place in the past for maintenance issues and

> is still investigating Courtyard because of the outdated and unsafe

> electrical wiring of the building.

>

> " We're concerned with life safety issues, " Widing said. " There are just

> poor, poor electrical (systems) there. "

>

> All three properties are listed as being owned by Seattle-based Pinnacle

> Realty, according to the company's Web site, but Pinnacle spokesman Kurt

> son said the company is no longer associated with Courtyard. He was not

> able to provide more specifics as of Wednesday. Courtyard officials would

> not confirm or comment on current ownership. Widing said all three

> properties have maintenance problems, and Courtyard, in particular, has

> violated city ordinances by having unlicensed and unqualified people making

> repairs to the building.

>

> Autumn Ridge Apartments

>

> The most numerous and serious problems have been reported at Autumn Ridge,

> namely the collapsed ceilings, mold and unresponsive management, according

> to numerous residents, including Amy Bentley, Clabaugh, Shane Simpson

> and McKinney.

>

> Bentley had her ceiling collapse five months ago. She said Autumn Ridge

> never fixed the ceiling because the manager said she was waiting for

> insurance money from Pinnacle. On June 20, Widing put a 24-hour-to-vacate

> notice on some of the apartments, meaning Bentley and fellow residents had

> to quickly find another place to live. Former manager Offringa said

> she would move the displaced residents in 10 days, according to Bentley, but

> Bentley had to live with family members until last Friday.

>

> " They are messing with people's lives and don't care, " Bentley said. " It's

> sad. "

>

> Offringa was the source of many of the problems, according to residents

> and assistant manager Lydia Blackberry. Offringa could not be reached for

> comment, and son could not comment because it involved a personnel

> matter.

>

> Offringa was fired by Pinnacle on July 13 and replaced by manager Shana

> Strong, but despite the switch, little progress has been made, Bentley and

> Widing said.

>

>

>