Protecting Residents Through Increased Enforcement

The city is working to ensure the life, health and safety of its residents through increased code enforcement to eliminate deteriorated and dangerous multifamily conditions. The following examples demonstrate the need for continued vigilance in the city’s quest to hold owners accountable for the conditions of their property.
 
Issue: Residents were exposed to unsanitary and hazardous living conditions at Villa Martinique Apartments. Several buildings had experienced sewer leaks and contained substandard electrical circuits that could cause fires. Sewage leaks do not stay confined to one area, but seep into parking lots, courtyards and playgrounds.
Result: City ordered a mandatory evacuation and assisted with temporary housing for displaced residents. Complex was purchased by McDougal Companies and was demolished last September for future redevelopment.
 
Issue: A woman was brutally attacked by two men in the Tudor Lane area, which has experienced problems with reoccurring crime.
Result: City staff has cracked down on crime and code violations in the area through its Tudor Lane initiative. To date, more than 100 arrests have been made, more than 400 citations have been issued, five substandard properties have been demolished and six are targeted for demolition by January. Crime in the area has been reduced by
70 percent.
 
Issue: Several residents have been forced to move due to the termination of water service—the result of the owner collecting rent, but not paying the water bill.
Result: City Council adopted an ordinance that provides assistance for displaced tenants due to water termination, which provides residents in these circumstances the ability to quickly relocate.
 
Issue: Dangerous conditions were observed during a comprehensive city inspection at an apartment complex. Such conditions included a failing roof system, exposed high voltage electrical wiring (within reach of small children), and sewage beneath the building.
Result: To ensure resident safety, the city issued an immediate vacate order and staff remained on-site to assist displaced families, while the property owner and management fled with the records.
 
Issue: A family cancelled its move to an Irving apartment due to an infestation of roaches and water bugs, as well as other unclean conditions, and was denied a refund of the $1,000 deposit and rent prepayment.
Result: City staff worked with the apartment management to get the family its refund.   

Posted Dec. 1