Residents forced to leave decaying apartments

GREENVILLE, S.C. — About 20 people are being forced to move out of an upstate South Carolina apartment complex after an electrical fire revealed many other safety hazards.

Parker District Fire Chief Steve Alverson tells The Greenville News that code enforcement condemned the six-unit apartment complex upon inspecting after the Friday morning fire.

Residents say they were given until Aug. 19 to remove belongings. They complain of plumbing leaks, rat infestations and other problems that went unnoticed, but some say they have nowhere else to go. Residents were told to contact three nonprofit groups to assist with temporary lodging.

Paul Gatlin, who took over the property two months ago, says he's beginning a complete renovation. He describes the move-out order as an eviction, saying residents refused to leave when told they needed to.

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Associated Press