Residents at Charlotte apartment complex ask for help with horrible living conditions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Residents said the living conditions at the Lake Arbor Apartments need to change.

Tenant Jeffrey White said code enforcement told the complex it had until Sept. 24 to fix a hole in his apartment, but it still hasn't done so.

The hole was created after water leaked down through the wall and mold grew.

White said water still leaks down the wall every time it rains.

"I'm getting fed up with what they doing as an apartment complex,” White said.

Other residents have complained of rats, roaches, mold and unusable mailboxes.

On Wednesday, Channel 9 reported a city inspection found out that only 56 of the 296 units were compliant.

"I have five violations in my apartment that haven't even been addressed," tenant Natasha Tucker said.

Tucker and several residents showed Channel 9 a notice the apartment complex gave them this week saying they may have to pay a $50 fee for pest control and a $25 fee if they haven't reported missing smoke detectors or water leaks.

Tucker said she was given another letter saying her lease won't be renewed and she has 30 days to vacate her unit.

"I will move, but please know it is retaliation. It’s not just because," she said.

The city of Charlotte and the property owner are working on a corrective action plan to address the issues.

The property owner is expected to present some solutions n Tuesday.

Tucker and a group of residents said they want to be part of that conversation.

"How can you make a plan about me and not include me?" Tucker said.

Reporter Gina Esposito asked Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield if that’s an issue in which city leaders can get involved.

"That's a real good question,” Mayfield said. “I don’t know because I’m not involved that conversation."

Mayfield said she's aware of the problems, but she said the city can't force the property owner to make changes.

"If I had the ability on my own, and the staff had the ability, we would move everyone out into other housing,” Mayfield said. “What I would love to do is to have everyone moved out, and that way, that owner will be sitting in a vacant complex with no money."

Mayfield said at least eight families have already moved or are in the process of doing so.

White said he wants the city to do more to help.

"The city of Charlotte needs to get behind the owners of these apartments and make them do what they supposed to do for us,” White said.

The attorney general's office told Channel 9 it has received 16 complaints about the complex.

A spokesperson said the office is investigating.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• 'Love is stronger than hate': City of Florence to hold public viewing in honor of fallen officer
• 'Our tears are your tears too': Loved ones grateful for support ahead of funeral for Maddox Ritch
• I was very shaken up': Bicyclist captures gruesome crash involving deer on video
• WATCH: Keith Monday's Friday forecast outlook
• The Latest: Trump says he's 'proud' of Senate Kavanaugh vote

Cox Media Group