Residents of a Prince George’s County apartment complex, supported by CASA, have filed a civil lawsuit against their landlords, alleging they were aware of and neglected poor living conditions, such as inconsistent heating in the winter and inadequate air conditioning in the summer.
The lawsuit describes the conditions as “an egregious failure to provide a safe, accessible, and sanitary place to live,” claiming the landlords violated state and county laws, as well as lease agreements, by failing to address these issues.
According to the complaint, residents must endure an overwhelming odor upon exiting elevators to reach the upper units at Park Tanglewood and Riverdale Park. Inside, tenants report extensive damage, including broken windows patched with tape, collapsing closet doors, and furniture damaged by rodents. One resident even described mice falling to the floor when a kitchen chair was moved.
In addition to unreliable heating and cooling, the lawsuit cites issues like a lack of hot water, persistent roach infestations, and lax security, with broken exterior doors allowing unauthorized individuals to access the building. It also details nonfunctional smoke alarms, elevators, and wheelchair ramps.
Residents claim the management companies ignored these problems and retaliated against tenants who raised concerns, even attempting to collect rent illegally after their rental licenses were revoked. The suit seeks financial damages, immediate extermination of pests, and urgent repairs to HVAC systems and elevators.
Attorney and state delegate Vaughn Stewart, representing the plaintiffs, called the complex “the poster child for neglect and recklessness,” accusing the landlords of exploiting a tenant base largely composed of immigrants, some undocumented, believing they would lack resources or courage to stand up for their rights.
Residents also allege the landlords are well-funded, profitable entities with the means to address these issues but have chosen to ignore tenant complaints. The plaintiffs demand immediate action to ensure the complex meets basic safety and habitability standards.
