Who’s responsible for dangerous living conditions many Charlotte renters face?

CHARLOTTE — Having a home is about more than just putting a roof over your head; it also means having somewhere to go where you feel safe.

For months, Channel 9’s Almiya White has investigated claims from renters who describe uncomfortable and even dangerous conditions inside their apartments. Now, she’s bringing those concerns directly to our local leaders.

You may recall our conversation back in February with Charlotte tenants who are all from different complexes but living in very similar conditions.

“If we can pay our rent, they should be able to provide the service that they signed off on,” Brittani Barnett said then.

After months of investigating, White took tenants’ concerns about the alarming living conditions to city and county leaders.

“It’s appalling. It’s appalling. I don’t know any other way to frame it,” Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell said.

Jerrell represents District 4, which is where two of those tenants live. White showed him photos of mold covering doors and cabinets, bugs across counters, walls ripped apart, and no heat.

“This certainly reflects a lack of humanity and concern and care,” Jerrell said.

White took those same concerns to Charlotte City Councilmember Malcolm Graham.

“It’s unfortunate and it’s heartbreaking that in 2023, that people are living in these types of conditions. And there should be some accountability,” Graham said.

>> In the video at the top of the page, who is held accountable when maintenance requests are ignored, and the resources available to tenants.

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