Tenants declare victory after city forecloses apartment building in University Heights
More than 80% of tenants signed a petition expressing interest in becoming resident/owners of the building.
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Tenants in University Heights marked a milestone and celebrated a victory against a landlord who they said neglected them for years.
Tenants, city leaders and advocates rallied on Tuesday morning outside of 2201-05 Davidson Ave. after the city foreclosed the complex and removed ownership from Romad Realty, which landed on the city’s “worst landlord list.”
Romad Realty racked up more than $27 million in municipal arrears, over 600 open HPD violations, 90 buildings violations and 60 health violations.
As of last week, Neighborhood Restore now serves as interim owner and will begin stabilizing the building to convert it into a limited-equity cooperative.
“It has been a long fight, and we have had to demonstrate time and again that we deserve a responsible owner,” said one tenant.
“Landlords take notice,” said Jumaane Williams, city public advocate. “We’re coming for you. If you’re doing this behavior time and time again, we’re coming for you!”
More than 80% of tenants signed a petition expressing interest in becoming resident/owners of the building.
The group is calling for citywide reform and legislation to protect more tenants.
