NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — New Smyrna Beach leaders are preparing to put an accused slumlord on notice.
Nicole Edwards works nights to support her son and pay for a unit in the Marchi Apartments. She showed WFTV’s Blaine Tolison her leaking ceiling and patchy repair jobs, but said her neighbor’ situation is even worse.
Photos: Landlord allegedly ignores much-needed repairs
“We’re dealing with roach infestations, termite infestations and structure problems,” Edwards said.
Other residents showed Tolison evidence of termites and roof damage.
“It’s just all falling apart out here. Everything is falling apart. Door won’t even shut right, and they won’t even fix (any) of it,” said resident Chris Henry.
“We were basically told if we don’t like it, we can move,” Edwards said.
Residents said they’re paying $700 a month on top of a $1,200 deposit to move in.
Many said they’re too strapped for cash to move.
The former property manager told Tolison she quit and that the current owner of the apartments, Michael Roman, lived in New Jersey.
She said she hasn’t been to the property since Roman purchased it last September. The city of New Smyrna Beach is preparing to take action against Roman, but residents are worried nothing will get done, and they’ll be out on the street.
“Something needs to be done. They need to be held accountable for these actions,” Edwards said.
City officials said when they issue their notice to the owner, he will have 60 to 90 days to fix them, or condemning the property will be an option.
WFTV
