Council membersblast apartment owners over power outage, housing conditions

According to Taylor, some tenants of Northwood II Apartments were forced to sit outside because their apartments had no power. She said at least two residents with serious medical needs were affected, including one tenant who requires dialysis.

“These are life-or-death situations,” Taylor said, arguing that landlords who collect rent but fail to provide basic living conditions should be considered “slumlords.”

Property Standards Director Terrence Green said he had contacted city attorney Marcus Edwards to determine whether criminal charges could be filed against the property's owner. He also referenced legislation passed by the Louisiana Legislature aimed at holding landlords accountable when tenants are left in unsafe living conditions.

Taylor said one resident was hospitalized as a result of the conditions and described receiving a distressing phone call from the resident's daughter.

“Basic housing is a right. Fair, equitable housing is a right,” she said. “You have no right to take anybody’s money and make them live like this.”

The discussion also focused on whether the property has a valid certificate of occupancy, a document required for many rental properties. City officials said they were investigating the matter and reviewing permit and inspection records.

Taylor pointed to the city's proposed rental registry as a tool that could help officials better track rental properties and identify problem landlords before conditions deteriorate.

In a related case, Councilman James Green raised concerns about the Centrum Apartments at 2750 Waggoner Ave., where tenants reportedly have been living without air conditioning. One resident told officials she had been staying at Sam’s Town Hotel because conditions in her apartment were unlivable.

City code enforcement officials said the Wagner Avenue property was cited Friday and inspected again Monday. An affidavit has been signed, and officials are attempting to locate the property's owner or manager to deliver citations.

Inspectors reported finding active mold conditions inside the apartments and said questions remain about permits, inspections and whether the property has a certificate of occupancy.

Officials also discussed the need for better communication between utility providers and the city when properties change ownership or utility service is disconnected. Such coordination could help ensure inspections and occupancy requirements are met before tenants move into rental units.

Councilwoman Ursula Bowman noted that Louisiana Public Service Commission regulations may restrict utility shutoffs during periods of extreme heat and suggested the city work with state regulators to determine whether any laws were violated.

Taylor concluded by reiterating her request for a legal review and said she would support criminal action against the property owner if state law allows it.