HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Squalid conditions at a Huntsville apartment complex have raised questions regarding the rights of Alabama renters living in unsafe conditions.
On Thursday, FOX54 reported on concerns regarding the Kensington apartment complex just off University Drive. Two residents there described chronic problems involving electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems.
Images from several units showed caved-in ceilings and widespread mold, and tenants told FOX54 their properties are infested with rats.
Repeated efforts to have the problems addressed have failed, they said.
FOX54 has tried to contact property management on site and at their Houston headquarters but has not received a response.
Ala. Code § 35-9A-204 establishes that landlords must:
- comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety
- make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a habitable condition
- maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord
- provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of garbage and arrange for their removal
- supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat
Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has been updated several times since in the past two decades. It also establishes requirements of tenants, such as routine maintenance and the responsibility for repairing damage caused by occupants.