HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — After a series of complaints about unsafe and unsanitary living conditions, improvements are being made at Mayfair Towers, the senior living apartment building in Huntsville. District 4 Huntsville Councilman Bill Kling has provided an update on the situation, stating, “I've had contact from residents there, and they have a right to have a good, decent place to live in. But there's been a problem with rat infestation.”
In response to the complaints, the issue of rat infestation is being actively addressed. “A week and a half ago, we did have people that went out; a new exterminator company was hired and they have been laying traps. And I understand that the rat infestation problem has greatly improved with that new company also,” Kling noted.
This is part of ongoing efforts to resolve various safety and maintenance concerns at the complex, which were highlighted in a report last September. One resident expressed frustration, saying, “The front door, exterior door is secured with a screwdriver and is not closing or locking properly. It is not safe.”
Kling highlighted that discussions with residents began as soon as these issues were raised. “There have been other problems that have occurred in the past. That includes things like broken air conditioning. We've talked about insects on premises and the fact that there is not any staff that are available to the seniors 24 hours a day.”
Kling added that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been informed of these ongoing concerns. “Because they are partially funded by HUD out of Birmingham. There are certain guidelines and standards that are very strict, and we want to make sure that HUD is aware whenever there are problems, because these seniors, they're entitled to have a good, decent, clean, rat-free place to live in.”
FOX54 reached out to Mayfair Towers for comment, and they stated that everything at the complex is currently running smoothly.
Residents with complaints or concerns can contact HUD directly at 1-800-225-5342.