Residents in an apartment complex in west Lethbridge are facing numerous issues with their rentals, as Alberta Health Services (AHS) has served multiple work orders over the past year. Sherida Scott, a resident and former property manager, has spoken out about the substandard living conditions in the units on Mt. Crandell Crescent West. There are currently five active work orders from AHS for individual units, including problems with flooring, drywall, cleanliness, and electrical issues. Some units have even been closed due to the severity of the problems. However, the owner, Govind Reddy, who lives in Surrey, B.C., has declined to address the issues promptly and continues to rent out the units before they are properly cleaned or repaired.
Scott, who has been a tenant since 2022 and worked as the property manager from July 30, 2023, to April 14, 2024, has been caught in the middle of the situation. Despite her efforts to address the issues, she faced challenges from Reddy, who would not allow her to hire professional help or properly address the repairs. In one instance, a family had to live in a camper at a campground after being promised a unit that was ultimately closed due to the issues. Another potential tenant, Tabetha Dolan, had a similar experience where the unit she was supposed to move into was in deplorable condition, with animal feces scattered throughout. She had to take Reddy to court to get her damage deposit back.
Devin Martin, a resident since 2020, has also faced numerous problems with his unit and his landlord. He has received multiple eviction notices every time he has requested repairs. However, after reaching out to the AHS health inspector about the living conditions, the eviction notices have been rescinded. AHS has declined to provide an interview but has indicated that legal action is possible. Scott, who is in the process of moving out of her unit, is warning renters to be cautious and do their due diligence before signing a lease agreement or putting down a deposit.
Reddy claims that he has spent thousands on repairs and believes that the work orders from AHS are not justified as the complex is following everything accordingly. He plans to reach out to the prime minister to intervene in the situation. Despite these claims, residents like Scott, Dolan, and Martin have faced firsthand the challenges of living in a complex with unresolved issues and a landlord who is unwilling to address them promptly. The situation highlights the importance of tenant rights and proper enforcement of health and safety standards in rental properties to ensure that residents have access to safe and habitable living conditions. The ongoing struggles faced by residents in this apartment complex serve as a cautionary tale for renters to be vigilant and advocate for their rights.
