Philly renters reach a settlement after suing their property manager over mold, leaks and more

Philadelphia tenants who sued one of the city's leading subsidized housing administrators over housing conditions have reached a settlement with the city-based nonprofit.

In June, nine tenants sued Columbus Property Management & Development, accusing the company of failing to maintain three of its apartment complexes and allowing conditions such as mold, leaks, plumbing problems, lack of heat and pest infestations.

The nonprofit Public Interest Law Center in Philadelphia, which represented tenants alongside international law firm Holland & Knight, told The Inquirer in June that it was confident that other buildings managed by Columbus Property Management were in similar condition.

Columbus has 34 apartment complexes in Philadelphia and manages approximately 4,500 apartments throughout the Mid-Atlantic. It primarily serves people with low incomes or disabilities and other vulnerable populations who receive housing subsidies. The parent organization is Philadelphia-based nonprofit Mission First Housing Group, an affordable housing developer.

According to a joint statement released this week, the parties began settlement negotiations “almost immediately” after Columbus was notified of the lawsuit.

In the settlement that took effect Friday, Columbus agreed to address the complaints of tenants at the three properties named in the lawsuit: Freedom Village in North Philadelphia's Francisville neighborhood, Powelton Heights in West Philadelphia's Powelton neighborhood, and MPB School Apartments in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia.

The company also agreed to inspect all apartments in its Philadelphia-area portfolio and repair what needs to be repaired. Columbus must also submit a comprehensive plan to improve housing inspections and the handling of tenant complaints and emergency repairs at all of its properties in the Philadelphia area.

Columbus said it began the improvement process before the lawsuit was filed. The company agreed to two years of third-party monitoring to ensure it kept its promises. And plaintiffs can take Columbus back to court if it doesn't comply.

“Philadelphia renters have the right to safe, healthy and adequate housing,” Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center, said in a statement. Columbus “is doing what is right – making serious, enforceable commitments to comply with the letter and spirit of federal, state and local housing laws to make this right a reality for its tenants.”

” READ MORE: Philadelphia tenants are suing, claiming their apartments are moldy, leaky and dangerous

Marie Reese, one of the residents who sued, told The Inquirer in June that she was worried about her grandchildren visiting her apartment because of leaks, mold and plumbing problems. She said, “I shouldn’t have to live like this because I live in a low-income apartment.”

In a statement about the settlement, Reese emphasized the importance of tenants speaking out.

“When you use your voice and speak out loud, you realize that there are many more people going through the same thing,” she said. “This agreement will help everyone.”

Ben Wilson, a partner at Holland & Knight, said in a statement that Columbus “plays a critical role in providing affordable housing to Philadelphia communities and vulnerable populations, and we are excited about it.” [Columbus] responded to the lawsuit with urgency and intent in addressing residents’ claims and a renewed commitment to ensuring tenants receive high-quality, safe housing at all of its properties.”

Columbus told The Inquirer in June that it was taking resident feedback “very seriously.”

“First and foremost, Columbus Property Management is committed to providing safe, quality, affordable housing for our residents,” Tracy Joyce, senior vice president of property management for Columbus, said in a statement this week. “We welcome feedback and comments from residents about their homes and aim to respond to issues in a timely manner. We remain committed to resident satisfaction and will do everything in our power to ensure our facilities reflect this commitment.”

The tenants' lawsuit also sought compensation for their out-of-pocket expenses, loss of possessions damaged by the condition of the apartment, rent paid and legal fees, and punitive damages. Portions of the settlement are confidential and the portions disclosed did not respond to these requests.

Keith Bailey, one of the tenants who sued, said in a statement that he will ensure Columbus keeps its promises.

“It’s time to let everyone know,” he said, “you have the right to a safe and good place to live.”