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Aurora Apartment Complex Won't Pay For Damages After Carports Collapse

By Andrea Flores

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Residents of one Aurora apartment complex were left stranded after several carports collapsed during the past weekend's storm.

Canterra at Fitzsimons residents in Aurora watched helplessly as crews began to clear snow off their collapsed carports.

Fred and Sandy Hopper say this isn't the first time they've seen structures buckle to snow at their complex.

CARPORT COLLAPSE  (2)
Collapsed carports at Centerra at Fitzsimons in Aurora (credit: CBS)

"Last year two of them fell over in the back, this year we have already had one collapse," said Sandy.

Fred Hopper says he's seen at least seven carports come down in the year-and-a-half he's been a tenant.

"You'd think that they would know that something's going on," Fred said.

CARPORT COLLAPSE  (1)
(credit: CBS)

The couple claims the complex knew there was a problem and did nothing to fix it.

Last month, Fred says the owner of an SUV was moved from one collapsed carport, only to deal with the same issue just a few weeks later.

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"He's been hit twice on this thing; he was not just frustrated, he was downright angry," Fred said.

When residents asked property managers who would cover car repairs costs, Fred says their response was simple.

CARPORT COLLAPSE
(credit: CBS)

"They told me that it was on my insurance, either auto or homeowners," said Fred.

A spokesperson for Canterra at Fitzsimons released this statement: "The well-being of our residents and their property is a top priority. Unfortunately, the recent extreme weather conditions caused significant damage to our community carports. We are currently working to have collapsed carports repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. Our residents are not responsible for any of the damages to the carports. However, as stated in the lease agreements, any weather-related damages to personal property are the responsibility of the residents. Once the snow melts, we will review the structural integrity of the remaining carports. Any carports that are not structurally sound will be repaired or replaced."

The hoppers say they pay $25 a month, or $300 a year, for a guaranteed spot under the carport.

CARPORT COLLAPSE
(credit: CBS)

Sandy says there's only one way to make sure this doesn't happen again, "Take them all down and there's ample parking for everybody."

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