Apartment Complex Owners Could Be Penalized For Modifications
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- The City of Boulder said the property owners of an apartment complex could be penalized for modifications that were made after inspection and also left privacy among residents in question.
Last week, the building was deemed uninhabitable because of changes made to the units after the final inspection.
This all happened at the Sterling University Peaks Apartment complex, located east of the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
Many tenants are not happy but say because classes just started, they don't have time to search for a new place.
Meanwhile the city is weighing its option on how to hold those who made the modifications accountable.
Sanje Phillips showed CBS4's Jennifer Brice how code violations were modified at his Boulder apartment.
He said a curtain will now replace half of the moving bookshelf that was supposed to separate his room from another.
"They fixed the violation but it's not what they advertised," said Phillips, "which was a private room."
Before the changes, Phillips said he doesn't understand how half of the room was even considered its own bedroom when the window went to the apartment hallway rather than outside.
The City of Boulder deemed the apartment inhabitable last week but said the property owners fixed the violations within 24 hours.
The complex is no longer in violation but officials will investigate whether criminal charges could be filed, according to Michael Davidson with Boulder Planning & Development.
"The city attorney's office would handle any kind of litigation, prosecution and would be heard by the Boulder Municipal Court. That's what the city could do in a situation like this. As to if we pursue that option is yet to be determined," said Davidson.
Tenants said after complaining to management, they were offered the option to get out of their lease, if they choose.
If they stay, Phillips said, he's been offered a credit for the time he was displaced along with an additional $500 for the unexpected modification. Phillips is moving out but said many other students don't have that option.
"People from other countries and those who didn't have cars to go anywhere," he said. "A lot of people this was their first experience out of their homes, getting a new place."
An attorney for one of the property owners would only comment as far to say that if anyone wants to be released from their lease, they can be.
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.
