'I can't take this anymore.' Newark tenants say rats and mold make apartments unlivable
One of those tenants, Aesha Carter, says the situation inside her apartment has become unbearable.
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Tenants at the Villa Victoria Apartments in Newark are pleading for help. They say they are living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
One of those tenants, Aesha Carter, says the situation inside her apartment has become unbearable.
“I have a rat infestation, water bugs. I have mold. It’s to the point where it’s unlivable, and it’s a shame we even have to be here," Carter said.
Carter says the conditions are affecting her two daughters, including one who has autism. She says the ongoing issues inside the apartment have disrupted her life and made it difficult to keep up with her job and her daughter’s needs.
“I feel like my life is at a standstill,” Carter said. “I’m losing job after job because of this situation.”
Carter says the problems go beyond pests and mold. Because of issues with the building’s pipes, she says the water coming into her apartment is dirty.
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She says she now has to use bottled water, the same water she buys to drink, to wash dishes, brush her teeth and even shower.
Carter and other residents also say rats can be heard running through the ceilings and walls. Carter says sometimes the rats even cross her daughters’ feet while they are sitting on the couch or doing homework.
According to Carter, she has been sending complaints to building management for years, but says the problems remain unresolved. She says she is constantly cleaning rat droppings and disinfecting toys and surfaces to keep the apartment safe for her children.
The City of Newark has issued multiple violations against the landlord, but Carter says no repairs have been made.
The issue comes as Newark officials say they are stepping up enforcement against negligent property owners. Recently, the mayor signed an executive order aimed at holding landlords accountable, which includes creating a list of the worst landlords in the city.
In a statement to News 12, a spokesperson with the management company wrote:
"We take the health and safety of residents at Villa Victoria very seriously and promptly investigate and address any reported maintenance concerns. Earlier this year, management met with residents and members of the tenant association to hear their concerns and immediately conducted inspections of units and common areas, addressing any issues that were identified. We encourage residents to report any concerns directly to management and to allow timely access to their units so inspections and any necessary maintenance can be completed accordingly."
