The former owner and manager of a west Charlotte apartment complex have agreed to pay nearly $550,000 to settle claims that they illegally collected rent despite ongoing health and safety violations.
The Charlotte Observer reports the settlement money, if approved, would be divided among almost 100 former tenants of Lake Arbor Apartments.
The settlement would end a class action lawsuit brought by former tenants who say they complained about problems including mold, leaky roofs, bugs and broken heating and air conditioning units.
All Lake Arbor tenants were abruptly told to move in July 2019 because the owners planned to renovate the complex. That sparked a backlash from tenants and affordable housing advocates who said such displacements would leave some tenants homeless.