CLEVELAND — Tenants of the Grandview Pointe Apartments said concerns of property neglect, unfair treatment and threats of eviction from management fueled a protest Saturday afternoon.
“She already threatened to throw us out,” said tenant Darlene Gibbs. “I’m waiting on her to give me my eviction. I’m not scared. I’ll be 70 years old Monday. I’m not scared of anything. I know my rights as a tenant.”
Angela Bryant and her daughter, who have lived in the apartment complex for at least five years, said those threats are inconsiderate as may face uncertainty and unemployment during the pandemic.
“Give the people a break with this coronavirus. Everybody doesn’t have the funds to go ahead and pay the rent if they’re not working and they didn’t get a stimulus check.”
News 5 received a copy of a letter sent from management. It states residents who chose not to pay April’s rent will face eviction and late fees will be tacked on to the owed balance. In addition, senior and any other discounts will not be accepted under delinquent accounts. The letter goes on to say May’s rent must be paid on time.
We reached out to the property manager and have not yet received a comment regarding their policy.
According to Gov. Mike DeWine, evictions can continue during the pandemic, though the process can be delayed.
“The courts are relieved of their statutory duty to hear that case within a certain amount of time,” DeWine explained during a press conference. “The legislature in this bill has relieved them of the obligation to move forward on those matters.”
In uncertain times, tenants are pleading for new management and understanding.
“There’s no communication whatsoever,” the Bryants said. “A lot of these things are not fair for a lot of the people and something needs to be done.”
