UPDATE: Phoenix renter off the hook for move-out bill after rat problem
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — In an update to a recent On Your Side report, Psalm Johnson has found a new apartment and she’s off the hook for her old one.
“I’m the happiest person in the world right now!” she said.
Last week, On Your Side reported on Johnson’s apartment problem. She moved into Biltmore on the Lake in Phoenix, and almost immediately spotted signs of rats.
“I see things moved out of place. I see crumbs on the ground. It freaks me out,” she said. “Then I go to open my cupboard where my food was and I hear and see a rat.”
Johnson took photos and videos of food wrappers that were torn apart and dead rats on the ground outside. She notified management that she needed to break her lease and move out due to health and safety concerns, and she cited Arizona law in her written notice.
Still, Johnson ended up with a $4,400 move-out balance. The company, Avenue 5 Residential, manages hundreds of properties around the country, including Biltmore on the Lake. For weeks, On Your Side emailed and called. Finally, after our report aired, they responded.
“We take all resident concerns seriously and address them with thorough investigations and prompt action. In this case, we quickly responded to our resident to understand and fix the situation,” the statement, attributed to Biltmore on the Lake Management Team, read.
“They sent me a confirmation that the file has been archived,” Johnson smiled. “I don’t owe anything. I don’t owe a cent. I don’t owe a dime. I don’t owe anything.”
“I feel great, honestly. I want to cry. I feel let go. I felt like I was in handcuffs, on my way to a hard time and now I’m free. Oh my God, thank you!” she added.
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