Inglewood Residents Continue Rent Strike over Habitability Issues

Several residents in an Inglewood apartment have been on rent strike since August over habitability issues. 80% of the residents residing at 8265 Crenshaw Dr. and 8407 W. 83rd St. have complained about leaking water pipes, which has led to the discovery of mold to no avail. The property continues to change ownership in an effort to not address the issues. Despite the “prosperity” being afforded to homeowners and property owners, residents continue to suffer at the hands of unscrupulous owners looking to make a quick buck in Inglewood due to the lack of rent control and the city’s lack of enforcement of building and habitability standards.

2UrbanGirls was contacted by residents Shaton Anderson and Bridgett Davis regarding the issues. All but one tenant, a city of Inglewood employee in Code Enforcement, have entered litigation with the current owner Jane Chang (8265 Crenshaw Drive LLC) who enlisted the services of Bo Drake, of Drake Real Estate Group, to manage the property.

Despite a court appearance on September 28, 2018, to address the various reports detailing the mold testing that affirms mold exists in the units and the property, Drake promptly issued 3 day notices to all of the tenants in litigation.

When contacted by 2UrbanGirls, two days prior to the September 28th court appearance, Drake attempted to feign ignorance of the residents issues with the mold.

“Three day notices can not be issued when tenants are in litigation and I am unaware of any pending legal action.” Drake told this author. He then asked if we could supply him with information related to the case. When forwarded a copy of the top sheet of the lawsuit filing, all communication ceased.

An email was sent to Drake Real Estate Group on August 14th detailing the issue:

Date: August 14, 2018 at 6:51:44 PM PDT
To: katie@drakereg.com
Subject: Management Update

Good evening,

Mr. Drake I’m in receipt of your notification regarding new management of the property at 8265 Crenshaw Dr.

I reside in unit 2 currently and I’m responding via email for several reasons.
I’m not sure you were informed but the buildings are currently being sued for MOLD and negligence by the current owner as well as former management. Litigation has began and the owner is now dodging legal service for the allegations against them. The previous management company didn’t notify us of the MOLD but continued collecting rents.

80% of the tenants are suing. Rents will not be paid for a unit being neglected, (i.e mold in flooring, stairs, poor air quality, etc). As a management company I’m sure you understand the severity of this and how basic maintenance will not fix the major problems the building has.

While it’s appreciated that you notified us of your current status with the building – please allow this email to be a response to why rents are withheld.

One resident had the issues in her unit addressed and had her rent promptly raised from $1100 per month to $1500.

The law offices of Stark, Friedman and Chapman have been retained to assist the residents and have shared with 2UrbanGirls that former owner, Cheryl Lane, of the defunct Source Real Estate Investments LLC, has defaulted due to her non-appearance in court.

The residents are allowed to sue previous owners dating back four years. 2UrbanGirls has followed up with the residents and they share there has been no recent developments in regards to the three-day notice. Rent is still being withheld and their court case has been continued until September 2019.

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