Former residents of Carbondale apartment complex sue landlord over cockroach infestation and other allegations

Two former residents of The Homestead apartment complex in downtown Carbondale filed a class-action lawsuit on July 13 on behalf of themselves and other current and former tenants against their corporate landlord, Carbonfield Investment Group, an entity controlled by Denver-based Elkco Properties. The suit alleges the property's owner and management failed to address residents' complaints about a yearslong, severe cockroach infestation exacerbated by water and sewage leaks, in violation of Colorado laws that require landlords to maintain safe and habitable conditions. The lawsuit also claims the landlord unlawfully charged hidden "junk fees" not initially disclosed as part of the advertised rent costs and threatened tenants who complained with eviction or inflated move-out fees. The plaintiffs are represented by Denver-based tenants' rights attorney Benjamin DeGolia, who stated that the infestation was the worst he has seen in his career. If successful, the lawsuit could result in over 200 current and former tenants receiving rent refunds. The landlord, Elkco Properties, has provided a brief statement suggesting they intend to challenge the claims, calling the litigation "groundless."

(Source：The Aspen Times)