People living in an East Hartford apartment are being relocated by town officials after the landlord failed to fix issues with the complex's heating system.
The mayor's office told NBC Connecticut that the landlord of Chapman Arms Apartments was given ample time to restore heat to the four buildings on the property, but they did not meet the deadline.
A tenant called Connor Martin's office at 8 a.m. to report that there was no heat in the building.
As a result, the town conducted an inspection and notified the landlord, Stratus Equities, that they had until 3 p.m. to make necessary fixes to the boiler.
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They didn't meet the deadline and as a result, the town stepped in to help the complex's residents.
"We regularly work with Stratus Equities to provide safe and proper housing for their tenants and we are disappointed in their reluctance to relocate and take care of their residents," Martin said in a statement.
All four buildings have signs posted telling residents they cannot stay there and that the building "has been determined unfit and unsafe for human habitation."
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Residents living in the 62 total affected units are being relocated to hotels in the area.
"At this time, we want to reiterate our readiness and commitment to supporting our residents in times of need," Martin said.
People who live in the complex are frustrated because they say they’ve been without heat since the beginning of this cold week.
“It’s been cold. It’s been cold. Been trying to reach out to the landlord, the town, stuff like that," Lazarus Troche, of East Hartford, said.
Another resident said he has to bundle up with blankets when sleeping.
“It’s crazy because at a certain point, your body gets used to it and I didn’t really, I knew but I was like maybe at one point it was just going to kick on again," Ashanti Manor, of East Hartford, said.
"I’m frustrated with a lot of stuff with this building already. But it is what it is. At least they are giving me a hotel to stay at and stuff like that," Troche said. “It’s just ridiculous. I just hope now they can better this situation and put us in better housing.”
We have reached out to Stratus Equities but have not yet heard back. It's unclear when people will be able to return.
