Baltimore Apartment Residents Raise Concerns About Poor Building Conditions

Residents of The Chateau, an apartment building near Druid Lake in Baltimore, say they have been dealing with serious maintenance and safety problems for years. Some residents say broken doors, elevator problems, mold, lack of hot water, and other issues have made everyday life difficult.

The building includes federally subsidized apartments and is home to elderly residents and people with disabilities. Baltimore City has issued numerous citations against the property over the years, but residents say many problems continue.

Residents Say Building Doors Are Not Secure

One major concern is building security. Residents say the front and back doors have been left unlocked, allowing people who do not live there to enter the property.

Some residents say people have slept or stayed in stairwells, the basement, and other common areas. Residents at The Riviera, a neighboring apartment building managed by the same company, have reported similar concerns.

For elderly residents and people living alone, the lack of secure entrances has created additional worries about their safety.

Mold, Water and Air Conditioning Problems

Residents have also reported problems inside their apartments and throughout the building.

People have complained about mold, water leaks, sewage problems, and a lack of hot water. One resident said he had to heat water on his stove so he could bathe.

Another resident said she has been trying to get her air conditioning repaired for about three years. She eventually filed complaints through Baltimore’s 311 system, and the city issued a violation notice related to her unit.

Residents have also reported water entering apartments during rain. In the building’s lobby, part of the ceiling reportedly fell after a leak.

Elevator Problems Affect Older and Disabled Residents

Residents say unreliable elevators are another major problem, especially because the building is home to older adults and people with disabilities.

According to residents, the fire department has sometimes been called to help reset an elevator when it stops working.

Residents also say the building’s fitness center and community room have been unavailable for years. Some are frustrated that they continue paying rent while parts of the property remain unusable.

Baltimore Has Issued Citations

Baltimore City has taken enforcement action against The Chateau. The city has issued citations and violation notices involving problems such as trash, smoke alarms, and building maintenance.

Baltimore recently adopted the Strengthening Renters’ Safety Act. The law creates additional oversight for certain rental properties with serious violations, including more inspections and the possibility of losing a rental license.

The Chateau is not currently on the city’s priority dwelling list. However, Baltimore’s Department of Housing and Community Development says it remains involved with the property and is reviewing current violations.

The department says property owners can face fines and other enforcement measures when violations are not corrected.

Management Says Repairs Are Being Made

Pennrose, the company that manages The Chateau, says it takes residents’ safety and building maintenance seriously.

The company says it has completed several repairs, including mold cleanup following a pipe leak, basement and flooring repairs, and work involving smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Pennrose also said portable air-conditioning units have been provided while a replacement system is being arranged. After part of the lobby ceiling was damaged following a leak, the company said a temporary repair was completed and a replacement part was ordered.

The company acknowledged that residents are frustrated about the long-term closure of the fitness center and community room. It said available resources have been focused on more urgent repairs, safety work, and maintenance inside residents’ homes.

Despite these efforts, some residents say they are still waiting for major improvements and want stronger accountability from both property management and the city.