NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — More troubles are piling up at a Newport News apartment complex. The city’s codes compliance office found 312 violations at the Aqua Vista Apartment complex this week.
Codes Compliance staff found that out of the 150 units, 145 of them have some sort of maintenance issue, which includes missing windows and screens, holes in the walls, leaks, heating systems not working properly and much more.
Katie Dublin said she and her two kids are suffering.
“It’s depressing,” Dublin said.
Dublin said she's had issues in her home for the last five years. The most recent issue is flooding in her bathroom and bedroom.
“My heat hasn't worked in months, how will my kids and I stay warm?” Dublin asked.
Codes Compliance staff started inspecting all the units early last week after a few tenants went to address city council about the conditions at the apartment complex.
In 2018, the city's codes compliance office issued more than 70 code citations against the Aqua Vista Apartment complex for several issues.
“If I could leave, if it was that easy, I would leave today, but I'm not leaving until something is being done because the next people who move in will deal with the same issues,” one tenant said.
TM Associates, the management agent for Aqua Vista, sent 13News Now a joint statement that reads:
As the management agent for Aqua Vista Apartments, TM Associates is committed to offering and maintaining the best housing option for our valued residents. Since taking over management in October 2019, TM Associates has worked with ownership and outside agencies to identify opportunities to improve our community, correct deficiencies within the apartment homes, and formulate plans to best address resident concerns. These efforts echo our commitment to listening and resolving any and all outstanding issues and we welcome the opportunity to speak with our residents to discuss their individual situation. Our office is open Monday-Friday and our staff will be made available for appointments as necessary to ensure our residents' voices are heard and concerns are addressed.
On-site management and the owners have until March 2 to address the most recent violations.