'It's inhumane': Tenants outraged over sewage-filled apartments in NW OKC
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Tenants at a northwest Oklahoma City apartment complex are outraged over filthy living conditions.
Persistent sewage flooding has taken over several units, leaving a smelly and unsanitary mess.
"It's horrific, horrendous, it's inhumane. Nobody should have to live like this, especially children and we are paying you know what I mean its not like we are squatting in a home," said Sarafina Walls, a resident at the Villas on 50th.
Walls moved into the Villas on 50th at the beginning of September and pays over $1,200 in rent.
She says that her apartment has already flooded with sewage three times.
"Bathrooms overflowing, both bathrooms, flooding into bedrooms, carpets, closets, destroying my daughter's belongings, my belongings, just destroying the quality of life overall," said Walls.
She's not the only tenant left with a smelly, sewage filled apartment.
"The only place that was dry was my daughter's closet, so that's where we slept for three days," said Aaliyah Hankins, resident.
Both tenants took News 4 inside their units and showed us what's been done to address the problem.
They tell us each time, a water extraction team comes out, gets rid of the water and then sets up fans.
They claim the carpets are not cleaned or sanitized, leaving an unpleasant odor and health risk.
"I shouldn't have to live like that, I went to a doctor, they told me I got sick building disease and I've only been here for three weeks dealing with this," said Walls.
Hankins says her 10-month-old son is also sick.
News 4 stopped by the leasing office and were told that they're aware of the situation, but would not comment further.
At this point, both women say they just want out of their lease.
"We just want to be able to go somewhere we can breath fresh air and work and live and take showers and just things that they're able to do at their homes," said Walls.
Both say they've been told they have to give a 60-day notice and then still pay a fee for breaking their lease.
They feel this isn't fair considering their living conditions.