Denver, CO – In a landmark decision, a Denver jury awarded several million dollars Thursday to former residents of Mint Urban Infinity apartment complex, marking a significant ruling against poor living conditions and neglect by property management. The payout, projected by attorneys to potentially total between $13 million and $15 million, addresses grievances over violations of Colorado’s housing laws.
The verdict came after an eight-day trial, underlining a persistent struggle between tenants and management that spanned from October 2018 to June 2022. More than 2000 former residents complained of deplorable living conditions including malfunctioning safety features, intermittent essential utilities, and chronic pest issues at the complex located at 1251 S. Bellaire St.
On moving in April 2021, plaintiff Brandon Smith encountered immediate issues such as non-operational elevators and a fire incident involving a clothes dryer that filled hallways with smoke – all this while recovering from a significant knee injury. Smith described the conditions at the complex as pushing him “to the brink of exhaustion,” particularly noting a week-long absence of hot water.
Growing frustrations led Smith and fellow tenant Kristin Jones to rally other tenants, resulting in a cohesive resident coalition. They collectively documented various conditions throughout the complex, including mold, cockroach infestations, water leaks, and collapsing ceilings.
Their organized efforts led to a class-action complaint filed against Cardinal Group Management & Advisory and Glendale Properties, the entities responsible for managing and owning Mint Urban. The lawsuit accused the management of breaching Colorado’s warranty of habitability laws which mandate rental units to be safe and healthy.
The jury’s decision includes a 31.42% rent reduction per month per unit during the specified period, acknowledging the management’s failure to uphold the mandated living standards. Additionally, it affirmed a monthly damage award of $200 per unit to compensate the tenants for their endured hardships.
Jason Legg, the attorney representing the tenants, commented on the rarity of such a large-scale habitability class action in Colorado and possibly the nation. He voiced hope that the outcome would resonate across the property management industry, emphasizing that neglecting properties to maximize profits is an unacceptable practice.
Jessie Koerner, a spokesperson for Cardinal Group, expressed disappointment over the verdict’s implications, particularly stressing the potential adverse impacts on Denver’s affordable housing landscape.
At the heart of their victory, tenants like Smith feel an immense sense of relief and empowerment. The ruling is perceived not only as a personal win but as a precedent that potentially sets new standards for tenant rights and property management responsibilities in Colorado and beyond.
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