Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  02/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed lease for ** Municiple Codes but the property is in ************. It is unenforceable + fraudulent. I requested repairs per my Sect 8 inspection beginning in April 2023.These fit the requirements for Rent Withholding Statute ****** etc seq. Doors, Plumbing, Hot Water, Leak Damage, Unsafe Patio Entry, no wheelchair ramp, Lease Violations of neighbors ignored (parking in my space), allowing homeless drug users upstairs, etc.I contacted Fair Housing, Legal Svcs. + the ***************** + was told to use this CalCivCode Statute with them days written notice. On Jan. 5 I deposited my rent into a savings account. The president of MZL in LA never responded but the manager *************************** here waited until ***. 29 to show up to do some makeshift repairs + give me a 3 Day Notice. He loudly demeaned me at my door so neighbors could hear re: my "playing games", that ***'s lawyer said the above tenant's remedy is "against the law", that I am on Sect.8, who my worker is, that if I do not pay withheld rent on Feb 1 he would start an Eviction. He caused me shock, embarrassment, violated my privacy, and behaved like a Mafia enforcer demanding ultimatums! He brought 2 Men 1/30/24 who spent 4-5:30 hammering wood strips on the doorframe which made it worse. I couldn't lock the doorknob. The airspace was increased not decreased. A tub stopper was installed so after 10 months ,I could take a bath. My unsafe patio entry from my carport was covered in grey powder but not improved. The tree stumps are still sticking out to trip over! The cracked patio wall was patched with plaster. I'm the only tenant of over 200 that has such a dangerous unusable entry. As I'm 74 + disabled it is especially heinous. Neither delivery drivers nor I can safely get groceries into my patio. I asked for a locking gate like he + others have with steps but he said he wouldn't improve just MINE..that he had to do 5 at a time + MZL ran out of money. Is this because I'm an elderly, disabled low-income female? MZL gets the same rent $1,650 that other studios pay but my share is $332. He was angry when Hsg told him grab bars were needed in my tub. He did install them but griped about it + blamed me for reporting it. Whistleblowers are protected in the US but he never had any property management training by MZL having been an ********************* guard. His apt. was completely remodeled before the Holidays. I needed a new stove, new window + glass door blinds but he said he would only give me 2 slats! They were crooked and don't lie flat! There is damage from a water leak in Sept. which caused the paint to buckle but never repaired from broken roof tiles. He refused to level the old worn-out fridge doors telling me to "push them hard' to shut! I never lived anywhere that refused to level the bottom of the fridge. My oven had dial with temperature numbers worn out.

  Customer response

  02/05/2024

  FYI

   

  This was taken at 7:15 am today of "****"s pation upstairs from me.

   

  I've reported he has 3- 5 homeless living with him.

   

  Please see LIGHTER  on the table.

   

  This where they sit all night smoking cigarettes, METH + DOPE (heroin on foil) laughing at how they're putting one over on ******* manager here past three months.

   

  I've sent photos, reports of noise, no hot water, smoke + other stinking body oders, arguing etc.

   

  But **************** said he will "talk to the neighbors"...?

   

  These are all lease violations!

   

  The manager is obligated to issue lease violations.

  Ms *****

  Customer response

  02/05/2024

  From: Desert Starr <

  ***********************

  >
  Sent: Friday, February 2, 2024 11:01 AM
  To: Info <

  ***********************************

  >
  Subject: Fwd: Repairs For #***

   

   

  Pls add to C. Chick vs MZL Complaint

   

  Note:

   

  I asked the manager NOT TO DISCUSS my repairs in front of neighbors.

   

  But he did very LOUDLY!

   

  He insulted, criticized, humiliated me calling me a deadbeat and illegal.

   

  Thank you, Ms. *********************** style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); margin: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"> 

  ---------- Forwarded message ---------
  From: Desert Starr <

  ***********************

  >
  Date: Tue, Jan 30, 2024, 9:50 AM
  Subject: Repairs For #***
  To: ****************************** <

  ***************************

  >
  Cc: <

  ***************

  >, <

  *****************

  >

   

   

  Dear *******,

   

  I am willing to give you a MO for my rent Thursday if you are able to make the repairs I reported earlier:

   

  - New front door that fits (not offset with frame)

   

  -Door frame repaired with new weatherstripping 

   

  - Bathtub stopper that works

   

  - Patio wall repaired with locking gate

   

  - Dirt area between my parking space + patio wall with either steps or graded dirt that fills in huge hole

   

  - New stove? With numbers on dials?

   

  If you want to come over at 4 today to look at these things let me know...

  and do the repairs Wed. and/or Thursday 

   

  Or start at 3 pm today?

   

  ***** had gotten the bathtub plug at ****** last summer but he lost it.

   

  If next door neighbors try to involve themselves please set up an appointment to talk later in your office not my doorway. 

   

  And when removing the front door please use an opaque plastic sheeting in my entryway so they cannot enter or take more photos of the interior of my apt.

   

  I don't want them to disturb my peace + quiet.

   

  Thank you, ********* #***

  Customer response

  02/05/2024

  From: Desert Starr <

  ***********************

  >
  Date: Fri, Feb 2, 2024, 10:31 AM
  Subject: C. Chick Aug 20, '23 #*** Water Damage To Wall From Hole In Roof Tile
  To: ****************************** <

  ***************************

  >
  Cc: <

  ***************

  >, <

  *****************

  >

   

   

  Possible roof damage and wall repair?

   

   

   

  FYI

   

  As you can see the storm caused water to enter my ground floor unit from the roof.

   

  *****, MMan, repaired the damaged tile later.

   

  But ********************* threw a rock at the roof soon after that. I assume he wanted to cause further damage to the area directly over my ground floor unit.

   

  Business response

  02/23/2024

  Subject: Response to Complaints Filed by Ms. ************************************ ***********************,
  
  I am writing to you in response to the complaint(s) lodged by Ms. ***** regarding her tenancy at our property located at ******************************************************************* Ms. *****, who moved into our premises on April 1, 2023, with the assistance from the Section 8 voucher program, resides in the unit alongside an unauthorized tenant named ****.  **** is not listed on the lease agreement.  Regrettably, their presence has caused disruptions within the community, including disturbances reported by other residents, Ms. ****** case manager, and the ************ Police Department.
  
  It is important to note that Ms. *****s allegations, accompanied by a slew of insults, appear to be potentially influenced by underlying mental health or memory issues.  However, we take all complaints seriously and endeavor to address them in a comprehensive fashion.
  
  Firstly,Ms. *****s claim that her unit is uninhabitable is unfounded.  Prior to her occupancy, the unit underwent a rigorous inspection by the *************************************, as mandated by the Section 8 program.  This inspection ensures compliance with all necessary standards for habitation,including the functionality of appliances and utilities.  Ms. *****s unit passed this inspection on March 28, 2023.
  
  After Ms. *****s move in, she began making numerous claims, including allegations of theft and harassment.  We have responded promptly to these claims,installing a new lock on her door and addressing any maintenance issues that she raised.  Furthermore, we accommodated her requests or modifications to the property to accommodate her disabilities.
  
  It is imperative to highlight that we have diligently addressed Ms. *****s concerns as they arise.  We replaced blinds, installed weather stripping on her front door, and replaced the k*** on her oven, among other accommodations.  Despite our efforts to resolve her grievances, she persists in making baseless accusations, such as her unfounded claims regarding her neighbors and the alleged tampering with her thermostat.
  
  Additionally,multiple inspections have been conducted by the *************************** with the last round of inspections only requiring the toilet be bolted down,and that was performed and re-inspected by the Housing inspector on February 21, 2024, and the unit passed the inspection. Despite this, Ms. ***** continues to assert that her unit require further repairs, contrary to inspection findings.
  
  Furthermore,Ms. *****s actions have extended beyond mere complaints, as evidenced by her frequent calls to the ************ ****************** resulting in undue distress to her neighbors.  Legal action, including a restraining order has been pursued by one of her neighbors in response to her behavior.
  
  In conclusion, we assert that we have fulfilled our obligations as landlords and addressed Ms. *****s complaints with diligence.  We regret any inconvenience caused by her grievances but cannot accede to request for any refunds or reimbursements for unsubstantiated claims. 
  
  If you would like to reach out to the ****************** case manager/inspector I am providing his contact information.
  
  ************************************** ***************** or by phone at ************
  
  PS.We do want to mention that Ms. ***** sends many emails a day to people, I wanted to share the most recent email correspondence that I received this morning in efforts to help the BBB understand the situation better.
  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  From: Desert Starr <***********************>
  Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 9:53 AM
  To: ****************************** <***************************>
  Cc: *********************** <***********************;; ************************** My MAIL Stolen Last Night From My Kitchen #***
  
  *******, 
  
  My door doesn't lock properly after last repair. Inspection failed + repairs are ordered.
  
  The men upstairs must have opened my door while I was asleep + took it out of my bag on my wheelchair.
  
  I put the heavy chair in front of the door
  to prevent anyone entering at night.
  
  They put a greeting on my tablet at 8 am while I was listened to my religious music.Then they cancelled the ******* channel I listen to!
  
  I now have to buy a new cell phone + tablet since my door hasn't been safe.
  I reported this for many months.
  
  My mail had my SPECTRUM bill with my security code. There were also medical treatment statements.
  
  I have to go now to SPECTRUM to change my account info.
  
  When are the people upstairs going to be evicted?
  
  Please let ********************* at Hsg Authy know when the door repairs will be done. Is tomorrow 2 pm good or Monday? He can send me email.
  
  
  Thank you, Ms. *****
  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
  
  Thank you for your attention to this matter.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************
  MZL Properties, ****

  Customer response

  03/10/2024

   
  Complaint: 21234915
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  MZL never responded to me. I notified them of defects in my unit which made it unsafe + Non-Habitable. **********************************'s inspector came here three times in February + failed my studio apt. because the front door was still not repaired. Workers had even installed a new door + frame with insulation & my newly purchased deadbolt lock but it didn't close flush. Light still showed thru the top, bottom + side which allowed hot/cold air and damp to enter along with flies + mosquitos. The toilet finally was bolted to the floor but for ten months it was loose + moved. The manager yelled at me in front of neighbors that I was "illegally Withholding rent" + The Fair Housing was also "illegal". He said their lawyer (*************) told him so. He told residents that I hadn't "paid rent" & was being "evicted". I was harassed, embarrassed + demeaned by tenants outside when I went to + fro in my Wheelchair. He allowed the next-door couple to park in my designated spot for 5 months until Fair Housing told me to withhold $70/month. Then he told them to stop. My door never locked correctly + people entered stealing my Birth Certificate + other valuables. The **** came out to advise me to move. Owner never removed tree stumps adjacent to my patio from sidewalk. It was a fall risk hazard to trip on. I sent photos of all my concerns + requests but ***********************, MZL President nor Attorney **** responded to negotiate. I'm sorry but I don't know how to submit evidence in this format but did email copies of all my correspondence to ***********************, BBB. MZL never enforced the Lease Violations by next door neighbor *************************** doing business out of his apt. for 4 years. ******************** Biz ************* verified that + his online ads/social media presence. He never responded to their written requests to him after 4 months. MZL never evicted the men upstairs in #*** trespassing, using pot violating the Sect 8 agreement. Manager encouraged couple in #*** to file for a TRO accusing me of being a "pedophile"! Police told me to get an Elder Abuse order against ********************* as I'm 74, disabled with no criminal background. Judge ********************** is recusing himself as it turns out he has a **************** Complaint filed against him for prejudice vs the disabled (I am Autistic). I am out of pocket for two new phones, airtime/insurance as the drug users upstairs compromised (hacked) my devices twice since November using my Spectrum wifi/internet. Please use my emails + photos/documents to support my complaint. Thank you, 

   

   

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ************************

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  Dear ****************,

   

  Thank you for the letter dated March 23, 2024, regarding Case 21234915.  We really appreciate your attention to this matter and would like to provide you with an update regarding this situation and some clarification. The tenant, ************************, vacated the unit as of March 17, 2024.  The ************************************* terminated her contract.  It is important to note that this termination was not related to any of het issues previously raised by Ms. ************ For your reference, I have attached a copy of the termination letter from the County.

   

  Given this recent development, we respectfully request that you close this case without prejudice to us.  We believe that no further action is necessary on our part, and we have taken all required steps to address this situation and Ms. ***** is no longer one of the residents under our management.

   

  While we understand the need to close out this case, it is crucial to highlight that our staff is very responsive and respectful.  It is imperative to understand the challenges with this situation given that Ms. ***** appears to have potential mental health issues and such issues interfered with facilitating repairs in her unit.  She not only made it difficult for management, but she also made frequent calls to law enforcement to the point that they no longer would take her calls.  Other tenants also faced issues with her, including some that felt compelled to seek restraining orders against her and her roommate ****.  Prior to her departure, numerous complaints were lodged by other residents regarding Ms. *****s behavior.

   

  We truly sympathize with Ms. *****s situation and made every effort to accommodate her needs.  However, it became increasingly evident that her presence posed safety risks, both to our staff and to other tenants.  For instance, during one visit ************, our staff member was there to perform work, he was hit in the back of his head, assaulted by Ms. *****s roommate ****. While Ms. ***** begged us not to report the incident to law enforcement, we did report the incident to the ****************** emphasizing that our duty to prioritize our employees.

   

  Our management team is committed to professionalism, responsiveness and extend courtesy in all interactions with our tenants.  We truly strive to assist our residents with any issues that they encounter within their units.

   

  Should you require any further information, please let us know.

   

  Sincerely,

  ***********************

   

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