BRENTWOOD, Mo. — There is outrage from tenants and owners at a condominium complex in Brentwood.
Tenants were forced out of their homes from Brentwood Forest on Tuesday.
An inspection revealed a building containing units 1561 to 1575 on Swallow Drive was not safe. Residents said they received a letter around 3 Tuesday afternoon and had to be gone by 6 that evening.
The letter came from the community manager, on behalf of Brentwood Forest Condominium Association and Community Property Management, which took over the property this year.
The letter said there were plumbing issues at the building a couple of weeks ago and there were cracks in the back foundation wall of the building.
That's when property managers called a structural engineer to inspect the foundation, which was scheduled for the morning of Oct. 17.
The engineering company said it was there to evaluate concerns related to a deteriorated sewer line that runs beneath the rear addition and minor foundation crackers.
The engineer found deterioration in the main level framing at the front of the condo complex and some structural deficiencies resulting in the main level slab no longer adequately supporting these areas.
The letter reads, "Given the level of deterioration observed, all units in this condominium building are not safe for occupancy until temporary support has been provided or permanent repairs are complete."
It also noted that a formal report would be issued in the next few days and further investigations will be required to develop a repair plan.
Brentwood's city administrator said they were contacted by property managers for the city to inspect, as well. The city's results also declared the building unsafe.
That's when an immediate evacuation happened that very same day.
The abruptness appalled condo owners Tiffani Hall and Daniel Friedman.
Hall lives in Chicago and was trying to help her tenants miles away.
Hall said, "The condo association didn't call me at all. I heard from my tenants that they were getting put out and they had like an hour notice. It's been really hectic and chaotic and really disheartening, especially for my two tenants that are just stuck without a home. There has to be a better plan for everybody to stay."
Friedman also was concerned for the tenants' next steps.
"They were basically thrown out and put on the streets. There was one living in his car Tuesday night that I know of," Friedman said.
In an email sent out to residents on Tuesday, it talked about the cost of temporary relocation.
It reads, "I have put that question to your Board of Managers as well as the association’s attorney, it has been determined that this is not covered by the association's insurance and we have been hearing many unit owners and tenants that it is not covered by individual unit policies either. As soon as I have an answer from the Board, we will be updating everyone in the building."
Resident Marty Schupan was home Tuesday afternoon when he noticed people outside. He walked outside only to be told to go back inside and pack up.
Schupan is now staying in a hotel with his wife and cat. They are paying out-of-pocket and have to pay even more for a pet fee.
"We are grateful we have savings, if not we will be sleeping in our cars," Schupan said.
Schupan heard concerns about the building's foundation about 18 months ago.
Hall and Friedman have too.
"We knew there was an issue, but we thought it was resolved with previous management," Hall added.
For the time being, tenants are without a home and the owners are without answers.
"Who is responsible or living expenses for the tenants and who is responsible for loss of rent? The owners have called Community Property Management at least 20 times and no one has received a call back," Friedman shared.
For now, there is no timeline on when tenants can move back.
5 On Your Side reached out to Brentwood Forest Condominium Association and Community Property Management.
An attorney representing the group emailed the following statement to 5 On Your Side:
"Dear Brentwood Forest Owners and Residents, On October 16, 2023, the Association received a report from Daniel Cella, P.E., S.E. with CSE Engineering, LLC that the 1561-1575 Swallow Drive building has certain structural deficiencies. As a result, Mr. Cella determined that the units in this building are not safe for occupancy until temporary shoring has been provided or permanent repairs are completed. The Association immediately took steps to communicate this report with the owners and residents of units in this building and with the City of Brentwood. All residents of the units in this building moved out by October 17, 2023. Signs are posted and please consider this letter as notice that no one should access this building until further notice is provided. The Association intends to provide further updates as more information becomes available. The Board and management team thank you in advance for your cooperation.
"Sincerely, Board of Managers for Brentwood Forest Condominium Association"