Commission orders hearing on Maxwell House after tenant complaints of rotten elevators, pests and mold

Augusta commissioners on July 20 directed staff to hold a hearing to determine whether to revoke the business license of Maxwell House apartments after multiple residents reported unsafe living conditions, broken elevators and pest infestations.

Resident Yolanda Brooks told the commission she had collected more than 56 tenant signatures and described months of problems including two nonworking elevators (she said both elevators had been out for about three weeks), rodent infestations, persistent mold, peeling walls and a lack of maintenance. Brooks said building management had urged tenants to “check on each other” and that some residents — including elderly tenants and home-care aides — could not practically access upper floors because elevators were inoperable.

Officials’ findings and steps: Fire and code officials said the building’s common areas are under local jurisdiction while elevators fall under the Georgia State Fire Marshal. Fire Department and code staff reported the elevators were rendered inoperable after a July 6 fire and that the property had an executed contract with an elevator service (Otis) to replace parts. Otis’ project manager told the fire chief that replacement parts were scheduled to arrive the week following the meeting and that crews would work extended hours after parts arrived.

Code enforcement staff reported recent visits and said common-area ambient temperatures were sufficient at the time of inspection and that management had filed plans of correction after earlier inspections. Commissioners and staff said they had been in regular contact with the management company and the regional management team.

Action taken by the commission: Commissioner Jordan Johnson moved — and the commission approved unanimously — a motion directing staff to conduct a hearing to consider revoking the Maxwell House business license. Attorney Turner Plunkett advised that the governing body could direct the law department to schedule a hearing and that if later investigation produced material reasons not to proceed the hearing could be cancelled; commissioners said they wanted the hearing scheduled to provide notice and to give the owner an opportunity to respond.

Why it matters: Tenants said conditions were life‑affecting: elderly residents who cannot climb multiple flights, tenants reporting rats inside walls, and a resident describing a three‑year‑old who asked whether they would have to use stairs that day. Commissioners expressed alarm after visiting the building and hearing residents’ accounts, and raised the possibility of temporary housing assistance if residents could not safely access their units while repairs were made.

Next steps and follow-up: The law department agreed to work with code enforcement and the fire department and to return to the commission the following week with options and a schedule for the hearing. Commissioners asked staff to (1) attempt to secure the property owner’s presence at the August 5 meeting alongside the owners of other troubled properties, (2) provide past code-enforcement inspection reports and (3) pursue emergency relocation options or temporary housing vouchers if residents are displaced while repairs are completed.

Ending: Commissioners thanked tenant advocates and said staff would act promptly to investigate, notify the owner, schedule a hearing and, if necessary, pursue temporary relocation assistance for impacted tenants.