Westminster residents urge council to add rental housing inspectors amid reports of mold, pests and unsafe units

Dozens of tenants and housing advocates urged the Westminster City Council on Jan. 27 to boost staffing for the city's rental housing inspection program, describing persistent mold, infestations, broken appliances and delayed repairs.

Denise Barunda, community organizer for Growing Home, said the nonprofit's rental-assistance work brings many tenant complaints to light. "I'm here to speak on behalf of the housing inspection program," she said, and she described families with asthma and other health problems tied to mold and unsafe conditions.

Mary Ramirez, a manager at Pizza Hut who identified herself as a resident of Westbury Apartments, said she nearly faced eviction after hours were cut and described repeated encounters with poor unit maintenance, including a lack of insulation and old appliances. "This makes my place uncomfortable and unpeaceful," Ramirez said.

Multiple speakers recounted similar problems: flooded ceilings,…