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Tenants and advocates press council for stronger code enforcement after mass displacements at Tanglewood and Lamplighter
Summary
Multiple residents and advocacy groups testified about unsafe conditions, displacement and slow relocation after failures at Tanglewood Apartments and Lamplighter Inn. Speakers and legal advocates urged the city to use existing code enforcement remedies, interim repairs, injunctive relief and stronger tenant protections.
Residents of Tanglewood Apartments, Lamplighter Inn and other housing complexes addressed Charlotte City Council during public forum, urging stronger code enforcement, use of existing legal remedies and new policies to prevent and mitigate mass displacement.
Speakers recounted unsanitary and unsafe conditions — including no hot water, rodent and insect infestations, sewage and utility shutoffs — and described families moved into hotels or left without stable housing. Several speakers said landlords ignored repeated complaints and alleged sale or transfer of properties after fines were assessed, leaving tenants uprooted with limited assistance.
Legal advocates and community organizers from tenant‑support groups recommended that the city use tools already in the housing code, including interim repair remedies and judicial injunctions, to perform necessary repairs and then place liens on properties that do not comply. Retired Legal Aid attorney Ted Follett told council the city has authority under the code to arrange repairs, place liens and, if necessary, foreclose on properties that remain unsafe; he urged use of these tools to convey properties to responsible housing providers or community land trusts.
Speakers called for several policy responses: mandatory code‑enforcement hearings for negligent property owners, a community stabilization fund to help displaced residents, stronger tenant protections with enforcement teeth, and explicit use of interim repair procedures and injunctive relief in imminent‑danger cases. Advocates also asked for clearer guidance for tenants with Housing Choice vouchers and for faster, more coordinated relocation assistance when displacement occurs.
Councilmembers and the manager acknowledged the complaints and said staff would follow up. Councilmember(s) referenced a policy referral to the housing and safety committee to review code enforcement and eviction‑prevention measures, and staff said they would return with additional information and recommended next steps.
Ending: Residents and advocates pressed for immediate and structural changes; council asked staff to provide follow‑up recommendations and committee consideration on using existing code remedies and strengthening tenant protections to prevent future mass displacements.
