Landlord neglects raw sewage leak

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A New Haven woman claims her landlord hasn't kept promises to fix problems in her apartment. The mother of two says she's been bugging the property management company since she moved in Feb 1st to fix some problems but when her complaints about raw sewage seeping into the basement were ignored she called News 8.

Lashonda Senior pays rent but isn't staying at the apartment with her infant and 3-year-old sons because raw sewage is leaking into the basement.

"It's unsafe. I dont feel safe," said Senior.

That is just the latest problem at the Orchard Street apartment owned by L and I Investments LLC.

There is a backwards lock on the front door which requires a key to get out and there is only one working smoke detector.

Lashonda filed a complaint with Liveable Cities Initative and some issues were resolved but when Levitin Property Managment didn't respond to complaints about sewage in the basement she called News 8.

"Why did you call News 8," asked News 8's Erin Cox.

"To get some help because we need the help," said Senior.

News 8's first phone call brought in an inspector from LCI to see the sewage leak.

Within just one hour of News 8 making phone calls and asking questions, there was a lot of activity at the apartment. The city sent an inspector who is demanding the landlord fix at aleast a half dozen issues.

"Come on over. I mean you've got a raw sewage leak right now," said the inspector over the phone.

Levitin Managment sent a representative to 353 Orchard Street and he wasn't happy to see our camera.

"I just wanna talk to you if you could turn the camera off for a second. That would be wonderful. Do you mind pressing pause sir," said the representative. "I'm trying to help you but not with this camera."

News 8 did hear him apologize to Senior for neglecting her complaints.

"Since News 8 got involved it seems like to me that there is going to be something done," said Senior.