South Shore Residents Demand Answers after Being Left without Heat, Water, or Management
Residents of 6733 S. Paxton Ave. Unite to Demand Action
Residents of one South Shore building are demanding accountability after they were left without heat or water for months at a time — only to find out last week that the company that managed the building had abandoned them.
A History of Problems
The water and plumbing at 6733 S. Paxton Ave. went out on January 22, followed by the heat. One tenant, J.W., described the basement as an "ice rink." Tenants received an email from CKO Real Estate, the company that owns the building, saying their access to their property management portal would be shut off and they would receive information about a new property management company.
Inadequate Living Conditions
Tenants like J.W. have been left to deal with the consequences of inadequate living conditions. "The unit was uninhabitable, basic necessities of heat, water and plumbing weren’t available," J.W. said. "They have not taken the issue seriously. … I was forced to uproot my life and find alternative housing of my own accord just to have a safe place to stay."
Demands for Justice
Some tenants are now demanding the new management company pay to relocate them to new units, allow them to break their leases without penalty, exempt them from paying back rent for months they were without essentials, and return rent payments from January. "We expect to be treated with dignity and respect," said J.W. "We expect our basic needs to be met, and we expect to be given a safe and habitable living environment."
City Records Show Widespread Issues
City records show issues at the building dating back years, through multiple owners and management companies. Problems included rats, non-functioning lights, bulging walls, mold, and missing carbon monoxide detectors, all compounded by a lack of heat and, at times, running water.
A Broader Issue
No-heat reports reached a new high in January 2024, but residents of three South Side ZIP codes had submitted more no-heat reports than any other ZIP code in Chicago nearly every year since 2019. About 8% of all renter-occupied units are in those three ZIP codes, but tenants there filed nearly 20% of all heat-related complaints.
Conclusion
The situation at 6733 S. Paxton Ave. is just one example of a larger issue in the South Shore area. With no-heat reports reaching a new high in January 2024, it’s clear that more needs to be done to address the problem. Residents are demanding action, and it’s time for the city and property management companies to take their concerns seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened at 6733 S. Paxton Ave.?
- The building was left without heat or water for months, and the management company, CKO Real Estate, abandoned the building.
- What are the demands of the tenants?
- Pay to relocate to new units, allow them to break their leases without penalty, exempt them from paying back rent for months they were without essentials, and return rent payments from January.
- What is the history of problems at the building?
- City records show issues dating back years, through multiple owners and management companies, including rats, non-functioning lights, bulging walls, mold, and missing carbon monoxide detectors.
- Is this a broader issue in the area?
- Yes, no-heat reports reached a new high in January 2024, and residents of three South Side ZIP codes had submitted more no-heat reports than any other ZIP code in Chicago nearly every year since 2019.
