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'Everybody has a problem': Tenants demand action amid health and safety issues at Shaker Square apartment building

City officials plan to voice their support for tenants of the Residences at Shaker Square during a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Tenants living at the Residences at Shaker Square in Cleveland say they are at their wit's end, beyond frustrated with the many issues in their building.

They showed 3News the visible water damage throughout the building, including in the basement and hallways. 

Ashley and Catherine Range have significant water damage in their apartment, adding that its been that way for months with no word on when it could be fixed.

"We just want to see the improvements that they say they're going to do, that they follow through," Ashley Range said.

Tenants told 3News the building didn't have heat for over a month and some units, like the Ranges, still don't. They said heat is typically intermittent. 

"We have space heaters and we have blankets and things like that, but still we haven't had heat since then," Range added.

Security is another main concern with another tenant showing 3News how the front door doesn't lock and is open for anyone to walk in.

A new notice was handed out on Tuesday notifying tenants that their water will be shut off from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. They said this happens often.

"Everybody has a problem, just about everybody," said Ron James.

James has led a tenants organization pushing for change, working with Cleveland City Council to gain their support.

City officials said the owners, listed as Shaker Heights Apartments Owner LLC through Cuyahoga County's property data, have been charged for multiple building code violations.

Some tenants said they understand the property manager is overwhelmed and they're more frustrated with the owners.

"Management has so much to do that they haven't been able to get everything or even most of the things done," Catherine Range said.

A number of tenants said they don't want to leave and are hopeful that the owners will step up and fix their homes.

"It's a shame because the apartments are large, and if they were kept up they would really be nice, a nice place to live," James said.

Many are withholding their rent, putting their money into escrow through the Municipal Housing Court, hoping to force the landlord to make the necessary repairs.

Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin and Councilwoman Deborah Gray are holding a press conference Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. to bring attention and support to the deplorable living conditions.

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