At Stonegate Place apartments in Warren the outside looks fine, but around thirty residents complain of problems inside,  from flickering lights, to roaches, and water damage.
 
Councilman Todd Johnson compiled tenants' complaints and organized this meeting at the Because of Him Ministry.
 
"Mold overflowing, backflowing toilets and sinks, and tubs, doorways and locks and basic fixtures not functioning, electrical problems, plumbing problems, damp carpets, just a litany of issues that no individual should have to live in,"
 
Community Legal Aid tells the tenants at this meeting Ohio requires a notice to the landlord in writing. 
 
Attorney Patricia Dougan explained to folks that they need to keep a copy of what they sent as proof and mail their list of problems that need to be fixed at their apartment and send that letter by certified return receipt when mailing that notice so they will have proof. She explained that a text will also work and is considered written notice but you need to keep that text.
 
She explained a reasonable time must be given for the landlord to make repairs. For things that don't need immediate attention that is around 30 days, however, if your furnace stops working in the winter then 30 days then the acceptable timeframe for repairs would be sooner. 
 
If repairs are not made there are options as long as a tenant is current on rent payments. 
 
If someone is not current on rent payments in Warren Community Legal Aid told folks they can see if TCAP can work with them to get them current on rent.
 
"We can start with the escrow process. We can take the landlord to court, we can get an order from the court telling them they have to make the repairs. We can get cities involved. We can get an order for them not to rent the property again until it is brought into compliance," Patricia Dougan Staff Attorney for the Tenant Assistance Program at Community Legal Aid said. 
 
Councilman Johnson tells us Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, ACTION, and Because of Him Ministry also teamed up to help residents.
 
"In providing the tools, the legal resources that they need, and to bring people together so no one stands alone. That will help force change and help these residents to fight these very powerful and sometimes very well-resourced individuals and companies to be able to stand up and hopefully change their situation," Councilman Johnson emphasized. 
 
21 News reached out to management at Stonegate Place but their number has been disconnected. 
 
We are working to track down the owners and are reaching out to the health department to find out about any orders for the health and safety of the renters. 
 
Some say the health department had been notified about problems and inspected some problem areas a few months ago.
 
There is no fee for renters who meet the guidelines for assistance by Community Legal Aid. 
 
People who need help can call 1-800-998-9454 Monday through Thursday, ask for assistance, and explain what issues you have.  
 
Employees who answer the helpline will do an intake and see if a person is eligible and if a Community Legal Aide practices in that area of law.
 
If a person qualifies for services they get put on a list and an attorney will contact them to do an interview, and go from there.
 
Community Legal Aid does not handle criminal law