Posted December 11, 20238:42 pm
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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A Cleveland woman who’s been living in a rodent infested apartment is now suing the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority in hopes the agency will make improvements to her family’s living conditions.
Hodge and her family have been living at the Carver Park Phase 1 apartment complex for the past nine months, which is managed by CMHA. Hodge says the rodent infestation has been making her family sick.
Last month, 19 Investigates reported the problem and CMHA responded by sending workers out to make repairs. However, Hodge said it wasn’t enough.
Hodge has been pleading with CMHA to address the infestation for months. Hodge says the mice droppings have penetrated the air handler and heating system, causing such poor air quality that her 2-year-old daughter has developed respiratory issues.
During a visit to the hospital, staff members referred Hodge to the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Attorney Howard Strain took the case and filed a lawsuit last month. He says this issue has taken a serious toll on Hodge’s mental health.
In the suit, Strain writes, “CMHA’s actions were extreme and outrageous and caused Ms. Hodge severe debilitating emotional distress. As a result, Ms. Hodge has sought and continues to seek psychiatric treatment at her personal expense and significant inconvenience.”
“CMHA acted negligently and/or wantonly in not providing a safe and habitable environment for Ms. Hodge and her family.”
Hodge moved into her apartment last year with her husband and two children.
They say since February there have been signs of mice and roaches everywhere. According to Hodge, her clothing has been ruined and she can’t even use her stove or heater because they’re infested with mice droppings.
In the lawsuit, Hodge’s attorney is demanding that CMHA make repairs and compensate her for her losses. Hodge is suing CMHA for more than $25,000. In addition to that — she’s also asking for punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
Source: Cleveland 19 News - Cleveland woman sues Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority for rodent infestation