A family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is facing an urgent need to relocate after it was revealed that their landlord, Brigitte Toingar, failed to register their home as a rental property. This oversight has resulted in the city deeming the property unsafe for habitation.
Unregistered Rental Property
Timothy LaGrange and his brother, who reside at the property on Prairie Drive Northeast, have been caught in a difficult situation. The home, previously a daycare and known for its unusual tower, has not been properly permitted for rental use. The city of Cedar Rapids has stated that without the necessary permits and inspections, the property cannot be considered safe for occupancy.
LaGrange expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m going to be living in my van I guess, that’s all I can do. Or a tent.” This sentiment highlights the immediate impact on tenants who are left scrambling to find alternative housing on short notice.
Landlord’s Troubled History
Brigitte Toingar, the landlord in question, has a history of issues with her properties, including loan defaults and previous incidents where tenants were forced to vacate due to unsafe conditions. The Cedar Rapids Building Services had previously considered removing Toingar from the city’s landlord list, which would have affected all her tenants across multiple properties.
LaGrange advised others to avoid renting from Toingar, citing the ongoing problems and lack of resolution. The Building Services Director, Kevin Ciabatti, emphasized the importance of proper permits and inspections, stating, “Without that permit approval, and an inspection being completed, it is not safe for anyone to reside there.”
The situation underscores the importance of landlords adhering to city regulations to ensure tenant safety and the stability of housing arrangements.
Original reporting: KCRG News – Cedar Rapids, IA — read the source article.
