Dayton officials announced Tuesday that residents of the Troy Street Apartments must immediately vacate their units after a city inspection uncovered multiple life‑safety hazards. The inspection, conducted by the City’s Housing and Inspections Division in partnership with Dayton Police, identified structural deficiencies, faulty wiring, fire‑code violations and occupancy concerns that posed a serious risk to occupants.
Inspection findings and city action
The city’s code enforcement officers issued a nuisance order to the property owners, giving them a 90‑day window to remediate the violations. That deadline passed without satisfactory progress, prompting the city to request a warrant and conduct a follow‑up inspection two days ago. Inspectors reported that the building’s electrical system was prone to tripping breakers, that water intrusion and pest infestations were ongoing, and that fire‑safety equipment was either missing or non‑functional.
Landlord response
John Desmond, the property manager for the Troy Street Apartments, told reporters that the management team began work after receiving the initial order but faced communication gaps with city officials. “We had 90 days to start doing something. We did. There was no real communication between the city and ourselves regarding progress,” Desmond said. He added that, in his view, the violations were not “critical kinds of things, nothing that would warrant shutting down the building,” though he acknowledged the city’s authority to enforce the order.
Resident impact
Tenants, many of whom have lived in the building for years, expressed frustration and concern over the abrupt displacement, especially as winter approaches. Long‑time resident Jeffrey Kessman described ongoing problems with bugs, water leaks and an unreliable electrical system that would trip breakers when he used his microwave and television simultaneously. “Sometimes if I would use my microwave and then turn on my TV, my whole breaker would pop,” he said. Kessman warned that some residents lack the resources to secure alternative housing and may be forced onto the streets.
City assistance
The City of Dayton said it will provide information and support to help displaced residents find temporary housing. Social‑service agencies are being notified, and the city’s housing department is coordinating with local nonprofits to offer emergency shelter options. Officials emphasized that the safety of residents is the top priority and that the city will continue to monitor the property’s compliance with the remediation plan.
Next steps
The property owners have been given a new deadline to complete the required repairs and bring the building up to code. If they fail to meet the revised schedule, the city may pursue further legal action, including possible condemnation of the structure. Residents are encouraged to stay in contact with the city’s housing office for updates on available assistance and to report any immediate safety concerns.
Community leaders have called for greater transparency in the city’s inspection process and for faster resolution of habitability issues in rental properties across Dayton. The situation at Troy Street underscores the importance of proactive code enforcement to protect families and uphold safe living standards.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
