People who lived in "deplorable" conditions at the Latitude Five25 apartment complex will get $10,000 on April 1 from their former landlords in insurance payouts, according to Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein.
The Latitude Five25 apartment towers were evacuated on Christmas Day in 2022 after a pipe burst. There were reports the complex was infested with rodents, was behind on utility payments and lacked security.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein called the owners Paxe Latitude "derelict" landlords.
“While no amount of money will make up for what these tenants have been through, this settlement is a step toward making them whole. From the start, our priority has always been the tenants—making sure they could access critical resources in their time of need and ultimately delivering a relief that puts thousands of dollars back into their pockets," Klein said.
“With tenant checks now on their way, we’re focused on the future of the towers and exploring every option to hold those responsible for this crisis personally responsible for their role in subjecting tenants to deplorable living conditions and literally leaving them out in the cold on Christmas morning. We’re sending a message that landlords who operate like this will be run out of town and held accountable.”
The 150 households that were displaced are eligible for the $10,000 insurance settlement.
The company no longer owns the 15-story towers. A judge ordered the company to give up the property after failing to meet several court deadlines to sell it.
New Perspective Asset Management of Dublin took control of the property and recently listed it for sale. Prospective buyers have until the end of May to bid on the 400-unit complex.
