I believe that every member of our community deserves to live in safe and dignified homes. I also believe that renters are a vital part of our community who deserve to be heard and cared for.
This specifically applies to the 21 families in Columbia Heights who are currently living in rental properties owned by a national real estate firm called Havenbrook Homes. Six months ago, Columbia Heights city departments sent formal requests to Havenbrook Homes to repair their properties with code violations.
The intent of this city process was that Havenbrook would fix the properties so that every home could be safe and dignified for its renters.
However, Havenbrook didn’t make the needed repairs. The impact of Havenbrook’s negligence was that we had several homes with unsafe code violations. After our Fire Department inspected the properties several times, the City Council voted to revoke the city rental license of Havenbrook Homes.
I’m personally in contact with several of the families who are facing a move in 45 days. I’m committed to supporting these families. Please share my contact information with any of the families affected by this. It is my plan to bring this up at the City Council meeting on Monday January 24, 2022 so that residents and renters can help be a part of the solution to ensure they have safe and dignified housing.
You can also reach out for legal and rental support from these services:
- Homeline 612-728-5767
- Judicare of Anoka County 763-783-4970
- Central Minnesota Legal Services 612-332-8151
Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula
amarquezsimula@columbiaheightsmn.gov
612-314-9776