Politics & Government

Apartment Resident: I'm Left Out in the Cold

Two recent disputes involving residents of local apartment complexes and the town's housing department raise questions.

The news is happy for a married couple with a disabled daughter who live in a Parsippany apartment.

After spending a few days in fear because of an eviction threat reportedly from the township's Housing Coordinator Rena Plaxe, , assured that 12-year resident Ranya Tabik and her husband had done nothing wrong.

He promised them they could stay in their apartment and told Patch a misapplied ordinance that limits the number of people who can live in a one-bedroom apartment based on the square footage of the dwelling will be changed.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The news so far is not as pleasant for Lisa Etkin, who says she has experienced severe problems with having heat consistently over the past three years in the  apartment in which she has lived for more than a dozen years.

Etkin said she has gone to the housing department numerous times and has only received space heaters that don't get the job done. When she recently went to Plaxe for assistance, Etkin said she was told that no inspectors were available to help her.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Her problems appear to be escalating.

In a letter Etkin sent to the Town Council, she explained that money is now becoming an issue.

"Because the heat problem was so severe this winter and I had no help from the apartment complex or housing, I did not sign the lease in January until the heat was resolved," she wrote. "The apartmentcomplex started returning my rent checks and wants late fees and attorney fees, however they did nothing to resolve the heat problem and never sent a maintenance person over.

"I am on a fixed income as a surgery... left me disabled at the age of 30. The apartment complex wants close to $1,000 for the late and legal fees, and I need your help."

Though she has shared her story with the Township Council, no resolution has taken place yet. 

Etkin did note that any positive instances in her situation only happened when the mayor's office got involved.

A question sent to the mayor regarding this case was not answered.

Barberio has declined to comment on the work the housing coordinator has done.

An e-mailed request for information to the department has not been answered.

Do you live in a Parsippany apartment? What is the experience for you?


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