Tenants Warned: Water Could Be Cut Over Unpaid Bills

Residents of St. Petersburg Apartment Complexes Face Potential Water Shutoff

Residents of two apartment complexes in St. Petersburg, Florida, are bracing for the possibility of losing their water service by August 21. The City of St. Petersburg issued a notice to tenants at The Morgan and Elements on Third, both owned by Lurin Real Estate Holdings, warning that utility services could be cut off due to unpaid bills. This development has left many residents feeling frustrated and confused.

Notice from the City Leaves Tenants in Shock

The notice, dated August 1, was delivered to tenants through door hangers. It stated that the property owner had not settled overdue utility bills despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue. Over 700 units across the two complexes are now at risk of losing water service.

Ashleigh Slaybaugh, a resident of The Morgan, expressed her frustration after learning about the potential shutoff. She said she and her husband have lived in the complex for 18 months and assumed that utility costs were included in their rent. “We pay over $1,900 a month for a two-bedroom unit, and we were told all of that is part of our rent,” she said. “So where is my money going if you’re not paying what needs to be paid?”

Declining Conditions Add to Tenant Concerns

Beyond the threat of losing water, Slaybaugh also pointed out that the condition of The Morgan has deteriorated over the past year. She described the pools as looking like swamps and mentioned that the gym has been closed for renovations. Yard work has also been inconsistent, with some areas resembling a forest. Additionally, she suspects that pest control services may have stopped, citing recent bug problems in her apartment.

The city’s notice has sparked concern among tenants, many of whom are discussing legal options if the water is indeed cut off. Some are even considering breaking their leases without facing penalties.

Management Addresses the Issue

In response to the city’s notice, The Morgan management team sent an email to residents stating that they are working with the city to prevent any disruption in water service. “We are actively working with the city to address the matter and are doing everything we can to ensure there is no disruption to your water service,” the email read.

However, the city confirmed that while partial payments have been received from the owner, the Aug. 21 shutoff date remains in effect unless the full balance is paid.

Financial Strain on Property Owner

Lurin Real Estate Holdings, which owns The Morgan and other properties in Florida, appears to be under financial pressure. In May, reports indicated that the company is facing a $400 million foreclosure involving 12 apartment complexes across the state. The Morgan is one of several properties Lurin has acquired in recent years as part of a strategy to reposition aging workforce housing.

Despite these efforts, residents say the promises made by the company have not matched the reality they are experiencing. FOX 13 News has attempted to contact Lurin Real Estate Holdings via email, but as of publication, the company has not responded.

Ongoing Uncertainty for Tenants

With the deadline approaching, tenants remain in limbo, unsure of what will happen next. Many are questioning the transparency of the property owner and the city’s handling of the situation. As the Aug. 21 date draws closer, the pressure on Lurin Real Estate Holdings to resolve the issue continues to mount.