CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Housing Authority says it has completed repairs in at least one of its units following recent media investigations into long-standing maintenance complaints.
Background on Complaints
Tenants previously reported problems such as leaks, alleged mold, and collapsed ceilings, some of which they claimed had gone unresolved for months or even years.
One tenant, Iesha Ortiz, told reporters her issues began after a 2023 hurricane. She said she had been living with a wooden board covering her ceiling after a leak and a rotted hall closet where the ceiling had collapsed.
Repairs Completed After Coverage
After Live 5’s most recent investigation, the Housing Authority responded to Ortiz’s concerns. She later provided photos confirming that her unit had been repaired this week.
Chief Operating Officer Alex McFarlane said crews went in after hours last Friday to assess the damage, began repairs Monday morning, and had them finished by Tuesday.
“The tenants seem to be happy. They have spoken to the property managers, the leasing agents and they’ve had good dialogue,” McFarlane said.
Maintenance Reporting Process
McFarlane noted that records show Ortiz’s ceiling issue was not officially reported until January 2024, though Ortiz said she had been waiting since 2023.
When asked if the Housing Authority plans to change its reporting process, McFarlane said no adjustments are being made:
“We looked into it. There’s not really any changes we can make. The process is still the same. They call in and depending on the situation, it may take a little bit longer.”
Tenant Response
Ortiz expressed relief after the repairs were completed:
“I am so thankful and feel like my voice has finally been heard.”
Other Residents Still Waiting
It remains unclear whether other tenants interviewed in past reports have had their issues resolved.
The Charleston Housing Authority manages 1,382 public housing households and oversees more than 1,500 Housing Choice Voucher participants living in private homes across the city.
