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CBS News
15-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Lawsuit filed after tenants without water for three weeks at Monroe County apartment building
Residents at an apartment building in Monroe County, Michigan, have been without running water for three weeks after a dispute between neighboring property owners. "Do I move somewhere else? Do I look for a new apartment?" said tenant Scott Hintze. CBS Detroit Hintze tells CBS News Detroit that he and other tenants have lived without water in their apartment building off Lewis Avenue in Ida Township since April 25. "I had already paid rent for this month, so here I've paid rent, and I can't even live in my apartment. There are no words to describe my frustration," Hintze said. In the beginning, he got by on jugs of water, but now he's temporarily living in a hotel until the situation is resolved. On Wednesday, the Monroe County Health Department placed a condemned notice on his door. CBS Detroit "I don't know what their timeline was for fixing things, but I'd like to say that kind of kickstarted some things," said Hintze. The city of Monroe tells CBS News Detroit that the water shutoff is a result of a dispute between neighboring property owners, and the city has nothing to do with it. Officials say separate water service lines are required, but were never set up initially. As of Thursday, the installation process for those service lines remains at a standstill, with the city not yet receiving the paperwork or payment from the building owner to move forward. The management group, Lipstick Properties, has since filed a lawsuit against both building owners. CBS Detroit Hintze is hoping someone is held accountable. "It affected my job, it affected my personal life. I hope they just learn their lesson and it doesn't happen to anybody else," Hintze said. CBS News Detroit contacted Lipstick Properties and the Monroe County Health Department for answers, but did not hear back. Hintze says the management group is reimbursing him and other tenants for food, hotel stays, rent, and utilities for the month of May and plans to continue supplying containers of water for those still living here. He was also told that a new water meter will be installed next week.
CBS News
07-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Dispute leaves Monroe County apartment building tenants without water for weeks
Residents at an apartment building in Ida Township say they've been without running water for weeks. "No running water whatsoever," said tenant Scott Hintze. "I have to go to my sister's house to take showers and get clean. It's been very irritating," tenant Gary Smith stated. For two weeks, tenants have been without water in their apartment off Lewis Avenue in Ida Township, with containers of water their only supply. "The 25th, sometime mid-morning, the water just shut off, and we didn't know if it was some sort of maintenance thing going on or what was happening," Hintze stated. Hintze is fed up and making the best of a frustrating situation. "It's ridiculous. I've been staying with my friend and just trying to make do with big jugs of water to flush the toilet, and … it's a pain," said Hintze. The city of Monroe issued the following statement on tenants' concerns: "The City of Monroe has received recent reports about water service at 2868 Lewis Avenue. We recognize the importance of reliable access to water and are sympathetic to any residents affected by service disruptions, However, we wish to clarify that the City has taken no action to terminate water service to 2868 Lewis Ave. and that any issue relating to the water service at that location appears to be the result of a dispute between neighboring property owners. At the current time, there is no legal water connection from the public water main to 2868 Lewis Avenue. It appears that there has been some use of an improper private connection between 2868 Lewis Avenue and a neighboring parcel. While it will be required for that connection to cease in the future, the City has not turned off the water or compelled the closing of the valve between the two properties. Moreover, The City has provided information to the owner of 2868 Lewis Ave. about the process for installation of a separate water service line and the costs due from the owner for that service. As of today, there has been no request to proceed, or payment made. While we understand the concerns involved, this remains a private matter between property owners. The City stands ready to assist once a formal request is submitted. Concerns regarding this issue should be addressed to the private property owners involved in the matter." Meanwhile, tenants are left to fend for themselves with no timeline for when water will be turned back on. "Have no idea. We're just kind of in the dark," said Hintze. Hintze says Lipstick Properties, the owner of his apartment building off Lewis Avenue, is reimbursing him for having to relocate. CBS News Detroit reached out to the property group for comment, but has not heard back.
