More than 50 renters forced out

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Two days after one balcony at the Wood Ridge Apartments buckled and collapsed, the city of Austin's Code Compliance department has determined that five more walkways are unsafe for residents to walk on.

The city said the balconies were putting residents in "eminent danger."

In fact, after surveying all the balconies at the Southeast Austin apartment complex, the city said none of the walkways were up to par.

On Saturday evening several families on the bottom floors of the apartment building were allowed to enter their apartments and gather their things. Many of which say they don't have a place to stay.

"We have a couple to take our essential things like clothes and papers," said Dayssy Ramirez, a displaced resident.

Families in 52 apartment units had to vacate their apartments by Friday night. American Red Cross workers were on site handing out water, but said they could not provide financial help for a hotel, food or clothing because it was not a natural disaster.

The newly evacuated residents join the group of 25 residents who were originally displaced on Wednesday evening.

The Austin Code Compliance office is now looking at changing their policies to prevent something like this from happening. Currently they run on a complaint-based system.

"We are hoping to move towards putting into our budget a multi-family inspection program where we can be more proactive in going around and inspecting some of these older structures that are out here," said Melissa Martinez.

KXAN News spoke with two apartment managers who work for Asset Plus, the company who took over about two months ago. They said the residents being evacuated will be refunded their rent for the days they are displaced. The managers said the company has every intention of fixing the safety issues and getting people back in as soon as possible.

The managers handed over the following typed statement:

We are currently conducting a thorough investigation into possible causes of the recent events at the apartment community. We have brought in professionals to evaluate the situation and prepare a plan of action. We encourage our residents to remain in contact with our management team.

Residents said they notified management of numerous problems in the past, including the unsafe balconies, but nothing was ever done.

KXAN News learned the city has been out to the complex 33 times in the past three years to investigate a range of complaints including a roach infestation, bed bugs, leaking roofs, broken heating and air conditioning units.