A new city program in Rock Hill is helping speed up home repairs for rental tenants, including Charlene Gorski, whose home was damaged by storms in recent months.

Debby soaks the Carolinas

A hailstorm in April damaged their roof and their landlord threw a tarp over it.

Recently, part of their kitchen collapsed due to the rains of Tropical Storm Debby.

“I was just waiting to hear something, but when the ceiling collapsed, it actually became an emergency,” she said.

Gorski said the tarp on her roof didn’t help last week when Debby blew through, and now she can’t use her kitchen after drywall fell into it.

However, Gorski noticed that her neighbors’ homes were being repaired.

“I see other roofs being completed. I wonder what’s taking so long,” she said.

Gorski called the city of Rock Hill last week to complain, and officials responded by inspecting the property.

“We noticed that a piece of drywall had fallen down due to roof damage,” said Trey Parrish, a city building inspector.

Parrish said the city found violations and sent a letter this week requiring the homeowner to fix the problem within 30 days. City officials said a new rental registration and inspection program allows them to proactively inspect rental properties.

The program has made rental housing safer, Parrish said.

“The proactive approach has reduced the number of complaints we have received,” Parrish said.

If tenants experience problems during the term of their lease, they can complain to the city. Gorski hopes this process will soon provide a remedy.

“I know it’s an old house, but at least fix the ceiling so I can live here,” Gorski said.

Channel 9 called the property management company Albright Realty.

Officials said they are waiting for the homeowner to get approval from the insurance company to replace the roof.

If you have a rental problem that you would like city inspectors to investigate, call the city’s inspection hotline at 803-325-2600.