A devastated family have spoken of their horrific ordeal after their dream home quickly proved uninhabitable.
The family moved into their new rental house at the beginning of August, but had to leave again just two days later.
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“We saw this house and thought it was just beautiful,” Jamie Anderson told NBC affiliate KFOR.
After searching for a house for a year, the family finally moved to the subway earlier this month because her father had a job as a police officer there.
However, when they moved in, they found that the property was “uninhabitable.”
“My family was so excited to start over and hopefully build a better life,” Anderson said.
She expressed her dismay at the shocking condition of the house.
“The air conditioning didn’t work,” Anderson complained.
When the family entered the property, it was incredibly hot and the refrigerator was broken.
And those weren’t the only problems – there was also a leaky roof and problems with the plumbing.
Anderson said the hot and cold water faucets were also mixed up.
According to Anderson, the property manager had told the family that the house was ready to move into.
The property is owned by the Home River Group.
The US Sun asked the group for comment on the matter, but they did not respond in time for publication.
The family has contacted property management and maintenance to get answers, but the problems persist.
You were informed that your supervisor would contact you immediately.
“I kept calling. And every time he told me the same thing,” Anderson said.
“I called and begged our property manager to please help us.”
She says some of the problems with the house have since been resolved, but new problems have now arisen with the air conditioning.
“I called and begged and pleaded.”
Jamie Anderson
“Half of our vents don’t even get air,” Anderson said.
The Andersons had to leave their house for the time being.
What rights do you have in a new building?
Warranties for new homes vary by contract, but there are general coverage rules that apply to most homes.
According to the Federal Trade Commission for Consumer Advice, most new homes come with a construction warranty that covers infrastructure such as electricity, plumbing and concrete floors.
However, this coverage is generally limited to labor and certain materials used, such as windows, heating, plumbing, etc. The warranty also details how repairs should be made.
Each area of the house generally has its own warranty period.
After the first year, the scope of work and materials, which also covers stucco, doors, trim, drywall and paint, typically expires.
However, small cracks in brick, tile, cement or drywall are usually not covered.
Insurance coverage for larger systems in the home, such as plumbing and electrical installations, usually expires after two years.
Sometimes ten-year coverage is provided for “serious structural defects” that make the property unsafe and endanger occupants, such as a roof collapse.
Homeowners should check warranty coverage and are encouraged by the FTC to submit all claims in writing and request receipts.
If there is a dispute over a claim, mediation or arbitration may be necessary. If arbitration is initiated, most safeguards require both parties to accept the arbitrator’s decision.
They say it is too hot to be in the house with their two children.
Anderson said they finally received word of maintenance on Tuesday.
Someone was sent to fix the bathroom fan, but she is still worried about other problems.
The Andersons and their lawyer say they have sent a letter to the housing association demanding that it either fix the problems or evict them from the lease.
“We are simply at a loss for words,” Anderson said.
“We don’t know what else to do and we just hope they do the right thing and don’t do this to the families.”
“We are simply at a loss for words.”
Jamie Anderson
NBC affiliate KFOR called the Oklahoma City office about the issue but was directed to contact the Home River Group property manager.
You have contacted the property manager several times but never received a response.
The news channel contacted management and the maintenance hotline, but received no response.
The US Sun has also asked the Oklahoma City office for comment.
Horror stories about housing construction
There are many more horror stories from people in the US and Canada who are thinking about their housing situation.
A Virginia resident was forced to leave her home due to a housing authority error.
Nikki Jones’ rent continued to increase even though her salary remained the same.
“I told (the landlord) that I needed a home or I would be homeless,” Jones told the Washington Post.
Another citizen in Vancouver, Canada, was awarded $46,000 after being evicted from his home.
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