Larson Applauds Financial Relief for Tenants at Concierge Apartments, Provides Update on Federal Response to JRK Failures to Protect Residents
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded Attorney General William Tong’s announcement of $5.1 million in financial relief for tenants at Concierge Apartments in Rocky Hill. He also provided an update on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) response to his letter calling for a federal investigation into JRK Property Holdings. Larson also recently visited Concierge with Senator Murphy to see the buildings firsthand and talk to impacted tenants.
“Today is a vital step forward to ensure the residents at Concierge Apartments have access to safe and warm living conditions, and that JRK can finally face accountability for their gross mismanagement,” said Larson. “Attorney General Tong took these corporate landlords head-on from the beginning, tirelessly working with state and local officials to get answers. As he continues to negotiate a second agreement with management, I am glad to see that tenants will start to receive the compensation they are owed and deserve after they were left in the cold with nowhere to turn.
“When I first heard of the burst pipes, flooding, and displaced residents, I called for a federal investigation into the property owners – who benefit greatly from federal funding and financing from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” Larson continued. “This week, my office received a response from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development on their efforts to support tenants at Concierge and put pressure on their landlords to improve conditions on the property. I am pleased to confirm that all residents who receive federal assistance have been relocated until conditions improve, and federal housing assistance payments have been put on hold to make sure JRK is providing safe housing. I will continue to work with state and local partners to ensure that all tenants receive the support they need, and work with HUD and my colleagues in Congress to hold JRK accountable for allowing their property to fall into such disrepair.”
On February 6th, Larson formally requested a federal investigation into JRK’s improper management of Concierge Apartments. This week, HUD responded to confirm that they connected with the residents receiving federal housing assistance and successfully relocated all Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) recipients to temporary housing alternatives. In response to Rep. Larson’s letter, HUD has placed federal housing assistance payments on hold until conditions approve.
The first phase of the agreement Attorney General Tong announced today issues cash payments to tenants, waives rent, water bills, and utility fees, and allows impacted residents to break their leases with no penalty. Tong is working on a second agreement that will address ongoing inspections and accountability measures at the property, as well as improved lines of communication between property management, the Town of Rocky Hill and residents.