Cedar Glen Apartments Settlement: A Victory for Tenants, A Message to Landlords

Photo byWSBT

South Bend, Indiana — In a significant win for tenant rights, the owners of Cedar Glen Apartments have agreed to a settlement of over $10,000 in restitution for residents who endured a harsh winter without essential utilities. This agreement, however, represents more than just financial compensation; it’s a powerful assertion of accountability and tenant empowerment.

A Settlement Beyond Dollars

The winter of 2023 was particularly brutal for residents of Cedar Glen Apartments, many of whom were left without hot water for nearly a month. For months, Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow spearheaded efforts to address these unacceptable living conditions, culminating in this landmark settlement. But the outcome is not solely about restitution. It also marks the formation of the Cedar Glen Tenant Association, a new body that will give residents a unified voice and the ability to advocate for their rights.

“This isn’t just about the money,” Critchlow emphasized. “This settlement is about ensuring accountability and ownership. We want to make sure Cedar Glen upholds their commitments, especially with winter around the corner.”

The First Step in a Larger Battle

Critchlow is clear that this victory is just the beginning. He sees it as a template for future actions, a model that can be replicated across other complexes facing similar issues. “We had to win here to send a message,” he said. “This is a historic win, and now we have a proven model to follow. We’re watching, and we’re prepared to take similar action elsewhere if necessary.”

The newly formed Cedar Glen Tenant Association, led by resident Todd Bogunia, is a direct outcome of this settlement. Bogunia, who has lived through two winters without consistent heat and hot water, knows all too well the challenges his fellow tenants face. “Fourteen months in total, two winters in a row without heat or hot water. Even when it was fixed in January, my plumbing didn’t work for three months. My daughter had to move out,” Bogunia recalled, underscoring the dire circumstances that residents endured.

Looking Forward

As winter approaches, Portage Township will be closely monitoring Cedar Glen Apartments to ensure the terms of the settlement are upheld. For the residents, the hope is that this settlement not only resolves past grievances but also paves the way for a more secure and dignified living environment moving forward.

This settlement sends a clear message: tenant rights are non-negotiable, and landlords who neglect their responsibilities will be held accountable. The fight for fair treatment in housing has gained a significant foothold in South Bend, and this victory may just be the beginning of broader change across the region.