NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) -- Tenants at Iberia South Apartments are seeing change after speaking out about health concerns over issues such as black mold and mildew.
Elizabeth Landry, one of many tenants who was relocated, said they had 72 hours to vacate their apartments before being relocated to the Ramada Inn.
Landry spoke on behalf of the relocated tenants who were afraid of speaking.
"We have to buy food every day and go to the washing interior. That's inconvenient for us. Then I'm driving a long way to bring my grandson to school. So it's a little bit inconvenient in the area. I'm glad that they found us somewhere to stay. We're very happy about that. But there's other questions that need to be answered," Landry said.
Landry said she hopes the situation gets better for her and her neighbors.
The City of New Iberia inspected the apartments on Nov. 13 and found that numerous dwelling units and structures have significant mold issues.
The on-site regional manager produced mold detection reports which reflected there are a couple of units that will need remediation. A "Notice to Vacate" was issued for those units.
A spokesperson for Integrity Rise Management said local inspectors flagged 16 units for potential issues. Six of those units were vacant. Residents of the occupied units were moved to hotels while further testing was conducted.
Of the flagged units that were occupied, six had more exposure and will require an extensive deep clean, according to the spokesperson. Three units will need to be completely renovated. A contractor has been hired and work will begin next week.
David Merrill, former District 4 councilman, said he was contacted about the concerns at the apartments and got in touch with one of the property managers. Merrill served as District 4 councilman from 2009 until 2016. He will be returning to the seat in January.
"She has contractors there working daily, and once they have at least one or two of them done, they're going to bring back our inspector in to make sure that everything is right and they are legally able to move back in,” he said.
"I'm going to be on top of this to make sure that these people get taken care of and that they're able to move back into these apartments at a reasonable time," he continued.
Integrity Rise Management said they expect all of the impacted residents back in Iberia South in less than a week. The residents of the three units needing extensive work will be able to move into other apartments on the property.
Integrity Rise said they have new local managers at the property who are working with residents on issues to ensure the apartments are safe, clean homes for the community.
