Code Violations Force Families From Carmichael Apartments Days Before Thanksgiving

CARMICHAEL (CBS13) — Families are being forced from their homes just days before Thanksgiving after serious code violations were found at a Carmichael apartment complex.

Some neighbors at Twin Gardens Apartments say it's miserable living here. Hot water is a luxury.

"I've taken many cold showers because I don't have time to wait for the shower to get hot," Terry Brown said. "You can put your hand in the water and never get burned."

So is staying warm.

"This is our heat source I have it on and we open the door about this far and it heats the living room and dining room," he said.

CBS13 was at the complex in 2010 when the second floor was engulfed in flames. The damage is gone, but not the frustration. Since that fire, families claim the complex is still not up to code.

After a recent county inspection, they were given hours to get out.

"It's kind of hard you come home from work and find out you've got to move out the next day," said Kenneth Nash.

"I paid my rent," said Vanessa Clements. "I paid my rent in full. And I come home one day and it's like you got to get your things."

Now, just days before Thanksgiving, families are wondering what's next.

"How are we going to cook dinner for our kids? How are we going to get together with our families. Some of us don't have families at all here," Brown said.

The owners of the complex says he's going to move the families to a hotel and foot the bill for their stay. He hopes the repairs can be made in two to three weeks and they can move back in.

The Department of Human Assistance is partnering with Boston Market to provide Thanksgiving meals for the families.