Tenants living at the Denison Manor apartments at West 100 Street in Cleveland report they've been dealing with trash, insects and rodents for several months.
Problems at the complex had Cleveland building inspectors at the scene, and, according to residents, numerous building code violations were found at that location.
Tenants showed News 5 how trash was piling-up around the the 20 unit building, along with pictures and complaints about rodents invading the living space.
Tenants like Vernon Bruno said they have repeatedly complained to landlord Chris Pugh, but very little has been done to improve living conditions.
"The landlord just don't want to do nothing," said Bruno. "The only thing he wants to do is come and collect our rent. At eight or nine o'clock we leave our apartment because we have to stay at someone else's house, because the rats have clawed in, trying to get into our apartment."
Residents at the complex have now turned to Cleveland Housing Court to see if they can keep their rent payments in an escrow account until improvements are made.
News 5 reached landlord Chris Pugh by telephone, and he responded quickly.
Pugh said he is working on the situation, but said tenants in the building aren't helping the situation.
Pugh said there is gang activity at the complex and he's worried about his safety when he stops in to start the clean-up.
It is still not clear if Pugh will face fines, as city inspectors move forward with their investigation.
News 5 will follow-up on this developing story and provide more details when they become available.
