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Golden Nugget tenant complaints continue: Knowing your rights & how to get help

Multiple calls & reports into Contact7
Posted at 5:57 PM, Nov 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-27 12:28:11-05

Editor's note: Contact7 seeks out audience tips and feedback to help people in need, resolve problems and hold the powerful accountable. If you know of a community need our call center could address, or have a story idea for our investigative team to pursue, please email us at contact7@thedenverchannel.com or call (720) 462-7777. Find more Contact7 stories here.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Tenants living in the Golden Nugget Apartment Complex continue to reach out to Contact7 with countless complaints about the living conditions in their units.

The first and second times Denver7 crews paid a visit to the Englewood complex, reporters were looking into reports of dozens of units being without heat and hot water for days. That was back in early October when the Denver metro area was in the middle of a cold snap.

A week later, the boilers still weren't fully repaired. That’s when residents also told us about mice, cockroaches and bed bugs taking over their homes.

"It’s not right and there needs to be something done about it,” said Lue Trujillo Jr.

Trujillo Jr. and his wife Kelsey Danna are tenants currently in the process of moving out of Golden Nugget.

"The management here and the corporation or whatever is running it is atrocious,” said Trujillo Jr. “It needs a rehaul.”

Contact7 took their concerns to Colorado Housing Connects.

"Sometimes people do need to seek the assistance of a lawyer, and that's definitely the case when it comes to something as serious as this,” said Patrick Noonan, Colorado Housing Connects Coordinator.

Noonan said if you find yourself in a similar situation you should document everything.

"Taking pictures, videos, putting notice to landlord through certified mail."

According to the Warranty of Habitability, tenants should report anything dangerous to life, health or safety.

“Not just talking about it over the phone or asking in person, but putting it into writing through certified mail so you can document that you have done that," a spokesperson said.

If the landlord still doesn't act, the next step may be suing for damages, getting a court to order repairs or calling your local code enforcement. There are also affordable options available for legal help.

Contact7 reached out to the management company, SKM Management, and did not receive an answer or comment back.