Photo not that of the actual client
“Jaquan,” who has a disability and lives in public housing, was having problems with the conditions of his apartment and that of his neighbor as the result of faulty air conditioning units. His own air conditioning unit filled up with mold and mildew, and his neighbor’s leaked down into his apartment through the ceiling and walls, causing further mold and mildew.
Not only did these faulty air conditioning units damage Jaquan’s personal property, but they also exacerbated a pre-existing respiratory disability. Unfortunately, even after Jaquan complained to the property management, the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and the City of Jacksonville Municipal Code Compliance Division, he was unable to get his or his neighbor’s air conditioning units repaired. The problem got so bad that his neighbor had to stop using her air conditioning unit to avoid further damage to the Jaquan’s unit.
JALA Fair Housing Unit attorney Robert Maldonado reviewed the case and got involved on Jaquan’s behalf. He sent a reasonable modification request on behalf of the client, asking for both air conditioning units to be replaced without costs, fees, or penalties. After some negotiation, the Jaquan and his neighbor’s air conditioning units were replaced with no cost to them. This allowed Jaquan to continue living in his apartment.
