Building owner abandons property
City inspectors took action after the property management company abandoned the complex. Tenants report that they haven’t seen or spoken with the property managers in days.
Meanwhile, the apartment's nearly 100 tenants are homeless — including 75 who rely on rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD is trying to find temporary housing for them while the Red Cross assists other residents.
Fox 4 reports that building owner Frederick Shulman, CEO of NB Affordable, and his partner Moshe Silber each pleaded guilty to wire fraud last year. They also face federal charges for allegedly pocketing HUD funds designed for renovations at NB Affordable properties across the country.
The Cloverleaf complex has been in decline for several years, but the situation worsened after Shulman and Shilber pleaded guilty to wire fraud last year.
In February, HUD stopped payments to the company because it had not addressed maintenance concerns. Subsequently, maintenance workers abandoned the Cloverleaf complex, leaving tenants to fend for themselves.
“It’s ridiculous," said Cayla France, a tenant with two small children. "I mean, we are dealing with flooded apartments, unlivable conditions. It’s just tragic.”
3 ways to protect yourself if you’re suddenly evicted
In this situation, authorities deemed a building unsafe and tenants had to leave. Regardless of the reason, a sudden eviction is devastating. Here are actions you can take to protect yourself and your family in a similar situation.
1. Reach out to legal aid groups and tenants' rights organizations
If your landlord has served you with an eviction notice, check local laws. Most states have tenant rights that prevent landlords from evicting residents without sufficient notice or cause. Document everything. Take photos, videos, and screenshots of unsafe conditions, lack of notice or landlord negligence.
Reach out to tenants’ rights organizations for help, especially if your landlord is neglecting essential services or violating tenant laws. Many legal aid clinics offer free or low-cost services to help tenants fight illegal evictions, negotiate move-out terms, or secure rental assistance.
Even if you have to leave, legal guidance can help protect your credit, rental history, and financial stability in the long run.
2. Make sure you have an emergency fund.
If you have saved up an emergency fund of three to six months’ worth of living expenses, it will be much easier to navigate housing challenges.
3. Look for local housing resources.
Act quickly to reach out to HUD, local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups for emergency assistance. Organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and local shelters can offer temporary housing, rental assistance, or emergency funds. Search "rental aid programs" in your community to find help.
The sudden eviction of Cloverleaf residents is a harsh reminder that tenants can be left in limbo, even when they do everything right. That's why it's good to be prepared for any eventuality.
