South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has issued a statement about the sudden rent increase at the West Manor Apartments

In the statement he says that “no one should face sudden, unjust rent hikes”, and “forcing over 100 families into this situation is unconscionable”.

Earlier this month residents of the complex discovered notices posted around their buildings informing them of a $200 a month increase, and a new policy that requires tenants cover their own electricity.

Premier Real Estate Management from Wisconsin purchased the property in June.

Buttigieg did say that the city is looking into legal and code enforcement actions, but that won’t be enough to help address the immediate housing need. He is hoping that local housing providers can step up to help until more permanent solutions are found.

Here is the mayor’s full statement:
“Residents of the Western Manor Apartments are facing a crisis and deserve our attention and support. No one should face sudden, unjust rent hikes from landlords, and forcing over 100 families into this situation is unconscionable. I join community members in calling on the new owners of Western Manor to honor their obligation to this community beyond maximizing short-term profit.

South Bend is currently taking legal and code enforcement action, but these measures will not be enough to address the immediate housing need. We urge local housing providers to rise to the occasion and help locate these residents until a more permanent solution can be found. My office has also followed up with our state and national lawmakers to inquire about their capacity to provide assistance.

The residents of Western Manor deserve better. Let us come together as a community to protect our neighbors, making South Bend an example in the process.”