City of Jacksonville cites apartment complex after sewage backs up in woman's tub

An Action News Jax investigation is getting a local mom help after she has been dealing with sewage leaking through her home.

Since Monday, Action News Jax has been pushing management at Camelot Gardens Apartments to address the issues.

Tuesday, city code enforcement came out and cited the property on violations.

For more than 24 hours, Tierra Byrd said she had to deal with sewage backing up into her tub and sink and spilling onto the floor.

She said maintenance drained the tub, but fecal matter was still left behind.

“He just left the sewage stuff in my tub. I bleached the tub as much as I could,” said Byrd.

Byrd said management told her a plumbing issue caused sewage from other units to backup into her apartment.

“A place like this is not inhabitable and you’re not required to live in a property like this,” said Action News Jax Law and Safety expert Dale Carson.

Because of the convenience of the apartment, Byrd said she can’t afford to leave.

“I’m a single parent, that’s the reason,” Byrd said.

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Carson said tenants can give a 7-day notice to their landlords to fix the problem or you’re free to leave.

“In a situation like this that’s not required,” Carson said.

“I just want to make sure it gets gutted properly. I don’t want my three-year-old walking barefoot at all,” Byrd said.

Management said there are some plumbing issues here at the complex because there are old buildings.

Cox Media Group