Ken Johnson says a big hole opened up in his kitchen ceiling after Monday's heavy rain. But it came as no surprise.
Johnson lives in an apartment in Hallandale Beach and has been documenting his leaky ceiling for some time.
"A fellow with the city that was here this morning promptly was principally concerned about a biological hazard here,” Johnson said. “There is a toilet directly above that area.”
The city of Hallandale Beach has been out to the building at 620 NE 4th Court before.
On Aug. 7, NBC 6 reported that water was going to be cut off to all the tenants in the apartment building because the owner had not paid the water bill. That got resolved.
Aug. 15 Follow-Up: Water Still Running in Hallandale Beach Complex Burdened by Debt
A new company purchased the mortgage and now the property is in receivership.
Alex Berkovich from RE Investments International issued a statement about Johnson's leaky ceiling.
"I asked him to have access to the property to try and get it repaired,” Berkovich said. “In an email he stated he would not allow us to have access, that he wants us to move him and his dogs to a hotel."
Johnson said, “The basis of the denial is predicated on my safety and the safety of my animals.”
He has two dogs and is concerned about staying in the apartment while work is being done.
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Johnson says rats in the ceiling make matters worse.
"I couldn't comprehend him opening up that ceiling and having rats run down on me," Johnson said.
A spokesperson for the city of Hallandale Beach said that inspectors need to get into the apartment above Johnson's. Social services is also involved.
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Photo Credit: NBC 6 South Florida