Lawsuit filed against corporate landlord in Plymouth for failure to maintain apartment complex

ABC 57

PLYMOUTH, Ind. -- The Indiana Attorney General's Office announced a lawsuit has been filed against a corporate landlord as of Thursday, over alleged failure to repair and maintain an apartment complex in Plymouth.

The lawsuit alleges RICH-MONS Group LLC committed multiple violations of Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act regarding failures to properly maintain The Pointe Apartments.

The lawsuit states on or about July 10, Commissioner Dennis Manuwal, Jr. inspected The Pointe Apartments.

During the inspection, Manuwal identified numerous code violations, including a gas and water line having an electrical charge.

As a result of the inspection, all residents in the building, approximately 20, were ordered to evacuate immediately.

Other facts listed in the lawsuit relating to the shutdown of The Pointe Apartments include:

• Bob Richards is partial owner of Rich-Mons Group, LLC.
• Anthony Collins is property manager of The Pointe.
• Anthony Collins is the son-in-law of Bob Richards.
• The roof of The Point Apartments is a flat roof.
• Prior to June, The Pointe Apartments experienced regular roof leaks, which were reported to the property manager.
• Prior to June, roof leaks had led to the drop-down ceiling collapsing in some areas inside The Pointe Apartments.
• Prior to June, both Bob Richards and Anthony Collins were aware of the severe roof leaks and water penetration issues present at The Pointe Apartments.
• Prior to June, the air conditioning at The Pointe Apartments did not function properly throughout the building.
• On June 1, Heather Risner moved into The Pointe Apartments, and did not have heating or air conditioning for her entire residency at The Pointe Apartments.
• On or about June 13, a police officer working for the City of Plymouth entered The Pointe Apartments to respond to a call.
• Due to the state of the building, the officer had concerns about people living in The Pointe Apartments and contacted City of Plymouth Building Commissioner Manuwal.
• During the inspection, organic growth believed to be black mold was noted to be present on the ceiling throughout The Pointe Apartments.

The lawsuit was filed by Attorney General Todd Rokita’s Consumer Protection Division through its Homeowner Protection Unit.

The lawsuit demands a jury trial, costs of prosecution, and other damages against the defendants for multiple violations of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

You can read the full lawsuit document below.