Tenants of Fillmore low-income housing, owned by Black church, plead for help

Tenants at the Thomas Paine Square Apartments in Fillmore live in fear due to poor housing conditions, including mold and asbestos. Reports from residents highlight serious maintenance issues, such as malfunctioning appliances and structural concerns, pointing to negligence by Domus Management Company. The management has allegedly issued false eviction notices and charged excessive rents. The property's owner, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, has largely ignored tenant complaints, according to residents. Local officials note a significant gap in responsibility regarding the subsidized housing.

A meeting is scheduled with District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, but tenants remain doubtful about meaningful change. The complex, which houses predominantly low-income, senior, Latino, and Black residents, represents a crucial source of affordable housing in a city where costs are rising. As tenants demand action, their plight underscores the challenges faced by marginalized communities in securing safe and affordable living conditions.