Raven apartments in Denver plagued by lack of heat and roaches, lawsuit alleges
Residents living in a long-troubled apartment building in southeast Denver have endured years of hardships, including frequent hot water and heat outages, roach and bedbug infestations, and overflowing trash, as alleged in a proposed class-action lawsuit filed in Denver District Court.
Four tenants of the Raven apartment complex (formerly known as The Felix) have accused the building’s ownership and management company of violating Colorado’s warranty of habitability and consumer protection laws. Despite numerous complaints, violations, and fines imposed by Denver public health regulators, management has reportedly failed to address the numerous issues plaguing the apartment buildings.
The Denver Metro Tenants Union, which has been advocating for residents at the complex, expressed disappointment that criminal charges and a class action lawsuit were necessary. They emphasized that the situation at the apartment complex is just one example of a larger systemic issue affecting the metro area.
The ownership and management companies of Raven, including Loft 9 Apartments, Apartment Management Consultants, and Trion Properties, have not provided a comment on the matter. Residents have long voiced concerns about the living conditions at the 418-unit apartment complex on E. Dartmouth Ave.
Among the complaints are extended periods without heat and hot water, leading some residents to seek showers at local recreation centers. Others have resorted to using space heaters, resulting in high electricity bills. One plaintiff, Rachel Vargas, alleged that her daughter’s illness was exacerbated by the cold conditions in the apartment.
Another tenant, Ashley Arias, described feeling trapped in an uninhabitable home. According to the lawsuit, tenants submitted over 100 work orders related to the lack of heat between January 2023 and April 2024. Shockingly, residents claim that a deceased dog was left to decompose in a vacant swimming pool at one point.
Despite Denver’s requirement for all residential rental properties to be licensed, Raven reportedly remains unlicensed according to city records. The Denver Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection issued a criminal citation to the building’s ownership in October, with a court appearance scheduled for December. Public health records indicate a history of complaints and enforcement actions against Raven (previously The Felix).
The apartment complex has accumulated significant fines, making it one of the most heavily penalized buildings in Denver. Residents have organized rallies to protest the deplorable conditions, prompting Colorado lawmakers to pass legislation in 2024 strengthening the state’s warranty of habitability.
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