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Orange County tenants refuse to vacate after hurricane damage prompted evictions

Tenants said they have no other available options

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – On the eve of their eviction date, dozens of residents were still inside their units at the Cypress Landing Apartments.

Tenants said damage from Hurricane Ian caused the apartment complex to evict them, telling residents to vacate their homes by Nov. 1.

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On Oct. 4, apartment residents stood next to Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, who joined them in saying they were unable to contact the complex’s managers.

Residents have since shown News 6 inside their damaged units, which suffered from flood waters and mold growing up the walls.

However, tenants said they were told to be out by Nov. 1 in order for repairs to be made to the flooded units.

On Monday evening, lights were still seen turned on inside most of the second floor units. People still staying inside the complex said most people who live on the second floor do not plan to leave.

Some have said they will wait until someone forces them to vacate the apartments. Many tenants have said there are not other available apartments in the area. They have also expressed concern over rental deposits that are required for a new rental.

Most of the trash and debris have now been cleared from the complex, but a lingering smell filling the air serves as a reminder of the flooding from Hurricane Ian.

The website for the complex as of Monday had no mention of the order to vacate the complex due to flood damage. A phone call to the apartment complex resulted in a call service representative saying no apartment units are available for rent.

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