By Paige Orr, Fox23 News
TULSA, Okla. — Hundreds of residents at a south Tulsa apartment complex are facing a week without running water after the City of Tulsa posted emergency termination notices at the property, citing more than $117,000 in unpaid utility bills.
Residents at Riverpark at Kensington, located near 81st Street and South Wheeling Avenue, said they were left in the dark about the mounting debt until city workers arrived Friday afternoon to post notices on buildings.
The complex operates as an “all-bills-paid” community, meaning tenants pay their utility costs directly to management as part of their monthly rent.
“It said that we owe just over $117,000,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation from property management. “If $87,000 wasn’t paid before the 25th, it was going to get cut off. I chased the city guy down and he said this is the third time they’ve come out, and management will not respond to any of their calls or emails.”
The City of Tulsa confirmed that the shut-off is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, if a minimum payment is not received.
According to city officials, the “stickering” process is a last-resort measure used to alert tenants when a landlord has ignored multiple private warnings.
In a statement, the city noted that the process begins with a letter the day after a bill is due, followed by a second notice ten business days later. When those go unanswered, the city begins posting physical notices at the property to ensure residents can “engage their landlord directly.”
The resident who spoke with our news partners at FOX23 said the lack of transparency is the most frustrating part for those who have consistently paid their rent.
“We pay our bills. Where’s all the money going?” The resident asked. “There are what, 400 units? At the bare minimum, it’s $800 per unit. Where’s the money? That’s the biggest question.”
Vesta Management, the company that operates the complex, told FOX23’s sister station in an email on Friday that they are in contact with the city and “do not anticipate any interruption to resident water service.” However, as of Monday afternoon, the city confirmed the five-figure minimum balance remains unpaid.
The Tulsa Apartment Association (TAA) confirmed that while Vesta is a member in good standing, the association does not oversee the day-to-day financial operations of its members.
“For the tenants with the all-bills-paid situation, I would have them refer to their lease agreement,” said Jennifer Johnson, President of the Tulsa Apartment Association. “There are tenant rights and landlord rights all outlined in that agreement.”
The city is currently preparing contingency measures in the event the deadline passes without payment. Officials said they may deploy a city water truck to the complex on Wednesday to provide residents with access to basic needs.
For those living at the complex, the uncertainty is a heavy burden.
“I don’t want our water to get cut off and the elderly and children to go without water,” the resident said. “Even if somebody’s behind on their rent, they deserve water. That’s a human right.”
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is urging residents in the 74136-zip code who are concerned about their housing status to contact their “Right to Counsel” program for assistance.
