WALKER, Mich. — Irene Losey has lived in her apartment for over 30 years and was informed by apartment managers last month that she must move out in May.
"I just, I want help. I want to know, why did they turn like this? You know, I'm a person, I'm human. And what can I do?" said Losey.
Losey will be 80 years old in July and has lived in Richmond Hills Apartments for more than 30 years. In March, she received a letter from her apartment stating they would not be renewing her lease.
"I think that's unfair for a senior citizen, because where are they supposed to go? They're on a fixed income, they only make so much," said Chris Wheeler, Losey's son. "And then most places want three times your income, she don't make three times her income. So she's been here and now she has to start over after being here. She's 80 years old, that makes no sense."
It all started in February when apartment management told Losey she had to pay a $225 late fee on top of her rent because she was one day late, even though they knew she wouldn't get her social security check until the day after her rent was due.
"Because my rent was on Valentine's Day, which Valentine's Day was on the 14th. And that was on a Wednesday when I got my check. So on the 13th they sent me a letter and said that I'm late on my rent, and that I had to pay it right away because they're going to charge me $225 court fees because they're going to take me to court," said Losey.
Losey's son lives with her and said he believes the new management for the apartment wants younger residents.
"I think because there's a lot of college kids that move in here, but they stay a year, and then they're out of here. And they don't really last where I would think business you would want somebody that's been here, guaranteed income, plus you're making a $50 off her. I mean, hey, that's a great business, you know, but instead, they're like, Nope, don't care," said Wheeler.
The mother and son are currently looking for a new place. According to the letter they have to be out of their apartment by May 31.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to the apartment complex to learn more. They said no comment.
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