Lawsuit filed against Forrester Gardens apartments

June 9, 2023

Chelsea Barton,

WVUA 23 News has been covering problems at Forrester Gardens since back in April when residents invited us out to see the sewage backed up in their bathroom tubs and sinks.

“I had smelled all those fumes and that stuff was in my room and I had to smell it every day,” Forrester Gardens resident Tina Blair said. “I reported it. I don’t know what else I can do.”

A seven-count civil action lawsuit was filed in April on behalf of many of the residents who claim to have to have experienced these unlivable conditions. Residents are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for physical and mental distress.

Tuscaloosa City Councilman John Faile represents the area where Forrester Gardens is located.

“My fear is that they are trying to run people off from the apartment,” Faile said. “I don’t know that. I hope that is not true, but these people need an explanation. Frankly, the city of Tuscaloosa needs an explanation of what’s going on out there.”

Faile said he is not sure how much the city can do since the complex is privately owned, but promises to try to make sure these residents get the answers they deserve.

“This has become such a big story. I don’t want people being treated unfairly. I would not want to be treated unfairly and these people deserve an answer,” Faile said.

In our last report many residents shared how they received unexplained bills earlier this week.

Residents told WVUA 23 they don’t know where these charges came from. They have been paying their rent despite what residents call “deplorable living conditions” at Forrester Gardens.