Residential segregation may seem like a relic of the past, but its harmful legacy continues to impact Black communities today. Decades of disinvestment and discriminatory housing policies have left many neighborhoods vulnerable to exploitation and instability. These effects became painfully clear at Tanglewood Apartments in Charlotte, NC, where predominantly Black, working-class residents were forced to endure unsafe living conditions before being abruptly evicted.

Tanglewood residents raised concerns about mold, rodent infestations, bug problems, and structural issues. Instead of addressing these hazards, the landlord issued 30-day notices to vacate on October 30th, shortly after selling the complex to a new owner. The new owner planned to shut the apartments down, beginning a lengthy renovation that would raise rents far beyond what current tenants could manage. Families living in some of Charlotte’s most affordable housing had few options and little support. They were supposed to find new housing by Thanksgiving weekend.

In response, Redress partnered with Tanglewood residents, community leaders, and organizational partners, OneMECK and Action NC, to demand action. On December 5th, coalition members—including residents, ministers, and a city council member—visited the apartments to witness the conditions firsthand. Just days later, on December 9th, Redress and the coalition partners organized 12 speakers, including displaced tenants, legal experts, and community leaders, to testify at a city council meeting. The coalition urged the council to use in rem repair remedies, an already existing policy, allowing the city to make repairs and bill the landlord or place a lien if necessary.