LAFAYETTE, LA — The Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) will conduct another round of inspections at Himbola Manor on Thursday to assess whether the property owners have addressed over 100 violations identified during an October hearing. The inspection follows a deadline set for January 31, which required the owners to correct the issues. However, sources have indicated that some problems persist, prompting a renewed inspection.
Patrick Ottinger, City-Parish Attorney, confirmed that the Community Development and Planning Department will return to the property to determine the extent of progress made in addressing the violations. “We are very interested in ensuring that some of the very serious issues that were noted are taken care of, such as moisture, mold, and paint,” Ottinger said, emphasizing that these issues will be the primary focus of the inspection.
Construction and plumbing crews were spotted performing repairs at the property late Monday, but despite these efforts, some tenants reported continuing to live in unfit conditions, citing mold, plumbing issues, and other maintenance problems. Several tenants, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of eviction, said they still face poor living conditions, even after court intervention.
Himbola Manor, a Section 8-approved housing complex, has been the subject of concern since multiple tenants came forward in 2024 to report unsanitary conditions, including mold, roof damage, plumbing issues, and rodent infestations. These complaints led to a hearing in October, which identified 132 violations. As a result, the property owners were fined more than $32,000. They were given a 30-day period to pay the fine, but as of the latest reports, the fines have yet to be settled.
Ottinger noted that under current regulations, the property owners could face additional fines of $10.45 per day, per violation, should the issues remain unresolved following Thursday’s inspection.
Federal housing authorities have been involved in overseeing the complex, as Himbola Manor is a Section 8 housing provider. They have ordered the property owners to either correct the unsafe conditions or relocate residents if necessary.
As of the time of publication, attempts to reach Himbola Manor for a comment went unanswered. The upcoming inspection will determine whether further action, including additional fines or relocation efforts, will be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.