Inspectors say home isn't up to code; Renter worried she'll be forced out in cold with kids

PENN HILLS, Pa. — A woman moved into a Penn Hills home, paid the rent and got a call that had her worried she was going to get kicked out with her kids.

Inspectors said the house isn't fit to live in, but the rental company told Channel 11 it's a misunderstanding.

Jonetta McCowan likes the house she's renting in Penn Hills but fears code violations may force her out into the cold.

"Where are me and my children supposed to live at?  I have no place to go, and I'm not just going to be out of my money.  They can give us a better place that is up to code.  Something has to be done," she said.

McCowan showed reporter Vince Sims around the house.

"It's bubbling down which means there is water up inside this ceiling and in the process of leaking through," she said.

In the bathroom, Sims saw open light sockets that McCowan said didn't work.  The home also has exposed pipes, where you can see through to the room below.

"We have no vents in any of the bedrooms.  They are just all exposed.  All the heating is exposed," she said.

A Penn Hills code enforcement officer said there is a temporary occupancy permit in place for 30 days for repairs to be done. 

The property manager for Pittsburgh Capital Management said he was unaware that a contractor had not finished the repairs.  The company said the repair work will be done.

WPXI