CRESTWOOD, Mo. - After receiving a notice from the City of Crestwood declaring their apartment building “dangerous,” some residents at Forest View Apartments began making plans to move out. 

Mary Robenolt, who pays the rent for her disabled son who lives at Forestview, was apparently hit with an early termination fee for trying break their lease.

She showed FOX 2 their latest bill, which included an $1,800 early termination fee. Robenolt said she gave the apartment a 30-day notice that her son would move out after receiving a letter from the City of Crestwood.

“I was surprised to see the $1,800 assessed at that point, especially after what was attached to his door,” Robenolt said.

In August, residents at Forestview Apartments received letters from the city stating their building had been declared dangerous due to multiple code violations. Those violations included failing structural supports, excessive mold and electrical concerns such as a rusted electrical panel. The property was given less than two months to make necessary repairs.

Fearing for her son’s safety and health, Robenolt submitted a notice that he would be moving out, never expecting to be charged for breaking the lease.

“There are a lot of families out there, especially nowadays, that can’t afford $1,800 in addition to all of the other fees they would have to pay to get a new apartment,” she said.

The apartment complex has not responded to a request for comment. However, management previously told FOX 2 that it is working to bring the buildings up to code and expects tenants will ultimately be able to remain.

A judge has already ordered residents in one Forestview building to vacate, but the property’s owners have filed a lawsuit in an effort to halt that order.

Daniel Buran with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri said tenants should not have to wait for that legal proceeding to play out. 

“You don’t have to wait around for the building to fall down around your ears,” Buran said.

“If the city of Crestwood has already declared it a dangerous building, I think that would serve as notice that the tenants are free to move out,” Buran said.

Robenolt says she will not force her son to stay in unsafe housing.

“I’m not making it up,” she said. “It’s literally in here,” referring to the city's notice.

Crestwood gave Forestview until Oct. 21 to make necessary repairs or more buildings could be ordered to vacate.