When Slumlords Shake Hands With City Hall: How Substandard Rentals Slip Through the Cracks
The District at West Market Shutdown: What Happened, Who Owns It, and Why It Matters
In December 2025, the City of Greensboro ordered the immediate evacuation and condemnation of The District at West Market, a large apartment complex at 830 West Market Street, after inspectors determined the building posed an immediate threat to life safety.
More than 180 residents were displaced, many days before Christmas.
City and fire officials cited severe electrical failures, including burned wiring, failing breakers, and unsafe, unpermitted work. Fire officials stated the building could not safely receive power, making continued occupancy unlawful under state and local safety codes.
Primary sources
WXII 12 News – Major electrical issues lead to condemnation
https://www.wxii12.com/article/major-electrical-issues-condemned-greensboro-city-official-said-displacing-residents-one-week-before-christmas/69801436City of Greensboro official notice
https://www.facebook.com/cityofgreensboro/posts/1171030625218777
Who Owns The District at West Market
The District at West Market is owned and operated by Pfalzgraf Communities, LLC, a Charlotte based real estate investment and property management company.
Local reporting and city inspection records show the property had a history of unresolved safety issues and expired permits, particularly related to electrical systems.
Sources
WFMY News 2 – History of safety issues and ownership
https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/greensboro-apartments-shut-down-after-inspection-had-a-history-of-safety-issues/83-76449878-87a7-4e40-9e31-3d66454e1c56
City officials confirmed contractors declined to perform repairs, citing the scope of work and liability risks, which forced the City’s hand.
What Is Being Done for Displaced Residents
Following the evacuation:
American Red Cross provided emergency shelter and immediate aid
https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina.htmlGreensboro Housing Coalition assisted displaced tenants with housing navigation and tenant rights support
https://www.greensborohousingcoalition.orgLocal universities coordinated temporary housing for affected students
Residents were granted limited, escorted access to retrieve essential belongings.
Source
WFMY News 2 – Status update on displaced tenants
https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/district-at-west-market-greensboro-city-officials-say-all-displaced-tenants-have-place-to-stay/83-fc8cf37a-df8e-4dbd-a30c-cdf6841911d7
This Is Not an Isolated Incident in Greensboro
Greensboro relies heavily on complaint based code enforcement, meaning inspections often occur only after tenants report problems. Many tenants do not complain out of fear of retaliation, eviction, or being ignored.
This enforcement gap has been documented repeatedly.
New Garden Place Apartments
Tenants at New Garden Place Apartments reported mold, pest infestations, and unsafe living conditions long before enforcement action occurred.
Sources
Wikipedia overview with citations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Garden_Place_ApartmentsThe Assembly NC – Investigative reporting on Greensboro code enforcement
https://www.theassemblync.com/housing/greensboro-housing-code-enforcement/
The “Rat House” Case and Advocacy Failures
In Greensboro’s widely cited “Rat House” case, extreme rodent infestation persisted until public exposure forced enforcement action.
Source
National Center for Healthy Housing case study
https://nchh.org/resource-library/case-study-rat-house-greensboro
The Greensboro Housing Coalition played a central role in advocating for tenants when enforcement initially lagged.
Proactive Inspections vs Complaint Based Enforcement
Research shows proactive rental inspection programs identify hazards earlier and reduce emergency displacement.
Sources
Local Housing Solutions – Proactive inspection outcomes
https://localhousingsolutions.org/housing-policy-library/proactive-rental-inspection-programs/Center for Housing and Community Studies research
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/cityscpe/vol21num1/ch4.pdf
Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 160D, municipalities are authorized to adopt inspection and enforcement ordinances. Greensboro may legally implement proactive programs.
Greensboro’s Enforcement Gaps in a Table
| What Happens | Why Things Slip Through the Cracks (with sources) |
|---|---|
| Dangerous units stay occupied |
Enforcement delays and appeals keep tenants housed—but unsafe—for months.
Source:
theassemblync.com – Greensboro residents demand action on housing conditions
https://www.theassemblync.com/business/development/greensboro-residents-demand-action-on-housing-conditions/ |
| Tenant retaliation fears |
Renters often endure mold, pests, or electrical faults quietly, fearing eviction.
Source:
nchh.org – Front Lines: Greensboro
https://nchh.org/tools-and-data/technical-assistance/ashhi/front-lines_greensboro/ |
| Landlord pressure on policy |
Rental industry lobbying shapes weak enforcement and limited penalties.
Source:
localhousingsolutions.org – Code enforcement overview
https://www.localhousingsolutions.org/housing-policy-library/code-enforcement/ |
| Lack of proactive inspections |
Without regular checks, issues surface only via complaints—if ever.
Source:
Research summary (Greensboro RUCO outcomes)
https://keepaustinwonky.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/enhancinghousingquality.pdf |
Why This Matters (And What You Can Do)
As a Greensboro property owner or neighbor, you pay when slumlords slip through.
Health and safety risks
Faulty wiring, mold, and rodent infestations are violations of basic housing and fire safety law.
Dragging down property values
Blight spreads when enforcement is delayed.
Community trust erodes
When action only follows media exposure, residents lose confidence in local government.
How to Help Close the Cracks
Advocate for proactive rental inspection ordinances
Demand public access to complaint, violation, and enforcement data under North Carolina public records law
Support tenant advocacy organizations like the Greensboro Housing Coalition
Final Thought
The District at West Market did not fail overnight. Neither did New Garden Place. Neither did the Rat House.
These outcomes are predictable when enforcement is reactive and accountability arrives only after harm occurs.
The laws exist.
The evidence exists.
The question is whether enforcement will arrive before the next evacuation.
