Ramshackle Motel Becomes Days Inn by Wyndham Microtel
Prior to receivership there were
1,795 violations of health and safety codes onsite.
With the building’s poor structural integrity, there was a possibility that it could collapse in the event of strong winds or an earthquake.
Post-receivership, the establishment has re-opened under new ownership–providing visitors and residents with a safe place to stay.
This 96-unit motel was in bad shape when we were appointed as the receiver under the California Health and Safety Code. Many of the rooms lacked running water, had mold, malfunctioning electrical outlets, missing flooring, and broken windows. Additionally, the motel was plagued by rampant crime. An engineer assessed that with the building’s poor structural integrity, there was a possibility that it could collapse in the event of strong winds or an earthquake. In total, officials found 1,795 violations of state and municipal health and safety laws on-site.
Photos of the Motel Prior to Receivership
Prior Management of the Motel Failed to Assist Occupants at Risk Under Perilous Conditions
There were many instances where motel management neglected to properly assist guests, and even put guests in grave danger. The following story is one example of the terrible way that the property was maintained prior to CRG’s appointment as receiver. An electrical fire occurred in one of the rooms right before our appointment, and we were alarmed to find that a charming woman, who was both elderly and disabled, was residing in a unit that did not have wheelchair access and lacked fire safety equipment. Fortunately, the electrical fire was contained and did not reach her room, but it would have been almost impossible for her to escape in the event of this, or any other, emergency.
Receivership Successfully Relocates 19 Occupants Even Though they Were No Longer Paying Motel Guests
Upon our appointment, 19 individuals resided at the motel and it became apparent that they were not paying for their rooms and were simply squatting on the property. When it came to relocating these people so that we could begin our work to remedy the health and safety violations, we found that these individuals did not have other housing options and didn’t have the money to cover a first and last month rental deposit. Fortunately, we were able to provide the occupants with the funds necessary to relocate to safe alternative housing. Indeed, it took a lot of coordination on our part to successfully assist all of these people at the same time. In some cases, we physically helped them move their belongings, while we communicated with their new landlords to deliver the checks to cover their rent.
Photos of the Motel After Receivership
Receivership Remedy Results in Responsible New Motel Ownership
Through the health and safety receivership, we were able to sell the motel to a new owner with the capacity to bring the property up to code and turn it into an asset for the surrounding community. The Wyndham Hotel Group did a fantastic job turning this nuisance property around and developing it into a Days Inn.
The transformation of this property receives accolades from visitors near and far.
