Landlord at the Heart of Shreveport Apartment Crisis Acquires $16 Million Property
Shreveport, LA – A landlord embroiled in a housing crisis in Shreveport has bought a building in New York’s Chinatown neighborhood for $16 million, according to recent reports. Yacov Smouha, the owner of several apartment complexes in Shreveport currently under scrutiny for providing substandard housing, reportedly made this new acquisition amidst mounting municipality pressures.
Charges and Allegations Against Smouha
Smouha, who owns Villa Norte, The Pines, Linwood Homes and Forest Oaks, has become a notorious figure in the city owing to repeated property standards violations. His holdings, which are part of nine apartment complexes singled out by city officials, have faced a barrage of criticisms and legal complaints.
Smouha is also a part owner of Shegosa Family Homes, a firm specializing in custom home building in North Port, Florida. The starting price for these residential properties is pegged at $445,000. Nonetheless, the landlord has gained more infamy due to his failed responsibilities toward the tenants of his Shreveport properties.
Recent Developments
Smouha’s acquisitions are not only limited to Florida and New York. According to his company’s website, both Smouha and his brother, Izhak, boast of having a quarter-century’s worth of experience in real estate across the US, Europe, and Israel. Their commitment to “providing excellent service and building homes” appears to face a harsh contrast when viewed in light of charges and allegations against Smouha.
The announcement of Smouha’s recent property purchase in New York was made on Tuesday, coinciding with the day he was arraigned in Shreveport City Court. However, rather than appear in person, an attorney representing Smouha entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf concerning the criminal blight charges.
The Larger Issue at Hand
The city’s decision to switch off utilities to The Pines, Villa Norte, and Jolie Apartments, two of three complexes owned by Smouha’s company, Shreveport Amar Holdings, come Friday, has further deepened the housing crisis. In addition to this, Smouha’s company reportedly owes the city over $360,000 in unpaid water bills, aggravating the tension between the landlord and municipal authorities.
The ongoing investigations surrounding Smouha’s properties represent a larger issue of landlord accountability and tenant rights. The case has stirred discussions about the need for robust regulations to ensure landlords adhere to property standards and fulfill their duties toward their tenants.
A Trial Soon to Commence
A trial is set for August 2, putting Smouha in the public limelight once more. The outcome of the trial stands to have a significant impact on the community, as it is expected to shed light on the extent of the violations and the consequences that Smouha and his company may face as a result.