PHOENIX (AZFamille) — Eric Baber moved into his apartment in 12 palms in Phoenix last December. Nearly a year later, he faces deportation, which he says is retaliation for a host of issues he has spoken out about.

“Everyone is nervous because they retaliate whenever people complain, whether it’s directly or to a government agency, or just to get the message out,” Baber said.

Baber sent a letter to Zendoor at the end of September detailing the problems and requesting a refund.

He claims he had to repair window and door locks himself after submitting service requests that went unanswered.

He also says he couldn’t turn on the running water or turn off the air conditioning for several months straight. The biggest problem is what he says appears to be mold in the ceiling and bathroom vents.

Baber says he’s not the only one living in these conditions at the complex.

“I did everything within the framework of my contractual agreement but I have started to assert my claim rights. Living with mold that affects my health. Living with cockroaches, living without locks to lock my doors and stay safe,” Baber said.

After sending the letter, Baber said she received an eviction notice on her door the following month.

The non-profit association Arizona Fair Housing Center investigation into Baber’s situation, but advocates say cases like this are difficult to prove and require resources many people don’t have.

“There is a certain right to reimbursement, but it’s a question of who is going to enforce that? said Ryan Winkle, executive director of the Arizona Fair Housing Center.

THE Arizona Landlord-Tenant Law states that a landlord may not retaliate if a tenant has complained of a violation to the landlord or a government agency. Baber continues to demand accountability.

“This is gross negligence and carelessness,” Baber said.

Arizona’s family reached out to Zendoor but did not receive a response.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a news report? Send it’s ours here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.