County Council President Evan Glass said it is “unconscionable” that residents at a Silver Spring apartment complex are facing restricted access to their own units after a fatal fire last month.
Residents at Arrive Silver Spring have reportedly been required to sign a waiver releasing the property of liability before they are allowed to move out. On Feb. 18, a fire at the apartment building killed a 25-year-old woman and displaced many residents.
During a media briefing Monday, Glass said the waiver is permissible under state law, and falls outside of the county’s legal authority.
“I have encouraged former residents — that if they choose to not sign this waiver to retrieve the belongings that they should have a right to get — they unfortunately need to file a suit in district court,” Glass said.
He said it is “unconscionable” that a landlord would not allow residents to get their belongings after a fire.
