The City of Shreveport and the Department of Water and Sewerage are committed to transparency and fairness in ensuring all residents receive the essential services they pay for. Unfortunately, tenants at Village Square Apartments and Southern Oaks Apartments have been placed in an unfair situation due to their apartment owners’ failure to pay outstanding water bills despite collecting rent that includes water payments.
Last week, the Department of Water and Sewerage notified residents that their water service would be disconnected due to non-payment by the property owners. However, after realizing tenants had not been given sufficient time to prepare, the decision has been made to delay disconnections. The City and the Department recognize that the hardworking people who have fulfilled their rental obligations should not be unfairly impacted by the property owner’s failure to pay.
Since the initial cutoff notices, one of the apartment owners has made payments but has not satisfied their full balances. As a result, the City will be issuing door-to-door notices next week informing residents of both complexes that, if full payment is not received, water service will be disconnected 10 days after the notice is posted.
“We understand this is a deeply frustrating and distressing situation for residents, and we are doing everything within our authority to provide support while also ensuring that city ordinances are upheld,” said William Daniel, Director of Water and Sewerage. “Our goal is not to punish the residents, but to hold the property owners accountable for their financial obligations.”
If the property owners fail to pay the outstanding balance within the 10-day period, the City will issue an emergency declaration. That will allow the water department to temporarily restore water for 30 days, but only during limited hours, which cover 6am – 8am and 6pm – 8pm daily. This measure is intended to give residents some relief while they seek alternative housing solutions.
“Our administration is committed to protecting our residents, and we will not stand by while people suffer due to mismanagement by property owners,” said Mayor Tom Arceaneux. “We strongly urge the owners of Village Square and Southern Oaks to do the right thing, fulfill their financial responsibilities, and prevent further disruption to their tenants’ lives.”
If the property owners choose to enter into a payment arrangement, they will be required to increase their deposit to the current standard of $100 per unit. Additionally, their past-due balance will be split into equal payments on the agreed-upon repayment plan, which must be paid alongside their regular monthly water bill.
The City of Shreveport Water and Sewerage Department encourages all affected tenants to reach out to their property management teams for further clarification. They remain committed to ensuring that residents are treated fairly and that property owners are held accountable.
For more information on this project and updates, visit the website at www.shreveportlawater.gov/.