Landlord Neglect: Family's Desperate Battle for Heat and Power (2026)

A Family's Plight: Caught Between Bureaucracy and a Cold Winter

In Covington, Kentucky, a family's struggle with a landlord's inaction has left them without heat and electricity for over ten days. Jessica Tarter and her boyfriend, along with their dog, have been forced to endure the bitter cold, seeking warmth in their car. The issue began when they discovered their home was illegally wired to steal electricity from Duke Energy, leading to a disconnection of service due to safety concerns. Tarter's pleas for a swift resolution fell on deaf ears as the landlord failed to act promptly.

Tarter's desperation led her to take matters into her own hands, finding an electrician through her church to rewire the home. While the situation has improved, Duke Energy's requirement of a $140 inspection fee to restore service poses a significant barrier. The family's financial constraints and the landlord's unresponsive attitude have left them in a precarious situation, especially with a winter storm approaching.

The Covington City offices, closed on Martin Luther King Day when the issue began, have fined the landlord for operating without a rental license. The city advised Tarter to seek help from Legal Aid, but the process is time-consuming, and the family's situation is becoming increasingly dire. The rental ordinance allows tenants to pay for repairs and deduct the cost from rent, but Tarter's financial situation makes this option unfeasible.

As the cold weather persists, the family's hope for a resolution remains uncertain. This story highlights the challenges faced by tenants in navigating bureaucratic processes and the impact of inaction by landlords, leaving a family vulnerable during a harsh winter.

Landlord Neglect: Family's Desperate Battle for Heat and Power (2026)
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