Elk Grove Renter Has Their Power Cut Due To Home's History
ELK GROVE (CBS13) – Sandra Johnson found what she thought was the perfect house to rent in Elk Grove. But after one year there, she's forced to move out because the house has a history that's haunting it.
Johnson and her kids are being left in the dark.
"There's no electricity and since we have problems with the electric here, we tried to flip the switch," Johnson said.
When she and her husband went outside to check the meter.
"I compared with my neighbor and then I realized, 'Oh! That's the meter and it's gone!'" Johnson said.
SMUD confirms it took the meter, saying it has unsafe wiring. The rental house on Fife Ranch Way has a history with police. Elk Grove Police say it was busted for a large marijuana grow before the Johnson's moved in and had re-routed wires.
Neighbors remember the police raid last year.
"We saw a bunch of undercover cops all over here and busted their door down," said neighbor Gloria Israel.
"Whole block was filled with cops and they kicked the door open and grabbed a bunch of lights and plastic bags," said neighbor David Israel.
Johnson says SMUD told her the house also owes money for stealing electricity.
"They said it'll be $7,000 all together," Johnson said.
A lot of renters like Johnson find properties on websites like Craigslist. So we wanted to know how can renters avoid moving into troubled properties.
Real estate broker James Tan encourages tenants or prospective homeowners to look for problems using public records.
"Every single real estate agent or broker has access to information on the property and those liens are public record, so you can find out. You can even go to the court house and find out," Tan said.
The new property owner also says she's a realtor. In a statement, she says she needs to speak to SMUD on Monday.
"I will call them tomorrow am to find out what's going on. I advised the tenants to stay in the hotel until I resolve the problem with SMUD," Lynda Chac said.
The Johnson's are packing.
"We have to be out of here before 6, 6:30 before it gets dark," Johnson said.
But Johnson worries they won't find a new home before the holidays.
"We weren't ready for this at all. We aren't prepared financially and it's emotional."
Johnson says her landlord did tell her the house was used to grow illegal marijuana, but she said her landlord told her the only concern was potential mold.