As a recipient of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, coming from a background of homelessness and struggling with little to no income, every dollar counts in maintaining a stable living condition. Navigating life with these financial constraints is already challenging, and having an unexpected expense like a sewer bill is both unfair and burdensome.

According to our lease agreement at Vista de La Sierra Apartments in Riverside, CA, residents are responsible for paying all utilities except for water, sewer, and trash. However, despite this clear agreement, management has been requiring residents to pay the sewer bill. When questioned about this discrepancy in enforcement, Kelsey Haines from management explained that Vista de La Sierra covers sewer costs for the incoming flow, but expects residents to foot the bill for the remaining sewer expenses. This is not only confusing but contradicts the agreement we signed.

Many residents here are already under significant financial stress. Imposing additional charges that should not be their responsibility is a violation of the lease terms and an injustice to those who are most vulnerable. Financial security is precarious for many, especially those who have recently moved from homelessness. Understanding and respecting the lease terms is crucial for the management and beneficial for our community.

What we are asking is simple: for Vista de La Sierra management to honor the terms of the lease agreement. The management must absorb the costs related to sewer services, as stipulated in our lease. This, in turn, will ease the financial burden on the residents who rely heavily on their agreed-upon income to make ends meet.

We urge the property management to act responsibly and fairly by adhering to the lease agreement, thus allowing residents to focus on improving their quality of life without the stress of unexpected financial burdens. We need your help to make this change. Please sign this petition to hold Vista de La Sierra management accountable, ensuring that they keep their promise to the residents and respect the terms of our lease as they are written.