Woman says Jayco Corporation failed to fix property damage

CHARLESTON - A former tenant is suing Jayco Corporation for failing to fix property damages and evicting her from her residence.

On June 29, 2012, a severe storm caused damage to Frances Keeling's residence, according to a complaint filed July 8 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Keeling claims she noticed a leak on July 2, 2012, and by the following day, mold began to appear and spread rapidly.

Hansford Cochran, the landlord, failed to promptly respond to the leak, according to the suit.

Keeling claims she further complained about the smell and condition of the mold and residence in general and the landlord sent agents to the residence several times over the following weeks, but no repairs were made and instead, advised Keeling to open the windows and doors for airflow.

On Sept. 19, the defendant issued a Notice to Vacate to Keeling, citing a default of the agreement lease, unwillingness to pay rent owed on date due, a stop payment on the August check, neglect of the apartment by not contacting the management until the issues were visible and a demand to vacate by Oct. 10, according to the suit.

Keeling claims the defendant had a duty to deliver and keep the premises in a habitable condition and failed to do so.

The defendant caused Keeling to suffer personal property damage; lost wages; and annoyance and inconvenience, according to the suit.

Keeling is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Steven S. Wolfe of Wolfe Law Office PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carrie Webster.

Case number: 13-C-1282