EDWARDSVILLE — A couple claims their apartment landlord broke their lease, failed to return their security deposit and illegally turned off their electricity.
Michael Starnes and Cynthia Starnes filed a complaint Aug. 13 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Metro Apartments at Granite City LLC and Ameren Illinois Company, alleging negligence and violation of the Illinois Rental Property Utility Service Act.
According to the suit, they began leasing an apartment on Jeanette Drive in Granite City from the defendants in August 2018, and paid a $550 security deposit. They allege Metro Apartments broke the lease on April 15, due to renovation work on the building. The plaintiffs claim all of their lease payments had been paid in full at the time. They allege the $250 security deposit check Metro Apartments sent them in April was returned by the bank for insufficient funds.
The Starnes also allege Metro Apartments "posed" as them and had their electricity with Ameren turned off on Aug. 23, 2019. During the time their power was off, Michael Starnes fell down the stairs in the dark and suffered injuries to his knee.
The Starnes seek monetary and all other just relief. They are represented by Paul Attorney Paul Storment, III in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-000982