[Laurel, MD, October 29, 2025] — In response to recent complaints brought forward by residents regarding conditions at Avondale Apartments, the City of Laurel is issuing this update to ensure transparency and keep residents informed of actions taken to address these concerns.

 “The general welfare of our residents is my highest priority as your Mayor,” said Mayor Keith R. Sydnor. “Any health and safety concerns reported to the City are immediately investigated by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Permit Services (FMPS), which issues corrective orders requiring compliance with all identified violations. My administration will continue to hold all property owners and management firms accountable for providing a safe and humane living environment for our residents.”

Avondale Apartment Code Enforcement Update

 August 28, 2025 - The City of Laurel received the initial complaint from resident. On the same day, city officials met with the property management team, a member of the maintenance team and the tenant. An inspection of the property was conducted.  The property was given 10 days to create a plan to mitigate the issue.  The City requested all documentation directly related to the unit, including extermination reports, inspections, etc. Since then, the City of Laurel has received a total of 5 formal complaints from residents.

 September 8, 2025 – The City of Laurel held a follow-up meeting with the property management in reference to the complaint of a rodent infestation present throughout the building. An inspection of all common areas of the building was conducted to determine whether the overall condition of shared spaces contributed to the issue. After which, frequent inspections of the common areas were conducted and found that there were a few instances of trash overflowing or abandoned property within shared spaces. In each of the instances, the issue or concerns raised during our inspections were immediately addressed by management.  

 September 25, 2025 – An inspection of the original complainant’s unit was conducted, during which several dead mice were observed in the mechanical unit of the apartment. No activity of mice was found elsewhere in the unit. City officials schedule an inspection of 10% of the units for Monday, September 29, 2025. A randomized list of units was provided.  

 On September 29, 2025 – FMPS conducted on-site inspections as previously scheduled.  Given the increase in reports from residents regarding potential health and safety issues, the City notified Gates Hudson Property Management Firm’s regional manager that it would inspect 50% of the  residential units within the building. Management cooperated fully and assigned maintenance personnel to accompany City inspectors throughout the process. 

 Inspection Focus and Findings  

City inspectors evaluated kitchens and mechanical closets within each unit, prioritizing the identification of rodent activity or contributing conditions. Inspection findings included:  

• Evidence of rodent activity in multiple units, particularly around food storage areas and utility access points. Of the 135 units inspected, we found no activity in 101 units and 34 units with mice activity.   
• Poor sealing around baseboards, vents, and utility penetrations in several units.
• Minor sanitation issues and inadequate trash containment in shared/common areas.

A quality air test was also administered to 20% of the apartment buildings, and the City is currently awaiting the official lab results. Those findings will be shared publicly once received. To address resident concerns related to air quality and respiratory issues, the City also contacted the Laurel Emergency Center and confirmed that there were no emergency room visits recorded from ZIP code 20707 for breathing difficulties between August–September 2025.

Corrective Actions and Follow-Up 

Following the inspection, the City issued a treatment and remediation plan to Avondale Apartments management, outlining corrective actions and preventive measures. These actions include: 

• Immediate additional pest control and sealing of access points found in all of the apartments.   
• Enhanced sanitation procedures are set to occur throughout the building in all common spaces, and tenants are encouraged to maintain good housekeeping in their homes.   
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting of all pest control activity is required to be submitted to the City monthly and shall include a written record of all actions taken.   

 FMPS will conduct regular follow-up inspections to ensure progress and verify that all corrective measures are implemented successfully.  

 Residents experiencing housing issues are encouraged to report concerns directly to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Permit Services by calling 301-725-5300 or submitting a report online at cityoflaurel.org.