PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) announced on Wednesday that its Consumer Protection Division has filed charges against the property owner and managers of the Heather Hills apartment complex in Temple Hills. The complex, more formally known as the Heather Hills Apartments by OneWall, has had problems in recent months, with tenants in June pushing back on what they called "poor living conditions." The charges, alleging that the operators violated the Consumer Protection Act and the Consumer Debt Collection Act, were filed against Heather Hill Property Company LLC, Heather Hill Operating Company LLC, OneWall Communities LLC, Andy Wallace (CEO) and Ron Kutas (COO). PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tenants at Temple Hills apartment complex complain of broken A/C, rats, poor conditions The charges allege that the owner (Heather Hills Property Company) and the property managers operated the complex without a required rental housing license since purchasing the community in April 2022. According to the OAG, they did not apply for a rental housing license until May 2024, at which point, the county issued a temporary one. Within those two years, the operators reportedly received notices of several violations from the county's Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), including, reports of mold, leaks, broken heating and air conditioning, inoperable stoves and dishwashers, "mushrooms growing through the floors," and infestations of bats, insects, rodents and roaches. “Every Marylander has the right to live in a safe home. Tenants should never be forced to live in unsanitary or unsafe conditions,” said Attorney General Anthony Brown. “This lawsuit sends a clear message to landlords: if you violate licensing laws, expose tenants to deplorable conditions, or prioritize profit over people, the Attorney General's Office will hold you accountable."  On June 13, the complex was issued a notice of violation after failing an inspection of housing and fire codes that revealed violations throughout every building. Some of the violations included missing and discharged fire extinguishers, exits with broken glass panes and missing emergency lighting fixtures, according to the OAG. The charges also state that the property managers did not have a license to collect debt in the state, as required under the Maryland Collection Agency, and that the owner and property managers violated the Consumer Protection Act, which protects consumers from unfair business practices. OIG: Park Police officers who shot, killed unarmed man in 2017 ‘did not violate USPP policy’ Regarding the violations, Tara Jackson, the chief administrative officer for Prince George’s County, emphasized her commitment to protecting residents. “The decision to charge the owners of this apartment complex in Temple Hills with violations of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and the County’s Community Development Code of Conduct Act (CDCA) sends a clear message: neglecting the safety and well-being of tenants will not be tolerated in Prince George’s County. This action reflects our unwavering dedication to holding property owners accountable and ensuring that every resident has access to safe, clean, and dignified housing," she said, in part. Despite the violations, the OAG said the owner and property managers continue advertising and leasing units to residents. However, the Attorney General seeks to recover the money the owner and property managers received in connection with their practices. They also call for an injunction against the owner, property manager, CEO and COO. Residents with complaints against the property or its affiliates can call 410-528-6569, file a complaint online at www.marylandattorneygeneral.com. Written complaints can also be submitted to the Consumer Protection Division at 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.  A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2025.