PITTSBURGH -- Tenants of two Oakland apartment buildings have four days to find new homes because building inspectors found their apartments too dangerous in which to live.

The people living in 24 apartments at 331 and 337 McKee Place have to move out by Monday. The buildings are near the University of Pittsburgh's main campus, and many of the tenants are students.

One young woman, who did not want to give her name, told WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Amber Nicotra that she moved to McKee Place from Wisconsin five days ago and is upset at being forced out. She said the landlord has been good about fixing things at the apartment.

"The fire codes and knowing it's unsafe, just finding out this way through the city instead of through your landlord, is even worse," said resident Sarah Neilson.

The city of Pittsburgh ruled the apartments have several violations, including insufficient smoke detectors, gas odors and piles of junk under the fire escape. Signs reading "Dangerous - Keep out" have been posted.

Most of the violations were discovered in 2006, but city building inspectors said the owners have never taken steps to fix them.

"It's a little crummy inside," said resident Chelsea Gunn. "It's kind of grimy. Things don't work the way they're supposed to. I guess the main thing is the fire escape and smoke alarms."

Jason Cohen, owner of 331 McKee, told Nicotra by phone from Texas that he first learned of the violations on Wednesday.

"I believe there's a fire exit sign in the hall," said Cohen. "Apparently, they want a few more. Not a problem. We'll do that as well. But again, I just got this notice yesterday. That situation in particular is a bit surprising. Seems a little bit unorganized on the city's part."

But WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Bob Mayo was there when senior building inspector Robert McPherson was telling Cohen's attorney and maintenance manager that the problems and citations go back two years.

"The leases back in 2006 weren't protected," said McPherson. "Then they leased 2007, and they leased, they leased 2008 knowingly with violations."

"My building is in the top percentile of quality in South Oakland," said Cohen. "I can guarantee you that. I can point to numerous buildings in South Oakland that are just falling apart, where mine is nowhere near that."

"There's a leak in our bathroom that's being fixed next week," said one student who lives at 337 McKee. "It just seems he's very attentlive, even though the building doesn't look so good."

Tenants were scrambling to make moving arrangements on Thursday.

"I would expect that they would give us some kind of notice," said resident Phillip Talley. "They really didn't let us know anything."

"Problems since 2006," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. "We've repeatedly requested for them to upgrade their facilities, bring their buildings up to code and unfortunately they decided not to do that."

Inspectors also gave warnings Thursday about Cohen's property on Parkview Avenue, which is a few blocks away. Citations include lack of proper fire protection and safety in doors to apartments and corridors for the 40 units at the address.

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