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La Jolla Couple Faces Criminal Charges for Substandard Conditions at City Heights Apartment Complex

A city code enforcement inspector, who visited the site in June, said the complex was the most dangerous he'd ever inspected.

San Diego has filed charges against two La Jolla property owners for providing substandard conditions to their tenants living in a City Heights apartment complex.

John Nobel, 78, and Mahin Nobel, 70, face 10 criminal charges in connection with a complex they own on Rex Avenue.

The city says seven units were infested with rodents, mold, and did not have adequate heating or sanitation.

A city code enforcement inspector, who visited the site in June, said the complex was the most dangerous he'd ever inspected.

The tenants inside those units were refugees from the Congo.

According to the complaint, the tenants paid between $1,500 and $2,2500 per month to rent the units which range from two to four bedroom apartments. 

The couple's attorney told NBC7 that the non-profit that was helping the refugees did not notify them of the conditions.

City Attorney Mara Elliot said John and Mahin Nobel are repeat offenders.

The Nobels pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of providing inadequate heating and improper wiring as well as permitting an infestation of vermin and visible mold growth on their property.

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