Greensboro Evacuates 180 Residents, Closes Unsafe Multifamily Property

City inspectors closed the multifamily property at 830 W. Market Street on December 16 after identifying conditions the City described as fire and life safety hazards. Inspectors detected burned out electrical wiring and faulty breakers. The City also noted prior repairs that did not meet code, including altered fire walls and electrical and HVAC work performed without permits. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public safety the housing complex was closed and more than 180 residents were relocated.

The property owner contacted an electrician to address the problems, but the company declined to perform repairs after inspecting the building and determining the property posed a liability and required a complete overhaul. Tenants had reported sporadic power, with elevators trapping people at times, and many residents said they had been without electricity for six days. Several tenants left on their own to find other housing before the City ordered the evacuation.

City departments coordinated the immediate response. Representatives from Greensboro Fire, Police and Community Safety were on site and worked with staff from UNCG, North Carolina A and T State University and Greensboro College to provide resources and identify alternative housing. As of December 20 the City reported that officials were assisting the remaining 10 displaced residents while documenting conditions and ensuring steps taken meet applicable code requirements and due process.

The incident has direct local impact. More than 180 people face displacement and uncertainty, and the episode highlights broader capacity and oversight questions for older rental properties in Guilford County. The discovery of unpermitted structural and systems work underscores the enforcement role of municipal inspections and suggests a need to review permitting, rental registration and proactive inspection practices to prevent similar emergencies.

For residents the closure underscores practical concerns about emergency housing availability and tenant safety. For policymakers the event creates pressure to assess whether existing inspection schedules, enforcement resources and tenant outreach are sufficient to protect public safety and maintain accountability for property owners. The City continues to communicate with tenants and monitor the site as officials determine next steps and code compliance requirements.