CEO apologizes to unemployed Houston mom who got insensitive eviction note
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A CEO is apologizing after one of his property manager's taped a mean-spirited eviction threat to a tenant's door.
"Buck stops with me, so yes, I do personally apologize," said Swapnil Agarwal, CEO of Karya Property Management. "I wish I had the time and the resources to reach out personally to every one of them who have dealt with any issues at our properties. But I am apologizing personally in case it was insensitive, and if she was really trying to work out a payment program with the property or that she was in communication with the manager, then I accept it's truly our fault."
The self-made millionaire who founded Nitya Capital and owns 42 apartment properties in the Houston area says an apartment manager created the flyer without corporate approval.
"And we have reprimanded and wrote the manager up," said Agarwal.
That tenant, Sonja Lee, lost her job at a Jack in the Box in March and missed rent in June, July and August.
"I greatly appreciate the apology, and I accept it wholeheartedly," said Lee.
The single mother of two says a regional manager for Karya Property Management also spoke with her over the phone to apologize for the flyer which read "Guess who's moving? You!!!"
ORIGINAL STORY: Unemployed Houston mom of 2 hit with insensitive eviction notice
And since our story first aired, Lee says Houstonians have shown up.
"It's been so overwhelming, and I am so grateful. I have never experienced anything like this," Lee said.
A generous viewer called her apartment complex and paid two months' rent.
Another woman dropped off new school supplies for her sons.
"Another young lady assisted me, she paid all of my light bill," Lee said.
Lee says she is lucky and has a new job lined up starting Aug. 24, and she will not soon forget all the good will.
"I have to pay this forward ten times fold," Lee told ABC13.
Karya Property Management has established a rental assistance program through their foundation Karya Kares.
Qualifying tenants could receive financial help for one month's rent.
You can follow this link for more information on Karya Kares and the rent assistance program.
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