Woodland Residents Stranded in Apartments After Elevator Breakdown

Seniors and residents with mobility issues unable to leave their homes for 2 months

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:15am

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Residents of the Hotel Woodland Studio Apartments in Woodland, California have been stuck inside their second, third, and fourth-floor apartments for two months after the building's elevator broke down. The issue has left seniors and residents with mobility issues unable to leave their homes, with one resident saying she feels "abandoned" and fears for her safety in an emergency.

Why it matters

The prolonged elevator outage at the affordable housing complex has created a crisis for vulnerable residents who rely on the elevator to access the outside world. The situation highlights the challenges faced by low-income individuals with disabilities when essential building infrastructure fails, raising concerns about housing safety and accessibility standards.

The details

The elevator first broke down on Thanksgiving night 2025. Nearly two months later, in late January 2026, the elevator remains out of service as the property management company waits for replacement parts. Resident Jennifer Rowland, who lives on the third floor and uses a walker and scooter, says she and about two dozen of her neighbors are stranded inside their apartments with no way to leave. Rowland says she is on a fixed income and has had to rely on a friend to bring her food and other necessities. The situation has left her feeling depressed and fearing for her safety in an emergency.

  • The elevator first broke down on Thanksgiving night 2025.
  • As of late January 2026, the elevator remains out of service.

The players

Jennifer Rowland

A resident of the Hotel Woodland Studio Apartments who lives on the third floor and uses a walker and scooter to get around. She says she and about two dozen of her neighbors are stranded inside their apartments due to the elevator breakdown.

Hotel Woodland Studio Apartments

A 76-unit affordable housing community in Woodland, California that offers furnished, single-room occupancy units for residents.

VPM Management, Inc.

The property management company that is now in charge of the Hotel Woodland Studio Apartments, according to communications sent to residents.

CHOC Housing

The previously listed property management company for the Hotel Woodland Studio Apartments.

City of Woodland

The local government that has been in communication with the property management company about the elevator outage and is working to ensure the safety of residents.

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What they’re saying

“How can they be allowed to get away with this? I feel like we have just been abandoned.”

— Jennifer Rowland, Resident

“I just don't feel like anybody cares.”

— Jennifer Rowland, Resident

“I mean, the only thing keeping me sane is my, my crazy kitty here.”

— Jennifer Rowland, Resident

“I just feel like it's gonna kill me eventually. I mean, if there is an emergency or something, I'd be dead for real. I don't want to die for something stupid.”

— Jennifer Rowland, Resident

“Somebody with influence has to get involved, because we're stuck. I just want to be able to be treated like a human being that has rights, that deserves a safe place to live.”

— Jennifer Rowland, Resident

What’s next

The city of Woodland has stated that the elevator is scheduled for repair next week, but resident Jennifer Rowland says she isn't holding her breath. The situation will likely continue to be monitored by local officials and media outlets until the elevator is fully restored.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of reliable and accessible infrastructure in affordable housing complexes, especially for residents with mobility challenges. The prolonged elevator outage has left vulnerable individuals trapped in their homes, highlighting the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to ensure the safety and well-being of low-income tenants.