Towson Apartment Tenants Sue Property Management After Fire

Residents claim history of unresolved fire and safety violations contributed to January blaze.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Residents of the 12-story Berkshires at Town Center Apartments in Towson, Maryland are suing the property's management, alleging that a history of unresolved fire and safety violations contributed to a January 19th fire that left some tenants trapped on their balconies and others unaware of the danger until smoke filled the hallways.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety and building code enforcement, especially in multi-unit residential properties. The lawsuit raises questions about whether property managers are being held accountable for maintaining proper safety standards and responding effectively to emergencies.

The details

According to the lawsuit, dozens of tenants are accusing the Berkshires' management of negligence, claiming that fire and safety violations cited by a judge in late 2025 had not been addressed by the time of the January 2026 fire. Tenants reported issues like non-working sprinklers, generators, and emergency lighting during the incident. Some residents also allege they were required to pay lease termination fees if they wanted to move out after the fire.

  • The January 19, 2026 fire broke out at the Berkshires at Town Center Apartments in Towson, Maryland.
  • In late 2025, a judge ordered the building's owners to correct several fire and safety code violations.

The players

Berkshires at Town Center Apartments

A 12-story apartment building in Towson, Maryland where the fire occurred.

Cheryl Huff

A former resident of the Berkshires who was treated for smoke inhalation after the fire and has since moved out, describing the experience as "the closest I've ever been to dying."

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What they’re saying

“There was no alarm that went off. I have a water sprinkler system going all the way through my apartment, including into the closets, and none of them went off.”

— Cheryl Huff (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The lawsuit is ongoing, and the judge will determine whether the property management company is liable for the fire and any resulting damages to tenants.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of property managers upholding fire safety standards and responding effectively to emergencies in order to protect the wellbeing of their tenants. The lawsuit could set a precedent for how landlords are held accountable for maintaining safe living conditions.