Billings Battles Colonial Apartment Evictions

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After the owner of the Colonial apartment building in Billings, Montana passed away last summer, the city and the owner's estate have been locked in a years-long legal battle over the dilapidated condition of the now-vacant property. The few remaining tenants were recently evicted by sheriff's deputies and the building's windows and doors were boarded up as the dispute continues in court.

Why it matters

The Colonial has long been a source of controversy in Billings, with the city citing the building's poor condition and safety issues. The ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges cities face in dealing with neglected or abandoned properties, especially when ownership changes hands unexpectedly.

The details

After the owner's death, the city and the owner's estate have been unable to reach a settlement over the building's condition, leading to the recent evictions and boarding up of the property. The city has cited numerous code violations at the Colonial over the years, but the owner had resisted making the necessary repairs.

• The Colonial's owner passed away last summer.
• The remaining tenants were recently evicted by sheriff's deputies.
• The building's windows and doors were boarded up as the legal dispute continues.

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case between the city and the owner's estate is expected to rule on the next steps for the Colonial building in the coming weeks.