Senior citizens trapped in Leonberg's house of horrors

Trapped in the Troublesome Tower - Elderly Struggle with Faulty Elevator in Leonberg

Stuck in the elevator dilemma of Leonberg!

In the 10-story rental building owned by Siedlungswerk Stuttgart, the 60 residents have faced numerous difficulties. Last spring, they had no running hot water for weeks. Following protests, the issue was fixed, but since then, the elevator has been malfunctioning.

As per the residents, the elevator got stuck four times in November alone. Nina Erlenbusch (73) from the 6th floor recounted her ordeal: "Suddenly, the elevator got stuck. It was terrifying. Luckily, the emergency button worked. After an hour, firefighters rescued me."

Elderly Pensioners Faced with Difficulties

Nina Erlenbusch has family who occasionally help carry shopping up the 84 stairs to her apartment. Other residents are left with no help.

Larisa Yasnitska (80) from the 7th floor voiced her concerns: "The housing association says that the elevator will be repaired in three weeks at the earliest. I have osteoarthritis in both knees and have seven appointments with the doctor, dentist, and physiotherapist during this time. The elevator issues cause me immense pain."

The housing association posted a problematic message in the hallway, advising residents to "contact neighbors, family members, or social services" about the elevator situation.

Pensioner Danica Voika expressed her frustration: "I can no longer walk my little dog due to the faulty lift and had to give her to my son. I don't know anyone in the house who can help me carry the shopping upstairs."

Caregiver Tatjana Krüger (60) with 126 Steps to Her Apartment Demands Rent Reduction

Elderly care worker Tatjana Krüger (60) is required to climb 126 steps daily. "How can you mistreat the elderly people in this manner? The property management must urgently address the issue, and a 20% rent reduction would also be appropriate."

According to Siedlungswerk Stuttgart spokesperson Andreas Klein (34), the problem lies with the major defect in the elevator drive motor control system. A replacement part is not readily available. He stated: "We are currently looking into ways to support the residents in the meantime until the repair is complete."

1. Police were called to investigate the elevator incidents at the Siedlungswerk Stuttgart property in Leonberg due to concerns about the tenancy law and safety of elderly residents.
2. In light of the consistent elevator problems, some pensioners, such as Danica Voika, had to give up their pets, exacerbating their sense of isolation and despair.
3. Stuttgart regional news reported that the fire department had to rescue Nina Erlenbusch, highlighting the urgent need for elevator maintenance and adherence to tenancy law.
4. Amidst the worsening situation, the landlord, Siedlungswerk Stuttgart, faced criticism for its response to the apartment elevator issues, with some residents, like geriatric nurse Tatjana Krüger, demanding a 20% rent reduction due to the inconvenience and stress.
5. Local authorities suggested that elderly residents in Leonberg consider alternative housing options, such as renting apartments with ground-floor access or key-operated elevator facilities, to avoid future issues and ensure their well-being.

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Enrichment Data

The provided sources do not directly address the specific issue of recurring elevator problems in a 10-story rental building in Leonberg, Germany. However, they offer some general insights and solutions that could be relevant to addressing such issues:

1. Elevator Maintenance and Modernization
2. Regular maintenance and modernization of elevators can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurring issues. This could involve upgrading to more reliable and efficient systems (e.g., advanced safety features and regular inspection schedules)[1].
3. Accessibility Solutions
4. Accessibility solutions like installing elevators with features such as emergency call systems, wheelchair accessibility, and clear signage can be crucial for elderly residents. Additionally, providing alternative routes or accessible stairwells can help in case of elevator failure[1].
5. Customer-Centric Solutions
6. Companies like mateco provide comprehensive advice and on-site consultations to understand individual requirements. Through such approaches, tailored solutions could be developed for addressing specific needs of elderly residents in a rental building[1].
7. Innovative Technologies
8. The trend report on IT topics in 2025 highlights the increasing use of generative AI and embedded AI for various applications, potentially improving the reliability and safety of elevators through predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring[3].
9. Sustainable and Accessible Design
10. Focusing on sustainability in the IT sector could translate to more efficient and accessible building designs for elderly residents, incorporating green technologies that enhance livability and accessibility[3].

To address the specific issue of recurring elevator problems in a 10-story rental building in Leonberg, Germany, it would be necessary to consult local experts in building maintenance and accessibility. This could involve contacting local authorities, building management companies, or specialized service providers who can assess the situation and propose tailored solutions.