Several residents evicted from newly red-tagged Mayan Hotel

The City of El Centro’s Community Development Department Code Enforcement Division along with the assistance of local law enforcement agencies were forced to ‘Red-Tag’ the Mayan Hotel in El Centro, leading to the eviction of all of the 22 residents that lived there.

Red tagging means that the structure is dangerous and unsafe to remain in and that all tenants or others residing there must leave for their own safety. This action became necessary when the City of El Centro said the owner, Mohammad Shah aka Jack Rafiq, failed and refused to respond to city notices and citation.

Over the past two months, city staff said they’ve tried to work with him to resolve the substandard conditions of the hotel; most recently, with the discovery of new violations that create a severe fire danger, staff tried to work with him to determine how many tenants are actually renting rooms at the hotel.

The city said Rafiq agreed to provide that information and notify tenants, but failed to do so. The city also said Rafiq has been uncooperative with the compliance process and unwilling to provide City staff with tenant information. The city has commenced the legal process of declaring Rafiq to be a slumlord and has cited him for criminal code violations.

It is estimated that 22 individuals were assisted in the process of condemning the hotel. The City in coordination with the County of Imperial is offering programs and services, which may be of assistance to those tenants affected by this situation.

Individuals are also encouraged to contact the Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board located at 444 S. 8th Street, El Centro, 760-482-5773. Inland Fair Housing serves as an intermediary to assist individuals in resolving issues related to rental complaints and disputes.