CAYCE, S.C. — Homeowner Anna Percival says she has spent more than $7,000 in home repairs due to damage caused by rats coming from the home next door.
"It started with our pest control company, they came out, and they said it was the house next door," Percival said.
The home in question sits on the corner of her street and has had a bright yellow sign attached to the side of it for five years, explaining that Cayce Code Enforcement has condemned the home. The home has also been vacant throughout that time.
Now from the exterior, neighbors can see boarded-up windows, random items on the front porch, tall grass, and rot on the home.
News 19 contacted the city to find out what could be done with the home. City spokesperson Ashley Hunter says the city has been in contact with the homeowner and has been told the house has "sentimental value."
Hunter says the city has a few options for what to do in this scenario, but none they want to pursue now.
"It's fairly extreme to have a home demolished, it's not something you want to do and it's a very lengthy court process, and then it's a very expensive process. Those are taxpayer dollars and a lot of that is the owner's responsibility," Hunter stated.
However, when asked about the length of time a home can sit condemned without action being taken, the City of Cayce did not provide an answer.
Residents in the city are asked to call Code Enforcement at 803-739-5361 if they are facing any similar issues.