Neighbors in Toledo, Ohio, say 2 vacant homes are 'full of rats' after years without action

On a block in South Toledo, Ohio, neighbors say two vacant homes have become a bigger problem than simple blight, with years of neglect allegedly attracting rats and other burrowing animals.

What's happening?

Neighbors interviewed by 13ABC said 1229 and 1235 Colburn Street show signs of prolonged deterioration, including collapsing roofs, thick weeds, trash, and evidence of animals living in and around the properties.

Terry Sancrant, who lives on Colburn Street, described the situation in stark terms. "It's basically falling apart. It's covered in weeds, there's animals living in there — rats, groundhogs," he said. "The place is full of rats."

Another resident on the block, J. Mykol, said the issue is hardly new. Concerns about the same properties were raised in 2021, when reported ownership complications made it difficult for the city to step in on one of the homes.

At the time, one property owner had died, and because the taxes were still current, the city was unable to assume control of it, 13ABC reported.

According to a public property database, 1235 Colburn Street now owes thousands of dollars in taxes, with no payment reported since 2021. The other property, 1229 Colburn Street, was declared tax delinquent in 2014 and deemed uninhabitable in 2017.

Why does it matter?

Abandoned properties can become public health and quality-of-life concerns when structures are left broken open, weeds grow unchecked, and trash and debris pile up, giving rodents and other animals places to hide and nest.

This kind of problem is also tied, at least in part, to human activity. When buildings are left unsecured, lots go unmaintained, and waste is allowed to accumulate, pests can thrive.

Mykol said the ongoing rat infestation has already forced him to spend money on repairs to his home.

"I had to do repairs all around the house," he said. "There needs to be something done about these properties. We need to get rid of the eye sores on the block to turn it into a really genuine solid neighborhood for South Toledo."

What's being done?

City and health department officials told 13ABC that 1229 Colburn Street will be re-inspected.

The property's owner, who purchased it in 2025, had previously been issued violation orders and sought extra time to tear down the garage. Those extensions have now passed; additional fines are being applied, and the property will be referred to housing court.

Meanwhile, the city has placed 1235 Colburn Street on its demolition-candidate list.

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