Editor’s note: Full anonymity has been granted to residents quoted in this story to protect their identities.
Residents at Campus Hill Apartments, known as Hippie Hill on King Street, came home March 20 to notices from new owners about closed amenities, increased parking fees and a new requirement of rental insurance, not previously in their lease. The next day, notices of tenants’ obligation to vacate began to roll in.
King Street Apartments LLC purchased the property from SC&S Future, Inc.
Parking rates increased from $35 to $125 a month, and some parking spaces are now occupied by dumpsters for demolition waste from vacant apartments. The notices also announced the closure of the property’s laundry room until August.
Some residents attended the Boone Town Council meeting March 25, where they expressed concerns with the conflict and were advised by the council to seek legal advice.
According to a Hippie Hill resident, the new owners allegedly cited lease violations on residents for various issues, such as messy kitchens, and offered residents money to move out prior to any action to evict.
“They were banking on the fact that none of us would stand up for ourselves,” a resident said.
One long-term Hippie Hill resident said they were offered money by the new owners on March 20 to leave before any lease violations had been raised. According to a document provided by the resident, the company offered them $2,000 to move out by March 27. The offer dropped to $1,000 to move out by March 31.
Some residents took the offer. In the next few days, the interiors of their apartments were gutted.
Those who took the offer were allegedly required to sign a confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement, according to the long-term resident. Those who didn’t take the initial offer received a new one April 2, now with lease violations attached, allegedly threatening obligation to vacate if the offer was not taken. Tenants were offered $1,500 to move out by April 10, and $500 to move out by April 17.
The long-term resident said they signed for lease renewal for the 2026-27 term with the previous company. The resident provided documentation from the previous company stating that next year’s lease was a renewal, and would therefore not require the first and last months to be paid again. King Street Apartments challenged this, saying it was a new lease and the absence of a paid first and last month’s rent rendered the lease invalid.
Another Hippie Hill resident who is also facing similar violations said they are busy with classes while also working to pay for their rent.
“I can’t handle a move right now,” they said.
According to the resident, a representative from the company is frequently on the property, allegedly overseeing the interior demolition of the units. There is also a camera installed overlooking the dumpsters.
“We’re walking on eggshells,” they said.
A resident also said the construction is a consistent disturbance.
“Construction has been going up to 8 p.m. at night and starting as early as 8 a.m. all day, every day,” the resident said.
Despite this, the company is allegedly otherwise difficult to reach, according to the resident.
“Three times I called, and I left two voicemails. I sent five emails. Finally, days later, I got an email back,” the resident said.
King Street Apartments declined a request for an interview at this time but provided a statement.
“We are proud to be investing in and revitalizing this important section of King Street,” the statement read. “Management has been implementing meaningful improvements across the property, including enhanced maintenance and groundskeeping, as well as a focus on community standards that support a respectful and quiet living environment for all residents.”
The company also addressed the ongoing conflict with residents.
“We understand that transition in ownership can create uncertainty. Our goal is to be responsive and collaborative as we work to enrich the broader community while supporting a clean, safe, and respectful living environment,” the statement read.
Two residents described a fairly amicable relationship with the prior rental company.
“I loved it there,” one resident said. “I’d hate to see it get torn down by someone who’s just going to sit here and tear it down to upcharge students.”
Correction: A previous version of this article contained several inaccuracies including the inaccurate use of the legal term “eviction notice,” a photo inaccurately described as being part of the King Street Apartments LLC property, and a claim the management company installed a camera. These inaccuracies have since been corrected.”