Residents in an 11-story Memphis apartment building say a chronically broken elevator has turned their lives into a grueling climb, leaving elderly and disabled neighbors effectively trapped and forcing at least one person to crawl up multiple flights of stairs. A user-submitted photo and several posts shared with local media describe people hauling walkers and small chairs up tight stairwells and say the outages have dragged on for roughly a year and a half. Tenants warn routine errands now come with real risk and, at times, deep embarrassment for neighbors who cannot safely use the stairs.
According to FOX13 Memphis, the photo was submitted by a user credited as "tate51357," along with posts from residents detailing the elevator outages and their fallout. Those posts state that the building has 11 floors and that the issue has stretched on for about 1.5 years, with people missing medical appointments and struggling to bring home groceries.
Tenants Say Daily Life Has Become An Obstacle Course
In accounts shared with FOX13 Memphis, one poster who identified themself as a disabled senior said, "I crawled up nine flights of stairs," describing a journey that most people would struggle with even in peak health. Other residents said neighbors have been stuck in situations where they could not get home in time to use a bathroom. The posts describe tenants who rely on walkers or folding chairs, which makes tackling multiple flights of stairs difficult at best and, for some, nearly impossible.
Rules Put Elevator Responsibility On Property Owners
City regulations place the responsibility for maintaining and safely operating elevators on property owners, according to City of Memphis planning materials. At the state level, rules from the Tennessee Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board spell out inspection and maintenance standards for elevators and other conveying devices across Tennessee.
Not The Only Elevator Headache In Town
Elevator problems have cropped up elsewhere in Memphis in recent months. Action News 5 reported tenant complaints and meetings with building owners at Memphis Towers late last year, and The Daily Memphian has detailed extended waits for parts and repairs at public sites such as the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Taken together, those stories highlight how one stalled elevator can quickly become a citywide access problem, affecting both private residents and public facilities.
Legal Angle
Because owners are legally responsible for keeping elevators in working order, tenants have the option to file complaints with city code enforcement and with the state elevator inspection division, which oversees permits and safety tests. If an elevator is found to be unsafe, officials can order repairs, require the device to be shut down, or pursue enforcement actions under local and state rules.
What Tenants Say They Need Now
Residents who spoke with local outlets say they want a clear repair timeline, more dependable maintenance contracts, and better communication from building management, especially for neighbors who rely on elevators to carry out basic daily tasks. For people who use walkers, wheelchairs, or medical equipment, the consequences are immediate and personal, including missed care, isolated seniors, and what tenants describe as growing public health risks.
The posts shared with the media on June 15 drew swift concern from neighbors and advocates. With city and state regulators providing the legal framework for a response, tenants say they are waiting to see concrete action. This story will be updated as officials and building managers respond to requests for comment.
