Former Md. Congressman Bartlett Denies Tenants' Complaints

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Former Maryland congressman Roscoe Bartlett is denying accusations he's a bad landlord.

The Frederick News-Post reports that the 89-year-old Republican and his wife Ellen own and manage 25 rental properties. Bartlett tells the newspaper that disputes about the condition of some units reflect bad tenants, not poor upkeep.

Frederick County inspectors found 10 code violations at one his properties south of Frederick after former tenant Mandy Whipp filed a complaint this year.

But another tenant, Celio Duarte, says he loves his apartment inside a barn the Bartletts renovated.

Court records show the Bartletts recently settled for $315,000 a lawsuit filed by former tenant who was hurt when he fell from a second-floor apartment.

Bartlett served 20 years as U.S. representative from 6th Congressional District. He was defeated in 2012.

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