Castro Valley neighbors concerned about seniors living in unsanitary conditions

CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) -- The California Department of Social Services is conducting an investigation after a concerned neighbor called to inform them about elderly residents not being properly cared for at a home on Tanglewood Drive in Castro Valley.

Exposed wires, bugs, dirt and mold are just some of the things that can be found inside the home. "This is my worst nightmare," Robert Korman said.

Renters like Korman pay $800 a month for a bed. "I would say that the place is absolutely filthy," he said.

While Korman is not happy, at least three renters told ABC7 News they are pleased with conditions. "Us personally, we haven't had any problem with it. I feel safe," one woman said.

Owner Jonathan Carlton said five residents rent from him. "This house is designed for everyone to be independent, taking their own meds, eating their own food," he said.

Carlton also lives at the home with his young son. "This is not a care home. There are no caregivers. This is for someone who would like to live in a nice house, who cannot afford to live in it on their own means," he said.

One man's bed was in the living room. "Personally I don't have a problem with it," Jason Swiney said.

A neighbor named Linda Honeyman contacted authorities after Korman invited her inside. "Filfth, despicable," she said.

Honeyman said she worries about the elderly residents. "It makes me very upset. It's not right, I don't like not right," she said.

The California Department of Social Services told ABC7 News it is investigating to see if the home complies with state law. The process includes interviewing residents to see if they can provide their own daily needs.