Lawsuit shines light on massive illegal rooming house operation in south St. Louis

The city of St. Louis has brought a lawsuit against six Missouri residents who the city says are running a massive illegal rooming house operation in nearly every neighborhood in south city. Riverfront Times staff writer Ryan Krull shares how the operation may have been heavily subsidized by taxpayers through pandemic relief funding, why it took so long for the city to take action, and the effect the lawsuit may have on other problem landlords operating in St. Louis. Tower Grove East resident Joe Goodman, who lives near two of the defendant’s properties, also joins the conversation.